No one told me that crossing the road in Vietnam would be tantamount to playing a game of Russian Roulette with 37 million motorcycles.
There are approximately 37 million motorcycles in Vietnam and over 7 million in Ho Chi Minh City alone.
After getting myself stuck slap bang in the middle of 6 lanes of traffic trying to cross a road in Ho Chi Minh City, I spent the rest of my first day in Vietnam nervously walking in circles doing my best to avoid traffic at all costs. As a result, I didn’t actually get anywhere.
I quickly discovered that everything I had previously learned about crossing the road (namely the Green Cross Code) was irrelevant in Vietnam. I needed a new strategy.
My second day in Vietnam was mostly spent watching and learning and I soon mastered the art of crossing the road amidst the insane non-stop flow of traffic. I learned that crossing the road is quite simple in theory – walk through the traffic.
Tips for Crossing the Road in Vietnam
Although in practice, walking through the traffic is perhaps not as simple as it sounds, here are 11 tips for doing just that.
1. Don’t panic or think about it too much
Otherwise, like me on my first day, you won’t actually get anywhere.
2. Find a local and ask for help
In my experience Vietnamese people are friendly and will be more than happy to help you navigate your way through the constant stream of oncoming traffic.
3. Find a local, stand next to them and follow their lead
Walk when they walk, stop when they stop and stay as near to them as possible until you are on the pavement and out of harms way (although it’s not always safe to assume that being on the pavement means you are out of harms way).
4. Don’t expect traffic to stop at red lights
Motorcyclists won’t necessarily stop at red traffic lights – they might, but it’s really not worth taking the risk.
5. Don’t wait for a gap in the traffic
There won’t be one. Keep your wits about you, look in the direction of oncoming traffic and walk confidently and purposefully towards the other side.
6. Walk in a straight line
Don’t zig-zag and under no circumstances stop or turn back. Motorcycles in Vietnam won’t stop for you, but they will manoeuvre around you as long as you don’t confuse matters by changing direction, walking sporadically or stopping suddenly.
7. Walk at an even, steady, regular pace
Don’t run, don’t slow down, don’t speed up, don’t hesitate. As above, motorcyclists will anticipate your next move, usually before you do, so long as you don’t change your mind, rhythm or speed.
8. Walk with confidence and purpose
Eventually you might find you are the person whom tourists stand next to. Don’t get cocky though. See 5 above – keep your wits about you.
9. Make sure the motorcyclists see you
Most of us don’t take high vis vests with us on holiday. If you do, wear it. If you don’t, make sure the motorcyclists see you, raise an arm, hold a large object above your head – whatever makes you more visible (subject to tips 6, 7 and 8 above).
10. Police Escort
If you’re still too scared, find a policeman (or woman) to help. There are police officers in Vietnam who’s job it is to escort tourists across the road to (relative) safety. From what I’ve seen, these police are hard to find. If you do find one, hold on to him or her.
11. Get a taxi
If all else fails, or if you’re still in doubt, get a taxi. For a few Vietnamese Dong most taxi’s will drive you across the road. Seriously.
Disclaimer
These tips apply to crossing the road amongst motorcycles. Luckily there are way fewer cars, trucks and buses on Vietnam’s roads than there are motorcycles. I would advise you not to cross the road if there are cars, trucks or buses in your line of sight as, like motorcycles, they probably won’t stop for you, but unlike motorcycles, they will not be able to manoeuvre around you.