Is it safe to ride a scooter in Vietnam and do you need a license?
Based on 2 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 18 days ago
Based on 2 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 18 days ago
TL;DR
Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic but manageable with experience. Riding without a license is illegal — you need a motorcycle category and an international driving permit.
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.