Is it safe to ride a scooter in Vietnam and do you need a license?

Riding scooters up to 50cc is legally allowed in Vietnam without a license. Still, it helps to understand local traffic patterns, and when renting it's worth choosing a newer bike, since many rental scooters are quite worn out.

It's worth noting that traffic fines in Vietnam can be high, and rental deposits for motorcycles can also be significant (though not with every rental shop). Driving culture and rule enforcement differ a lot from what many are used to — it's suggested to first observe how locals drive cars before deciding to ride.

If you have no experience riding a two-wheeler, it's better not to risk it and avoid driving a scooter, especially in Asian countries and Vietnam specifically.

Under the 1985 ASEAN agreement and Vietnam's Circular 12/2025, Thai motorcycle licenses are technically recognized in Vietnam. In practice, though, police often ignore this and still require either a Vietnamese license or an international driving permit (IDP) under the 1968 convention. Riding without an IDP or local license carries real risk in case of an accident, even if legally the license should be valid.

Riding without a motorcycle license is illegal in Vietnam. Police do conduct checks, and getting caught without the proper documents can result in fines.

Videos of Vietnamese traffic are not exaggerated — it genuinely looks chaotic to outsiders. However, experienced riders with a valid license and international driving permit can manage it after a short adaptation period.

Large maxi-scooters are uncommon in Vietnam — most rental and local bikes are small urban scooters. Regardless of the bike type, riding without a proper license is against the law.