After hiking several mountains, ziplining over rice paddies, white river rafting, swimming with whale sharks, and tubing in Vang Vieng, nothing was scarier than figuring out how to cross the street in Vietnam. Vietnam has little to no road rules, or maybe they just don’t always follow them. It’s crazy. After several attempts and testing out different methods, we have compiled a bunch of tips and tricks to cross Vietnam roads safely. It has become an art form and we have mastered it.
Takes notes!!
1. Never Cross The Road!!!!
Just kidding! It is scary but we can do it… ugh, ok. Here we go.
2. Follow The Locals
Most locals are PROS at crossing the streets in Vietnam (it must be from the years of experience!). If you see a local getting ready to cross the street, stay close to them and be quick. Follow closely behind as they know the best way to zig zag through the traffic without getting hit. Saying that, always keep your eyes on the road. You never know what can happen!
3. Play Frogger
You know that Frogger game we all used to play when we were young? The one were you have to get the frog across the street without it getting hit by a car? Well, crossing the street in Vietnam is similar to that. You move up 2 steps, take a step to the right, go back a step—anything to avoid the mad scooter rush. No matter what, walk confidently and make wise decisions.
4. Crosswalk
Your safest option is to go to a crosswalk or stoplight, but even then, scooters come out of nowhere. Whether you are on a two way street, a one way, or even the crosswalk, always look both ways! When crossing, don’t run, don’t stop out of nowhere, and don’t panic. Take control of the situation and walk at a slow and safe pace.
Please please be careful when crossing the streets. Be smart, be confident and DON’T hesitate when walking. Riders can usually read your body language when crossing and know how to maneuver around you. So if you are confident you will most likely not get hit, hopefully. :) GOOD LUCK!
Shoot this article over to anyone traveling Asia who value their lives!!!!!
Ah whilst I’ve never been to Vietnam I can certainly relate to this from world travels. I particularly like your point 2.
As for me, if I can use a local as a shield between me and the traffic I’ll take it ;-) Other than that show confidence, have no fear and just go for it! That’s what I do in China anyway.
Well the locals always know best! You should see how quickly and skillfully they cross the streets-it should be an olympic sport! It was similar to when we were in China, but Vietnam was crazier!
By “local” I’m sure you mean “old lady”. Nobody is going to run over them, so stick close!
Exactly! And because they are slower, it is easy to keep up with their street crossing ways!
I spent three weeks in Vietnam afraid to cross the street because of all of the motorbikes. Somehow, though, it always worked out fine.
We had a few close calls, but somehow we were fine too! Which was surprising…
This is hilarious and super useful! I love that it is necessary to write this post. :)
Thank you! It is a skill to be mastered by us tourists!
Hahaha! and spot on! Crossing the street in most cities in Asia is a hilarious nightmare. I survived Kathmandu and Bangkok, so I should be able to face Hanoi and Saigon with some confidence :P
Bangkok wasnt even too bad compared to Saigon! haha but best of luck to you, Vietnam is amazing!
LOL! Frogger! There was a Seinfeld episode where George did this exact same thing across the street!! (While pushing an actual Frogger machine). Too funny. I haven’t been to Vietnam yet but have heard countless stories (sometimes horror stories) of how frightening it can be to get across the street! I think I would feel most comfortable crossing with a local or crosswalk.
Once you have crossed a few times it is not so bad, the first few times we just stood behind locals which seemed to work. The only downside to that technique was having to wait for locals any time we wanted to cross the road haha!
Haha, “never cross the road”, Vietnam’s roads are insane! This was such a nice read :D
Headed to Vietnam in May, will certainly follow your advice. Thanks!
Oh..how scary. Looking at heading to Vietnam later this year and this is so interesting to read. I guess I need to learn how to play frogger!!
I have the same problem in Addis Ababa. I usually just follow the locals. I’ve found this to be the best option ;)