A quick search online reveals countless videos of tourists navigating the bustling streets of Vietnam, capturing their attempts to cross roads teeming with motorbikes, cars, and bicycles.
From traffic lights to zebra crossings—or simply an open road—the line between vehicles and pedestrians often feels blurred, leaving foreigners confused, fearful, and occasionally frustrated.
While it may seem like Vietnam’s streets lack order, this is far from the truth. The main difference lies in the cultural approach to traffic. In countries like the U.S. or Australia, the concept of “Right of Way” ensures that pedestrians crossing at a green signal or traffic light are guaranteed safe passage. In Vietnam, the reality is more complex.
Although traffic laws require vehicles to stop at red lights and pedestrians to cross at designated signals, motorbikes often weave through intersections or turn right, regardless of the rules. Instead of rigid adherence to the “Right of Way,” Vietnam operates on an unspoken rule: a shared responsibility to follow traffic laws while being mindful and considerate of others.
Vietnam has one of the highest numbers of motorbike users per capita in the world, and the constant movement of vehicles leaves little room for pedestrians to wait for a clear path. This dynamic creates a remarkable interaction where vehicles and pedestrians coexist in a seemingly chaotic yet functional flow.
For visitors, crossing the road in Vietnam is not about asserting your “right” to cross—it’s about joining a communal effort, where everyone makes room for each other. This sense of community is evident even in the busiest streets of cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Approach the experience with confidence and trust that, while it looks intimidating, it works.
Recent updates to Vietnam’s traffic laws aim to enhance safety. A new decree has increased fines for violations such as riding on sidewalks, failing to stop at red lights, wearing earphones while riding, and improperly turning at intersections. These stricter measures are designed to foster better habits and improve road safety.
With a population of 100 million people packed into a landmass similar in size to New Mexico (which has just three million residents), Vietnam’s urban centers will always be crowded. The thrill of navigating this density is part of the country’s charm.
For tourists, the best way to prepare is to watch videos online, learn to raise your arm to signal your presence, make eye contact with approaching riders, and walk at a steady pace. The golden rule: never step backward when panicking. In most cases, standing still and allowing motorbikes to flow around you is the safest approach.
For those daring enough to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, respect the unspoken code of care for others, particularly families and children. This shared consideration is the invisible force that keeps Vietnam’s traffic moving.
Crossing the street in Vietnam is more than a test of bravery—it’s a unique cultural experience. Embrace it, trust the process, and enjoy being part of the organized chaos that makes Vietnam so unforgettable.
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Source: Vietnam Insider