Vietnam: police cracking down on tourists riding illegally and confiscating bikes
 

I was reading in a french forum that the police in SaPa was cracking down on bikes hired by travellers and seizing the bikes, about 2 weeks ago. It is illegal for no residents to ride in Vietnam (without a vietnamese licence) but so far the police was turning a blind eye.
Any one has more up to date info on what is really happening? We will be heading there in 4 weeks time and have arranged to hire 2 bikes!
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=3534292;session=7330097df5463b68f1d50c1eb a26cd23;

I don't have my international licence in front of me right now but I'm pretty sure that it is valid in Vietnam.

I certainly had no problem riding in Ho Chi Minh City 2 years back and nor did the thousands of other tourists hiring bikes. Whatever the case, it doesn't stop the hundreds of bike hire vendors/ hotels renting a bike - they simply hold your passport as security but do check your licence first.

INFO from Embassy
 

Interesting post-
Out of curiosity, I telephoned the Vietnamese Embassy (12 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD 020 7937 1912) this morning.

They advise the following:

Any foreigner wishing to drive in Vietnam must (and this is now mandatory) apply and obtain a Temporary Driving Licence from the Vietnamese Authorities.

They recommend that you enquire as to the office's location on arrival at the airport.

If your licence is accepted, a Temporary one will be issued, printed in both English and Vietnamese to satisfy the police that you are allowed to drive in their country.
The validity of this permit is linked up to the maximum validity of your visa's duration.

Vietnam
 

Hello Maria and others,

I rode my 600 Tenere in Vietnam in 2001 and I had quite some trouble with the police. The police was very unfriendly and demanded lots of money. My license was not valid for Vietnam and they wanted to confiscate my bike (which I imported without custom documents).

After three hours with the police I just took my documents and rode away ... they could not follow a 600 Tenere, but they tried.

Than I did not stop for the police anymore, and I also did not stop at the road toll gates. After a month I left Vietnam, and I will never return. I did not like the people.

They won the war against the French, they won the war against the Americans and now they are fighting the war for the tourist dollar and they are also winning this.

My advise: if you ride in Vietnam stay away from the police.

Greetings

Mika

Thank you all guys for your replies.

Mika shame you had such bad experience. I went to vietnam about 8 years ago (not on bikes) and I loved the place. Hwo on earth di dyou amnaged to get in with a 600cc? I thought only little bikes are allowed overthere and no foreigner' bikes in any case.

Bertrand, thanks for your post. Very good point you made and thanks for contacting the embassy. I will check that and keep everyone posted once I get there in a month time.

However if asking for a driving licence takes weeks I won't bother!
Shame they do not seem to accept the International driving licence. I believe it is also translated in vietnamese.


Cheers

It is possible that there is a linear cause-and-effect relationship between tourists importing bikes illegally and refusing to stop for police or tolls in 2001 and greater difficulties for one and all in 2010....but of course that's just idle speculation.

In Guyana I had to get a local driving permit, despite carrying an International License. It took two hours in the mid-day heat, which I found very irritating at the time but in the scheme of things was not a big deal. The necessary document turned out to be a one-off, laboriously typewritten scrap of paper (literally--a full blank sheet was folded and torn roughly in half to save paper) in a "To Whom it May Concern" format. Maybe Vietnam will be similar.

Mark

I got this email from John Berry that he asked me to post:
QUOTE:
comments = Would like to add a reply to your query re bikes being confiscated in Vietnam, however, unable to do so because of security restrications on my work computers. Would you please add this reply to your thread on the HUBB.

I have just returned from 3 weeks in southern Vietnam (down in the delta around Rach Gia) and was advised by the in-laws to not ride motorbikes as the police were cracking down on licences and confiscating motorbikes if you did not have a valid Vietnamese licence. I did see traffic police (the light brown/fawn uniform highway guys) stopping motorcyclists and confiscating motorbikes.

