Crossing streets — the most important lesson
Crossing a Vietnamese street is the most terrifying moment of the trip for most first-time visitors. An endless stream of motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks — without a gap, without a pause, without mercy. And yet: It works. If you know the rules.
The Method
- Wait for a relative gap — not a complete gap, as there is none.
- Start walking. Steadily, at a normal pace. Look to the left (the main danger).
- NEVER stop. Don’t stop in the middle of the street — it confuses the motorcyclists predicting your movement.
- Do NOT run. Running is the worst thing you can do — then no one can predict your direction.
- Walk steadily and predictably. The motorcycles will navigate around you left and right — like water around a rock.
- Large vehicles (buses, trucks) have the right of way. Stop in front of a bus!
Why it works
The system is based on mutual predictability. As long as you move steadily and predictably, the motorcyclists can navigate around you. They do this all day, with other motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, dogs, children. You are just another obstacle in the flow.
The first time is scary. By the third time, you feel like a pro. By the fifth time, you understand the system — and even start to like it.
💡 Tipp
For the first time: Stick to a Vietnamese person and cross the street alongside them. Or: Watch for 5 minutes how the locals do it. Then: Close your eyes (not really!) and go. It will be your Vietnam moment.
