You’re standing at the side of the road watching dozens of cars and scooters honking and whizzing past. There seems to be no pedestrian crossings and no signs of traffic slowing down. So how on earth do you get across the road in Vietnam? You don’t just dive in… Do you?
Almost every traveller who arrives in Hanoi, Saigon or any major city has faced the famous problem of crossing the road in Vietnam and it’s become something of a rite of passage for every visitor. Want to learn how to do it like the locals? Read our guide on how to cross the road in Vietnam like a pro!
Why is crossing the road in Vietnam such a chaotic experience?
In Ho Chi Minh City alone there are 8.5 million people and around 7.4 million of them own scooters and motorbikes. Most of them take to the roads every day. Seven million cars, buses, scooters and motorbikes are an enormous amount of traffic for one city and it can get, well, pretty crazy. On top of that, most drivers in Vietnam take little notice of traffic rules (think drivers mounting the sidewalk or running red lights).
There’s a near constant echo of horns, honks and toots, along with blaring sirens and revving engines. It’s frantic and intense at the start, but after a while, it all becomes background noise and you become part of the beautiful, beeping tapestry of some of the busiest cities in the world.
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How to cross the road in Vietnam
The sheer number of bikes and cars on the roads in Vietnam means you’re unlikely to find a big break in traffic to cross the road. That means you just have to make your own. Eyeing off six lanes of traffic bearing down on you is enough to make even the savviest traveller break out into a cold sweat. But don’t worry – there is a method to the madness. Here are our top tips to learn the art of crossing the streets in Hanoi and Saigon.
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1. Ask a local for help
Vietnamese people are very welcoming and they’ll be happy to help you cross the road. You might like to shadow locals as they cross the road to practice first. Or just ask your friendly Trafalgar Travel Director or Local Specialist to help you get across.
2. Gauge the situation
Spend a few moments checking out the situation. What is the flow of traffic like? Are there any cars or buses coming? Are other people crossing here? Once you see that the road is somewhat free of traffic, you can begin to cross.
3. Commit
The most important rule on crossing the road in Vietnam is to keep going. Once you’ve stepped out, you must commit to the crossing. Do not stop. Do not turn back. Even though you probably want to freeze or run back, this is actually more dangerous than forging ahead to the other side.
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4. Walk at an even pace
It might seem like you should run across the road or dart through the scooters. But that’s also a big no-no. You just need to walk at a brisk, even pace in a straight line. The traffic in Vietnam will seemingly magically flow around you. Don’t be alarmed if the scooters coming towards you don’t seem to be slowing down – they will move around you, just like a winding river.
Of course, you’ll need to keep your eyes on the incoming traffic to watch for any stray drivers, but in general, the traffic will avoid you. So as long as you keep your pace and direction consistent, they’ll know where to swerve.
5. Watch out for buses and cars
Although these tips will work on scooters and motorbikes, this doesn’t ring true for cars and buses. They are big and fast, and they probably won’t stop for you, or anything else, so don’t cross when they’re coming your way.
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6. Put your arm in the air
This is a great extra precaution to make you more visible to the traffic. By holding your arm out, you’re indicating that you are crossing the street, and hopefully the drivers will take notice. Remember, confidence is key – walk with purpose!
7. Don’t let the honking throw you off
Drivers honk their horns constantly in Vietnam – and it doesn’t always mean get out of the way. Some honks could mean I’m turning left or right or sorry for getting in your way or something else entirely. Just remember that you’re going to hear a lot of honking, and it doesn’t mean you can’t get across that road!
8. Breathe…
Forget bungee-jumping or sky-diving… Crossing the road in Vietnam can be a real hair-raising adventure. Just remember to stay calm and breathe your way through it. After just a few attempts, you’ll be crossing the road in Vietnam like a pro! And remember, there’s a delicious banh mi or steaming pho waiting on the other side for you.
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9. …But stay alert
Don’t think that just because you’re on the sidewalk you’re totally safe from traffic. Drivers often mount the curb to avoid traffic jams, so stay alert and keep watch for any rogue scooters coming your way. Also, green traffic lights are supposed to mean you’ve got the right of way to cross, but it doesn’t guarantee the traffic will stop.
Disclaimer: These handy tips for crossing the road in Vietnam should get you across safely, but the best way to cross a busy street in Vietnam is with our experienced Travel Directors. You can explore the country in style with these amazing Vietnam trips.
Have you ever crossed the road in Hanoi or Saigon in Vietnam? Let us know how you went in the comments below!