Westerners were riding motorbikes in HCM and on Phu Quoc Island.
END OF QUOTE

thanks John for this.
I will phone the embassy next week and will try to find out what the procedure is. If it is a matter of getting my licence translated in a piece of A4 paper like Markhaf, and can be done on the day, may as well do it.

@ farqhuar:

the license says so, the vietnamese say different. ALso the german foreign affairs websites states the vietnamese do not accept the international license, therefore it is illegal

I talked to Expats while I was in Hanoi as I consideres getting the temporary license and everyone said it's a ****ed up process with loads of bribing and time necessary, it's easier of you get a real one than that one they said. So I didn't even boher, also cause nobody cared.

Also everyone (and I mean expats and locals) will tell you to not stop for the police as they just try to rip you of, cause if they really want something serious they'll get you. If they just wave, let em wave or even better, wave back. I met a couple of people who stopped and where then fined for speeding they hadn't done or an indicator not working or some bullcrap. A dutch couple had to pay for speeding and the photo that was shown to them, which magically was printed without a printer, on the side of the road, without even a camera, was years old and showed a car speeding, they were riding bikes. But the 3 policemen just took the keys of them and made them pay. So this not stopping thing is for real - don't stop.

But if it's true and they are starting to crack down on that, I hope they improve their system or accept international licences.

But as I guess they wont, it'll be a shame, it was such a great country to drive.

The international driving license is NOT valid in Vietnam.

Sad to hear this news. I was there last year riding for nearly 3 months and had not a single problem with the police. Usually they wouldn't bother of us tourist, not even look at us. Crossing borders (out to and back from Laos) they were very friendly and helpfull.
In Rach Gia/Phu Quoc they would sure let tourists ride bikes. A lot of new bikes there for rent and BIG plans to make the island a "new Phuket" (so try to visit it as long as it stays as it is now... they were working to change the face of the island allready last year... good for the business, bad for the non-deckchair/golf tourist).

Mika, my experience was completely different to yours. Vietnamese are some of the nicest people I've met. Off ocurse they're trying to make money. Who's not?

The guys from BBC Top Gear did a motorcycle trip a few years ago in Vietnam. On arrival they took the test. It basically consisted of riding around a car park.

I've lived in Vietnam for the past 2 years, currently drive a 400 cc bike and only have an international license. Here is what I know. Yes you are supposed to have a local A2 license for any motorbike over 175cc and an A1 license for anythng under 175cc. An A1 apparently is easy to get, however, plan to go with a number of copies of things like your passport, drivers license, visa and work permit (if you have one). An A2 is also (by law) supposed to be exchanged for a valid foreign license. However, I hear that it isn't so easy in practice, unless you have a local with 'contacts' and are willing to grease the wheels.
As for going with international licence. I've been driving extensively and carry my international license with about $20 USD inside. I have never had to use it. Apparently, the crack downs are limited to the cities and anything is negotiable in Vietnam. Outside of the cities I have had the police come out to the road dozens of times, and once they realize they are looking at a foreigner on a big motorcycle, they suddenly find something else to do. I have had them wave me over once and I pretended that I didn't see them and kept going. By the time I went by they seemed to have agreed that it was a good idea I keep going.
Bottom line, thing are not simple or clear here. But I know a lot of people and I don't know anyone who has ever had their bike confiscated. I do no many people who had to make contributions to the local police charity, but those were always a lot less than you would pay for a speeding fine in most other countries. No big deal.
If you have any questions, send me a message, happy to give my two cents.

RogDog thanks for this clarification. It is reassuring. I am hoping for a trouble free holiday! :innocent:

The rental agency told me not to bother with trying to get a temp licence (as advised by the embassy). So I won't bother! Just get the bikes in Hanoi and leave town.
Cheers,

Hi Rogdog,

I have been in VN for 2.5 yrs now but have been living in Hanoi. Have just moved to HCMC and also have a 400cc bike with me. I have been riding very comfortably in Hanoi without much of an issue.

However, I have heard that police is much more strict. Please share your thoughts as I can see that you also ride a big bike here.

