If you’ve just landed in Vietnam, one of your first cultural shocks might not be the food or the traffic jams—it’s crossing the road. Watching thousands of motorbikes flowing non-stop can feel like facing a river of metal and noise. But don’t worry — there’s an art to it, and once you learn it, you’ll feel like a true local.
🚶♂️ Step 1: Don’t Run
Running across the street is the biggest mistake tourists make. In Vietnam, motorbikes flow around you, not stop for you. Move slowly and steadily so drivers can predict your path.
👀 Step 2: Make Eye Contact
When possible, make eye contact with nearby riders. This subtle communication tells them, “I see you. You see me.” It’s a quiet but effective form of traffic diplomacy.
✋ Step 3: Keep a Steady Pace
Your goal isn’t speed — it’s predictability. Keep a calm and even pace while crossing. Sudden stops or jumps can confuse drivers and cause near misses.
🛵 Step 4: Watch, Feel, and Flow
Crossing in Vietnam is almost meditative. Feel the rhythm of the traffic, wait for a small gap, and flow through it. Locals don’t rush; they move with confidence and calmness.
🌆 Step 5: Start Small
Try first on quieter streets or intersections near your hotel. Once you’ve mastered those, you’ll be ready for the legendary crossings in places like Bến Thành Market or Old Quarter Hanoi.
🌏 The Beauty of Chaos
It may look like chaos, but it’s organized chaos. Every local knows how to anticipate and adapt. This rhythm of life reflects Vietnam itself — vibrant, spontaneous, and full of harmony beneath the surface.
💡 Bonus Tip: Follow a Local
Still nervous? Just wait for a local to cross and follow their lead (but keep some distance). You’ll feel safer — and learn from the masters.
❤️ Experience It Yourself
Crossing a road in Vietnam isn’t just a practical act — it’s a cultural initiation. Once you’ve done it, you’ll walk away with more than confidence; you’ll understand a little more about the Vietnamese spirit — fearless, flexible, and full of flow.
Join our Saigon City tour to discover all of the hidden gems like a local!
