This article is for those who intend to visit Vietnam and are thinking of riding a motorcycle there. This information can be of great help also if you just intend to walk or take public transportation. Having a general understanding of how the traffic functions in Vietnam is a must to stay safe.
After living in Vietnam for a year and riding our motorbike from north to south, we have learned so much. It is our hope this information is useful to our readers. If it is your first time coming to Vietnam, you will understand what we mean. The moment you step out of the airport you will see an ocean of motorbikes roaming everywhere around you. We like to refer to this as a beautiful chaos.
Although the following tips apply particularly in the bigger cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Da Nang; It is a good idea to keep your guard up everywhere you ride in Vietnam. We highly recommend you follow the below tips for your safety and of others.
According to general information on the internet, there are an estimated 45 million registered motorbikes on Vietnam roads. The number of motorbikes in Vietnam increased from 1.2 million in 1990 to over 58 million in 2018. The Ministry of Transport shows that Hanoi, and HCMC have nearly 6 million and 8.5 million registered motorcycles. Vietnam is currently ranked in 4th place as the country with the most motorbikes after India, China, and Indonesia.
Our intentions are NOT to scare you from riding a motorbike in Vietnam. In fact, over time we have come to enjoy riding ours in the hectic traffic of Ho Chi Minh. Sometimes it feels like a well-choreographed act while in the middle of hundreds of motorbikes trying to make their way.
We hope our riding tips for Vietnam are helpful and make your riding much safer and more enjoyable.
Happy Riding.
Keep traveling, keep learning!
1. Keep moving and do not freeze in the middle of the road
We think that when riding in Vietnam the most important rule is to keep always moving. Particularly in the bigger cities, you must keep moving or you may be in trouble. There are motorcycles, cars, buses everywhere and you are just a number in the middle of this beautiful chaos. If you find yourself in the middle of a jam, keep moving and a way out will come to you.
2. Do not ride on the far-right side of the roads
Riding in the far-right side of any road you may collide with other riders coming into the road from alleyways, or smaller roads. Many of them do not look at incoming traffic, they just roll in finding their way in.
3. Check your brakes and horn
Make sure your brakes and horn are working properly. These two are essential to face the traffic on this side of the world.
4. Do not suddenly swerve while riding
Follow this rule like if your life depended on it because it does. Riding like you would in your country thinking you have plenty of space, most likely will cause an accident. Riding in the big cities of Vietnam, you will almost always have other motorbikes all around you. Slow moves are the trick here.
5. Stay focused
You may think this one is a no-brainer. Keep your eyes on the road and your surroundings when riding your motorbike in Vietnam, particularly in big cities.
6. Always wear a helmet
It is mandatory to always wear a helmet in Vietnam while riding your motorbike. We highly suggest you wear a good helmet and not the ones that just covering half of the head. We believe they may not really help you in a serious accident.
7. Keep your cool
Road rage is not the answer to any issues in Vietnam. If traffic makes you stressed, you are better walking or taking a taxi. The secret to safety on the roads of Vietnam are to keep your cool and be flexible. You will see people riding on sidewalks, against traffic, and doing things you will see as absurd. Don’t worry about that and keep moving. Keep calm and keep moving. By showing your road rage, you will only put yourself and others in danger. Just keep in mind that if you are in an accident, medical help to arrive can take a long time.
8. Look everywhere for possible traffic
You will see people roaming everywhere trying to make their way. Always keep your eyes open.
9. Your home traffic rules do not apply here
This point says it all. Your home country rules do not apply in Vietnam.
10. Watch out for pedestrians literals begging to cross the streets
In Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, you must be very aware of people trying to cross the streets. The culture of giving way to pedestrians its literally inexistent. You will see people walking slowly in the middle of the ragging traffic with their hands raised for you to notice them. Unfortunately, zebra crossing areas are not respected either.
11. Wear a mask
It will protect you from pollution and dust. We noticed back in 2018 that most Vietnamese riders were already wearing masks. As most Vietnamese were already used to wearing a mask, it may be a reason why Vietnam put a strong front to COVID-19 during 2020.
12. Green light does not mean go
A big percentage of people in Vietnam do not respect the traffic lights, a recipe for disaster in most parts around the world. In Vietnam it is somewhat part of riding skills. To ride and stay safe in Vietnam, we recommend you follow these rules:
- At a red light, stop as you would anywhere else
- If you get a green light, let others go in front of you first. DO NOT step on the gas like a maniac expecting for all to clear out of your way. Remember, others in the crossing traffic may not stop.
- If you are turning left, make sure you have plenty of time from incoming traffic.
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- If you are a new rider or have never ridden, do not attempt to do what the locals do.
13. Red light does not mean everyone stops
As stated on point 12, be very aware of people not respecting the traffic lights. You will see that many do not. At a yellow light, riders go ahead and rush and block the intersecting traffic. Be ready to hear a lot of honking.
14. Rear view mirrors are overrated
Count how many motorbikes do not have rearview mirrors. You will be impressed by the numbers. As well, notice how many of them look on their rear-view mirrors or how many have them properly adjusted. The numbers will impress you. What most impressed us was the ratio of accidents to infractions is minimal. You will quickly know that Vietnamese are good at riding, they have a system that works without obeying rules. Maybe, just maybe they are all reincarnations of Evel Knievel.
Sources of information:
http://dtinews.vn/en/news/017/63299/-vietnam-has-4th-highest-number-of-motorbikes.html