Would also like to have some introduction to people who have big bikes and who go on rides. Used to go riding almost every weekend, but due to lack of contacts have not been able to connect with any riders here.

Let me know if we can meet sometime for a drink and if you would like to ride on any weekend.

My e-mail id is - chaudharyk@gmail.com

Cheers.
KC

"They don't like us"
 

Lucky you, I am happy you met such wonderful people, but try to go to Iran and you will never come back then, those are really nice blocks.

Long term residents will have a more balanced opinion, but as a visitor and as a Brit resident in Thailand summarized it: "they don't like us". I absolutely agree. I have lots of patience, but in the end you just cannot stand their attitude and sometimes explode:stormy:(=scammers). Someone also said "India lacking the charm". (To us, the more south you go, the worse it gets).

Just a tiny advice: do not EVER pay your accomodation without a receipt. Pay the first night (in case there is any hidden cost, no matter how much you asked). Then keep it and apply that for the next nights. I heard many cases of people paying, then another guy says "no, you didn't", call his colleague on the phone and he says "no, never paid". :nono:Don't bother calling the police, they do not give a s*it for us foreign enemies.

Sorry to say that, sounds really bad, we wanted to love Vietnam, some places are beautiful and they suffered a lot, but Viets are way to harsh. People had warned us. I say: go to Burma, we definitely got our rented scooters confiscated in Mandalay, but beautiful in all senses.

PS: We rode scooters with a Belgian guy on a Minsk in Hue with no worries, but I remember -please, correct me if I am wrong- that he told us it is actually illegal to own them if you are not a resident, but police did not bother at the time.

Hi guys, i've been riding the north of vietnam from the 23rd july to the 8th of august, than i pass to laos. I bought a minsk in Hanoi and i drove to the coast (haipong and cat ba) than up north all the way up to Ban Gioc, Ha Giang region then i took the north west loop passing trough bac ha, lao cai, sapa till tray trang (dien bien phu border with laos). I never had problem with police, i saw many of them, especially on the way from hanoi to haipong but i never got stopped... maybe was just luck.... anyway this was my experience!
if you have some news please post it.. i'm re-entering in vietnam from cambodia around 5th of september.. i hope they wont make me problem for the driver licence!

Sil

no general consensus on this thread then!!

I think i'll chance it and not bother with licence when I go for 3 weeks in January.

:-)

Etherelda Things always change, If you are really worried find some ex-pats in the town you land in , they have a current feel for the mood of politics and know of changes at senior levels of government which may indicate a change of attitudes.
I had few problems two years ago

thanks twobob for your two bob. I have some contacts so will check that out when I arrive, and see whats what then.

Just read this on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website:

'A Vietnamese driving license is required to drive a car or motorcycle in Vietnam. These can be obtained from Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation: (tel:+84 4 3843 5325) or Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (tel: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452, fax: +84 8 3829 0458).'

Vietnam travel advice

Etherelda, in any major city in Vietnam you will see literally hundreds of bike and car rental places. Even the hotels rent motorcycles. You will also see hundreds of western tourists riding around on rented bikes.

Regardless of what the rules may or may not be, there is active encouragement for tourists to rent and ride. The country relies on tourism as a major revenue earner, if the police were intent on enforcing any licensing rules I would expect to see some form of control rather than turning a blind eye.

I rented in Vietnam last January and rode past the police numerous times, they did not blink an eye at me despite standing out like a sore thumb,
A mate lived there for years and rode all the time without issues

Hi,

Its because of people like Mika that the police in Vietnam controls foreigners too and dont turn a blind eye anymore.

If people ignore the law, are driving without license, bring vehicles into the country without customs ... so dont wonder when the authorities are not so friendly anymore. You even cant do that in the USA or Australia.

So, think twice before acting.

Paul
Motorbike registered in Vietnam
Vietnamese driving license A1 and B

Vietnam: police cracking down on tourists riding illegally and confiscating bikes
 

Just got back from a 9 day ride with 4 friends, 1 guide, and a photographer working for the guide. On XR250/XR400/DZR400 's.

