How to cross Vietnam’s roads and live to tell the tale!
by The Adventure People on 20th September 2018
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Guest Blog
When it comes to travelling Vietnam, there is one hard and fast rule for getting the most out of your trip: master the roads.
If you know anything at all about this country, it is probably that the Vietnamese don’t have the best reputation when it comes to driving. Sometimes drivers will use the wrong side of the road, speed through red lights and drive on the pavements, all the time refusing to give way! As a traveller visiting the country, the road rules look not only nonsensical but also like a disaster waiting to happen.
According to the VnExpress, a leading Vietnamese newspaper, there are 45 million registered motorbikes in the country which make up the bulk of the road traffic. This is a pretty crazy statistic when you consider that the population is only just over 90 million! This dependence on motorcycles is part of the ongoing traffic congestion issues around the country, particularly in cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Now that you know the facts and figures, it is time to re-learn everything you know about crossing the road.
• Take a deep breath
This is very important if you are going to successfully complete your journey. Allow yourself a minute to compose yourself because believe me when I say, this is scary. You may find that you cross the road having held your breath the whole way so you will definitely need this final gulp of air!
• Soak up your surroundings for a minute
Now that you are psyched up, take the opportunity to study the traffic. Ask yourself where it is coming from, which directions people are going and where the lights are. In actual fact, these questions will be hard to answer as the traffic will resemble a swarm of angry bees diving in all directions. Despite this, it is still possible to ascertain a (very) faint idea of what is going on.
• Watch the locals
The best tactic when it comes to crossing the roads into Vietnam is to find a local person to observe. Whilst this may feel like life or death to you, this is literally their day to day life and they are the experts. Watch their movements and if at all possible, squeeze in next to someone so that you can follow them as they cross.
• Check for large vehicles
If there is a large vehicle like a bus or a truck coming towards you, don’t be stupid. Crossing the road in Vietnam will always involve walking out in front of oncoming traffic but don’t take your chances with a large vehicle.
• Make your move
When the road is slightly less intimidating and some traffic is flowing in the same direction as you are headed, step out into the road. Be aware that no matter how many hours you wait, the road will always have vehicles on so you will be required to walk into oncoming traffic.
• Walk confidently in a straight line
Once you have started walking, make sure you keep your head up and move in a straight line towards the other side of the road. Drivers will assume your current course is the one you plan to stay on so do not try to go around oncoming traffic. This will confuse drivers and make you more likely to get injured in an accident.
• Do not hesitate
Even if there is traffic coming towards you, do not hesitate. It may seem daunting but the oncoming vehicles will go around you. Just continue straight across the road at a steady pace and don’t show any fear or hesitation. Easier said than done, right?!
• DON’T PANIC
If worst comes to worst and you find yourself standing shell-shocked in the middle of the road, do not panic. I repeat, do not panic. Simply take a deep breath and begin walking, with your head held high, in the direction of your destination.
And if things go really wrong...
Traffic collisions are a common cause of injury in Vietnamese cities. If the unthinkable happens and you are involved in an accident, do not expect an ambulance to come rushing to your aid. Make it very clear to bystanders that you have the money to pay for medical attention as hospitals will refuse you entry without proof of funds for your treatment.
And there you have it! A fail-safe guide to crossing the road anywhere in Vietnam. Follow these steps and there is a high probability you will be absolutely fine. Reward yourself with a big long exhale or maybe even a cold beer. You deserve it!
About the author:
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster at wingingtheworld.com. When she’s not blundering around the globe, she is planning for adventures both big and small and feasting on French cheese. Follow Sheree’s journeys as she gets attacked by monkeys, falls into squat toilets and holds up airport security, by subscribing to her newsletter and following her on social media.
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