The AZ journal

Roads, rides and life in Vietnam.

Quan Ba to Du Gia: The Scenic Shortcut

Routes

Updated 06/09/26 The ride from Quan Ba to Du Gia (typically via the DT181/DT176) is a favorite for those looking to bypass the busier northern highway and dive straight into the heart…

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How Long Is a 1968 IDP Valid in Vietnam?

Safety + Legality

Updated 17/09/26 We still get riders asking about the old “three-month rule”, because it has been repeated online for years and appeared in some of our older content too. We have checked…

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Ha Giang to Bao Lac: The River Route

Routes

Updated 05/09/26 Leaving the high plateau of the Ha Giang Loop behind, the ride to Bao Lac via the QL34 offers a change of pace and scenery. This route follows the winding…

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Is a 1949 IDP Valid in Vietnam?

Safety + Legality

Updated 15/09/26 For the foreign-IDP route set out in current Vietnamese law, the relevant permit is a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, used together with the corresponding valid national driving licence. A 1949…

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