Hanoi -> Mai Chau -> ?somewhere? -> SaPa -> XiMan ->HaGiang -> Dong Van -> Bao Lai -> BaBe Lake -> Hanoi.

That's 5 BIG guys on (for VN) BIG bikes doing 1400 km.

No problems with police. Saw plenty of police shaking down the locals, but the plod just waved us through. There were a couple of times the guide was VERY particular about our speed, (40kph through a few town centres), but otherwise no probs.

We were all aware that we were unlicensed for VN. In the event of a fatal accident, we were facing mandatory life imprisonment. In the event of a non-fatal accident, you pay compensation to the other party (fault is irrelevant, you're a foreigner, so you pay) and move on, hopefully without the police becoming involved.

Great people, great roads, unbelievable scenery, ok food, cheap beer.
Brilliant country to ride.

We were all aware that we were unlicensed for VN. In the event of a fatal accident, we were facing mandatory life imprisonment. In the event of a non-fatal accident, you pay compensation to the other party (fault is irrelevant, you're a foreigner, so you pay) and move on, hopefully without the police becoming involved.
.[/QUOTE]

is it worth the risk of sitting out your days in a Vietnamese jail?

who was your guide by the way?

Glad you had a great time.

Guide out of Hanoi
 

We hired the bikes and guide thru Flamingo Travel. They are on the internets.

If you're looking for a low stress way to do a VN trip, they're great.

Our guide was actually the owner of the company, Hung Nyguen, and he did a great job. But he's actually the rookie of the company, as his employees usually do the tours. (when people ask for a guide. I understand most tours are unguided.)

Bikes were reliable. No hidden surprises.

I felt that we missed some of the experience in having a guide to arrange virtually everything along the way, but it made everything very efficient and carefree. We're not hardcore Trekkers like many on this site, so the easy option suited us.

My 2 cents, Riding in VN
 

My first post on the forum

Looks like this post has been around a while. But as i've just stumbled on it i'm sure i won't be the last. So for what it is worth, here's my 2 cents..

Repeat traveller to and rider in VN. First few times I went i hired a bike in Saigon (Pham Ngu Lao). First time i tried 5 'shops' before i could find one that would rent out for an indefinite period and number of km's. The others would only let them out if i stayed local. Had to forfeit passport, and kept colour copies of it for the hotel checkins. I never went to far that time, just to Ba-Ria Vung Tau and Dong Nai provinces. Subsequent trips travelled most of the country on bikes borrowed from friends.

Every time i've been i've only ridden, never bus or drivers. Everytime i've been stopped at least once, usually more times. Sometimes my own fault for speeding on the highways (like 80km/h when most are only 60). One time i'm sure it was a dubious 'roadworks zone' at 40km/h limit. Most other times i was spotted weaving through the trucks and cars so couldn't complain.

Had wide variety of experiences.

1) The gun toting top gun guy who's patience i tested by pretending not to speak vietnamese (moto bike, my firend, ho chi minh, bike my friend) who yelled at me in Vietnamese to just 'p*** off' and i gt away without a fine.

2) Being given a caution down in the delta (when i was doing that weaving i mentioned). Was fascinating for the locals to watch me, i think they were perplexed why no cash or paperwork was exchanged!

3) Being fined proper. Not advisable if you're in a hurry... Fine on afternoon day 1. Overnight in nearby provincial centre (Vung tau that ime so i as lucky i knew my way around... but i WAS on my way to Mui Ne on the south coast). Next morning to main office to register. Sent to cashiers office on the other side of town. Then sent back with the receipt to the main office. By that time spent a second night in town before day 3 getting on my way.

4) My now preferred method, in some ways, and no in others. Nam Tram. 500K dong. About 20-25 dollars. Mentioned by one expat on here already. Never leave home without it now. First time i cottoned onto this they were loading up locals bike on the back of the truck (confiscating them until the fines were paid). There's a place underground next to a carpark in Saigon where there are hundreds of cobweb covered bikes i imagine started out like this. I was asked around the back of the truck with the fine book. Nam Tram is a bit rich compared to local doations but i'm not complaining. I don't ever have an A1 or an A2 license, and often no rego papers.

