Riding in Vietnam’s chaotic traffic can seem terrifying, especially for first-timers. The locals appear to be experts at navigating the traffic that comes honking from all different directions. Although the transportations in Vietnam seem scary, you should not be entirely paranoid as the locals drive these motorbikes daily – it is their way of life. Below is our motorbike riding tips that you might want to note down, especially for first-timers in Vietnam.
Riding on a motorbike requires a bit of an adventurous spirit, and travelers will need to trade off with the comfort of touring inside an air-conditioned vehicle. In exchange, they get to be fully immersed in the city’s traffic and see things from different perspectives.
The speed limit for motorbikes (scooters) in Ho Chi Minh City is 40 kph, but due to the heavy traffic, most motorbikes can only go 30 kph.
Riding on bikes can be good fun and experience, and if you are a first-time passenger, here are 5 tips that might help you be more at ease with riding:
1) Ride with a Local
Let a local do the driving and navigating the traffic. We don’t recommend renting your bike and tackling the city’s traffic yourself, especially if you have never been on one.
2) Wear Appropriate Attire
It is not advisable to wear skirts, dresses, or high heels. Comfortable footwear such as running shoes or flip-flops is excellent. The locals protect themselves with masks and long-sleeved shirts to lessen the chance of sunburn and prevent themselves from breathing in the polluted air.
3) Do Not Wear Loose Jewelry or Valuables
Safety is important. With that in mind at all times, it is not recommended to wear expensive jewelry while riding around. Doing so is just plain asking for the thieves to snatch it out of your procession and jeopardize your safety. Snapping some pictures while on the back of the bike with expensive devices such as mobile phones or cameras might lead to snatch-thefts and accidents.
4) Keep Your Entire Body in Proximity with the Bike
Arms and legs should not stick out in the chaotic traffic as other drivers could accidentally scrap them. For your arms, they should be holding onto the back of the bike (most motorbikes have back handles on them) during the ride. You should place your feet onto the foot pedals and not hang on the sides while being driven.
5) Use a Standard Safety-tested Helmet
While local laws require a helmet for the bike ride, the type of helmet and its durability are not strictly enforced. For your safety, you should always choose a reputable and reliable company that takes extra measures to provide standard safety-tested helmets, whether open-faced or closed-faced. Don’t just put any plastic on your head just to avoid getting a fine from the local authorities.
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