Officials in Vietnam's northern Tuyen Quang Province said oversight of tour operators has been strengthened, with stricter safety requirements and clearer accountability imposed after reviewing risks on mountainous routes.
Tour operators and rental providers must ensure drivers and vehicles meet road safety standards, including regular maintenance and the provision of protective gear such as helmets before departure.
Unlicensed operators are banned from organising or promoting tours. Providers are also prohibited from grouping passengers, altering itineraries or changing drivers without approval, while all accidents must be promptly reported to authorities.
Service providers are now required to operate under formal contracts specifying drivers, vehicles, routes and responsibilities in handling incidents.
The move follows a series of accidents that have raised concerns over safety. Earlier this month, a 19 year old British woman died while taking part in a motorbike tour using an easy rider service, in which a local driver operates the vehicle.
In a separate incident on April 8, footage showed two foreign tourists losing control of a motorbike on a downhill bend near Bac Sum Pass, narrowly avoiding a collision with a truck.
The incidents have attracted widespread attention among international travellers, with online discussions highlighting the risks of riding motorbikes in the region.
Local tour guide Nguyen Khanh said the area’s steep, winding roads pose challenges even for experienced local riders, particularly in poor weather conditions. He added that risks are significantly higher for foreign visitors unfamiliar with the terrain or motorbike use.
The Ha Giang Loop, a route through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, has become a major draw for international tourists seeking adventure travel.
More than 525,000 visitors from over 200 countries and territories travelled to the area in 2025, with motorbike tours remaining a key attraction despite the inherent risks.