The mountainous region in Northern Vietnam makes for some of the most spectacular motorbike riding in all of South East Asia. But for the area north of the provincial capital, Ha Giang, there are some conditions that need to be adhered to. Most hotels and guesthouses in Ha Giang will help you secure your permit, but they will charge a premium for this. We went straight to the immigration office ourselves and saved a lot of time, hassle and money in doing so!
Heading north, it is just before Nguyen Thai Hoc merges with Tran Phu, across the road from the cinema. The opening hours are reportedly everyday Vietnamese holidays excluded 8am until 8pm, and closed for lunch from 1pm to pm. Best to arrive in the morning or early afternoon and not leave anything too late. The process to get your permit in Ha Giang is ridiculously easy.
First you walk into the immigration office and approach the window. If you are a Westerner, the officers will know straight away that you are there to purchase a permit for the North. You need to hand over your original passport. If you have a motorcycle with you, they will need your registration plate number to put on your permit. They then fill out the permit card for you. Hand the money over, and they will give you back your passport and your new shiny permit.
However some guesthouses and hotels in Dong Van, Meo Vac and other Northern towns will require you to have one in order to allow you to stay, as they need to report to the government any guests they have in their accommodation. If you are pulled over by the police they will probably ask to see your permit.
The location of the immigration office has changed to duong tran phu. I just got my permit there today, it is the same street but like 5 min further by motorbike. We are not to sure. We do not have that information. All the best. It was very useful! I would like to ask about the visa to enter Vietnam. In case I need the visa, could I obtain the visa on the road getting Vietnams by bus? You are welcome Nuria.
