What's the first thing people remark on when they come to Vietnam? What's the one thing that causes eternal fear, admiration, entertainment, confusion? If you've ever been to Vietnam you know what I'm aiming at. Yes, the traffic.
The unique chaos of motorbikes, bicycles, mobile foodcarts, buses, taxis, some private cars, trucks and people crossing the streets. Name anything and it's likely been seen on the roads of Vietnam. Fair enough, haven't seen a complete building being transported on a motorbike but the interior for sure I have. Wardrobes, mattresses, a fridge, hundreds of balloons, grocery shops, 5 meters long pipes and car tyres for several cars, live animals and small and big families. Anything and beyond, the Vietnamese can transport on a motorbike.
A visiting stand-up comedian from earlier this week started his show by acknowledging the traffic chaos, describing he also almost got hit several times already during his first day in Saigon. In his hotel - and he lives in the 11th floor! There is no end for jokes about the Vietnamese traffic but it ain't a joke to be part of it. But it can be a lot of fun.
The rule number 1 when driving in Vietnam is that you can't control what's happening behind you, therefore, mind what's in front of you and try not to hit anything or anyone. I don't think there are any other rules. at least no relevant ones.
I've been driving a motorbike here for a year now and avoided any accidents. A few minor pumps can't be avoided but nothing to be alarmed about. The trick is to understand the logic of the Vietnamese driving and go along with it and hope for the best. Yes, there is logic in the driving. You keep going, you mind what you are doing, you don't make sudden unexpected movements. Majority of the drivers follow these and are not being purposefully complete idiots - which leaves enough room for the still numerous completely selfish idiots. Those who block the lanes for those turning right or for the approaching drivers. Those who are turning left but keep on the right side of the road, hence needing to get on way for everyone else when forcing their turn. And they there is never just one. The speeding ones, and the extremely slow ones. The ones transporting 5 meter long pipes and not understanding it kinda affects people nearby when they turn. Etc.
The traffic is a constant source of frustration as well as of entertainment. There is never a boring moment on the Vietnamese roads. I would like to have my camera ready and going but have to restrain due to the many thieves spotting anything that can be snapped. Instead I enjoy the driving itself and the sights around me. I smile at the passers by and honk my horn at the idiots blocking my way. Driving without rules lets the beast out as you have to fight for your space. Take your space or don't attempt to drive. Accept the logic and have fun within. Because the driving part can be lots of fun - and even more so on a pink bike like mine!
The unique chaos of motorbikes, bicycles, mobile foodcarts, buses, taxis, some private cars, trucks and people crossing the streets. Name anything and it's likely been seen on the roads of Vietnam. Fair enough, haven't seen a complete building being transported on a motorbike but the interior for sure I have. Wardrobes, mattresses, a fridge, hundreds of balloons, grocery shops, 5 meters long pipes and car tyres for several cars, live animals and small and big families. Anything and beyond, the Vietnamese can transport on a motorbike.
A visiting stand-up comedian from earlier this week started his show by acknowledging the traffic chaos, describing he also almost got hit several times already during his first day in Saigon. In his hotel - and he lives in the 11th floor! There is no end for jokes about the Vietnamese traffic but it ain't a joke to be part of it. But it can be a lot of fun.
The rule number 1 when driving in Vietnam is that you can't control what's happening behind you, therefore, mind what's in front of you and try not to hit anything or anyone. I don't think there are any other rules. at least no relevant ones.
I've been driving a motorbike here for a year now and avoided any accidents. A few minor pumps can't be avoided but nothing to be alarmed about. The trick is to understand the logic of the Vietnamese driving and go along with it and hope for the best. Yes, there is logic in the driving. You keep going, you mind what you are doing, you don't make sudden unexpected movements. Majority of the drivers follow these and are not being purposefully complete idiots - which leaves enough room for the still numerous completely selfish idiots. Those who block the lanes for those turning right or for the approaching drivers. Those who are turning left but keep on the right side of the road, hence needing to get on way for everyone else when forcing their turn. And they there is never just one. The speeding ones, and the extremely slow ones. The ones transporting 5 meter long pipes and not understanding it kinda affects people nearby when they turn. Etc.
The traffic is a constant source of frustration as well as of entertainment. There is never a boring moment on the Vietnamese roads. I would like to have my camera ready and going but have to restrain due to the many thieves spotting anything that can be snapped. Instead I enjoy the driving itself and the sights around me. I smile at the passers by and honk my horn at the idiots blocking my way. Driving without rules lets the beast out as you have to fight for your space. Take your space or don't attempt to drive. Accept the logic and have fun within. Because the driving part can be lots of fun - and even more so on a pink bike like mine!
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