International license states accepted in VN. It isn't. I always carry my one from my country but just for photo ID purposes. I've ridden everywhere, anytime and crack downs or no crack dons, between my 5 tram and Viet language skills, and a happy manner with the guys it's no trouble at all.

Beware now, road cops have breathalisers and radar guns. I was zapped by a guy hidden in a car who radioed his mates down the road with my description and speed. This was on a rural route in Nhon Trach (back way to Vung Tau from Saigon).

Hope this helps some future travellers! Happy to catch up by PM/email however it works on HUBB) if anyone's interestd down the track. I've written an unofficial guide to the 'road rules' and 'etiquite' in VN. Propbably be my next post!

Stay vertical!:mchappy:

Absolutey true farqhuar... Same goes for any soft crime in VN. Anything illegal that can be benefited from by the constabulary christmas party fund finds itself with a slightly twisted neck on the side of the blind eye. Lots of developing countries are the same. Not sure how this will pan t in 5 years time when VN will ahve changed so much, but at least for now, don't forget your 500k bill in the pocket :)

viet nam no thanks
 

last time in vietnam a whoman crashd in to may bike the police came the whoman talk to them she whas ok but i have to go whid the whoman and the police to court the ask to sea may whalet i have 56 dollar in it the talk to the judge and hea rule i can keap 4 dolars to go to gas station and the whoman geats 52 dollars case closed thats vietnam and she whas the guilty person in the crasch f..k vietnam never again only problem all the time :rain:

Hi bad bubba. That's pretty terrible. Stark contrast to my similar incident. Toward the end of ny first ride in VN i was heading back in towards HCMC along hiway 1 and hot absolutely crunched from behind by a 3 wheel utility bike. Sent the bike flying and wobbling until i decided if i let go of the bike i could stay upright while the bike dropped and slid under a semi-trailer truck. Meanwhile i was flying mid-air and slammed luckily hands first into the trailer!

Bikes faring was trashed, indicators and lights gone etc. I swore at the guy enough in Vietnamese and made sure he knew i was lucky to be alive. Unfortunately someone pulled the bike out from under the truck, would've made a nice pic! Kept a piece of faring for momento. I digress.. long story short he pulled out his wallet and gave me $20 in dong (probably a week or more wage). He said it would be enough and offered me a cigarrete and we had a brief chat. I took the bike to the repair shop who quoted me $15-20 to repair. Rental company took the bike, the 20 and i was done!

Maybe upshot is not to involve police?? Up to each situation i suppose :confused1:

Stay vertical :mchappy:

We both hired 110cc Honda's in Hanoi.
Took a month to ride to Saigon, very easy going, lazy days etc.

We saw police on the side of the road.
Dressed in 2 colour brown
Holding a white and black stick
They wave us to slow down, when they see our faces, see we are not local, they wave the stick to carry on, do not need to stop.

We see this twice.
Most of the time though, we just ride past the police, they don't wave to us or any thing.

I am UK, my girlfriend is Chinese.

vette

Vietnam by Motorcycle
 

Maria,
I just spent the last two winters traveling in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos on a Honda Win 110cc that I bought in Hanoi for $400.00. I rode the length of Vietnam and loved the northern part including Sapa the most. The people of Vietnam are the nicest and most welcoming people i have met anywhere! I was stopped by the police 3 times ( twice for speeding and once for going down a one way street the wrong way) and crossed the Cambodia and Laos borders with no trouble. I had an international license ( easily obtainable before you go) and a regular US drivers license that no one ever looked at. The police and customs always wanted the paper that show the registration of the bike which will be matched to the numbers on your bike. It of course, will be in someone else's name but thats ok too. I sold the bike last winter back in Hanoi for $200.00 to a young Vietnamese who was just starting a moto touring company... Go for it !! You will Enjoy... Eliza