With many different types of transportations in Vietnam, one of the biggest concerns of travelers is how to cross the streets. To master the art of Vietnamese street crossing, you only need patience and bravery.
Walking is a fantastic way to explore more of the city, but it is essential to do it safely. You will notice soon enough that the traffic laws don’t necessarily get followed through and locals might not even cross the streets at the marked crosswalk.
Before you cross, the first rule to remember is don’t ever run. If you see any oncoming traffic, try to stay calm and keep walking, but walk slowly. Approaching vehicles will try to go around and behind you. Therefore, running across the street might make it hard for the drivers to predict your movement and might hit you.
When crossing, locals will use several hand gestures to alert drivers from afar so that they can slow down. One of the ways is to raise your hand high, and the other is to put your hand out or wave it with a tap-like motion. These are all signaling gestures to bring attention to the drivers.
If you need help with crossing, you can always ask the locals in a green uniform to help you cross. They are usually spotted at busy intersections with many pedestrians.
Have You Attempted the Vietnamese Street Crossing?
The traffic in Vietnam might be frightening due to the number of motorbikes coming across from many directions. However, once you get accustomed to the art of Vietnamese street crossing, it doesn’t feel as daunting. The key is to calmly walk ahead, preferably on the white crosswalks, and you will be able to cross through the sea of vehicles. For more tips and information on traveling Vietnam, feel free to share with us.