Riding a motorcycle in Vietnam is a thrilling adventure. But how can you stay safe while while having fun on every ride?
For first-time visitors to Vietnam, traffic is rather chaotic. The roads are often congested, and drivers appear to disregard all traffic laws…
However, visitors like Matthew Pike, a Culture Trip journalist, are still impressed by Vietnam’s traffic. According to him, car traffic flows as effortlessly as blood does through veins. As a result, Matthew has highlighted eight points to assist international tourists in easily joining traffic in Vietnam. “Because once you get the hang of it, driving is a lot of joy,” he continues.
The most important rule
When driving in Vietnam, the only thing you have to worry about is what’s in front of you. You must never take your gaze away from the road ahead. Consider that the cars behind you are paying attention to everything in front of them as well. You have no influence over what other drivers do on the road, so take care not to hit anything.
Follow the crowd
Following the crowd will ensure your safety. Assume you’re a water molecule in a river or a bit of dust suspended in the wind on the highway. You must keep your thinking in check and go with the flow. Follow what others are doing, because the majority is always stronger and safer in Vietnam. Wait for those heading in the same direction as you if you need to turn left.
Create conditions for those around
Take things slowly, whatever you do. Consider driving as though you were in a swimming pool. The water will splash around if you jump down. The same concept governs traffic in Vietnam. Allow other drivers enough time to avoid you.
Avoid people who don’t follow the law
When most Western tourists visit Vietnam, they mistakenly believe that Vietnamese drivers always follow traffic laws. But they frequently do whatever they want – run red lights and cut through lanes, go in the opposite direction on a busy highway to save 10 seconds, hurry to the curb to beat the crowd… It is critical that you consider your personal safety.
The horn is a roadside assistance device.
Vietnamese drivers frequently use horns to signal their whereabouts. This may appear strange at first, but you must learn to utilize your own horn to alert people ahead of you that you are approaching. If you hear a horn close to you, drivers behind you are most likely trying to catch your attention.
Stay away from big cars
The majority of accident victims had scrapes, fractured bones, or head injuries. Wear a good helmet as a result.
When there are enormous vehicles on the road, such as buses or trucks, or containers, the scenario changes totally. Avoid these vehicles as much as possible.
Be careful when going in remote areas
When approaching oncoming traffic, Vietnamese drivers can be extremely irresponsible, crossing lanes and then swerving briefly to return to the correct lane. You should avoid becoming an impediment to these vehicles.
Defensive morale at its highest
You must practice defensive driving abilities while driving – guess what could happen and avoid it. Not everyone intends to hit you, but you should never feel endangered.
This is obvious advice, but many people disregard it. Driving after drinking is fairly prevalent in Vietnam. No matter how cautious you are, there will always be drivers on the road with their eyes open and closed after drinking for up to 5 hours. It’s impossible to tell which way he’s going.
Don’t drive at night
Another factor that makes driving at night a dangerous act is that trucks, containers and large vehicles will be allowed into the city during this time to reduce congestion.
When going at night in Vietnam, taking a taxi is the safer alternative.
Need some inspiration?
View Jacob Laukaitis’s Vietnam motorcycle adventure below
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