5 Weird but Interesting Facts About Traffic in Vietnam

05/09/2025 Paul Lee

(What confuses travelers most about the street life in Vietnam)
If it is your first time in Vietnam, you'll likely spend the first few days just watching the traffic. It is loud, chaotic, and to some extent, looks like a video game come to life. But it works!
I can assure you: traffic is one part of the cultural experience.
VIET DOVE Travel shares five strange but interesting facts about traffic in Vietnam that will change the way you look at the streets.

Table of Contents

Driving on the Right Side of the Road

Unlike countries like the UK, Thailand, or Japan, Vietnam follows a right-hand traffic system. For many travelers, especially those accustomed to the opposite, the first few days can feel a bit disorienting.
👉 Tip: Always look before you cross to determine the direction of oncoming vehicles; you might look the wrong way accidentally!

Vehicles follow the law by driving on the right.

Motorbikes Are Everywhere

Vietnam is a motorbike kingdom. Everyone, from students to workers, rides one. You will see:

Families of three squished on one!
Boxes, chickens, and even furniture being carried on two wheels!
Constantly moving streams of motorbikes at every traffic light!

👉 Fun fact: Vietnam has more than 45 million registered motorbikes, nearly one for every two people!

The "Unique Art" of Crossing the Street

This may be the most exhilarating yet unforgettable experience for visitors. Pedestrian traffic in Vietnam is unpredictable. Here are some tips:

Walk slower and steadier into actively moving traffic.
No stopped suddenly or running.
Make eye contact with local drivers.
Trust that motorbikes and cars will navigate around you.

It seems insane as if you stepped off a cliff into chaos. Surprisingly, it works. Locals have created an unspoken system where pedestrians and vehicles coexist.
👉 Pro traveler tip: Be confident, maintain a pace, and the traffic will move around you.

Honking is Another Form of Language

In many places, honking is rude, but in Vietnam, it's just that... communication. Each honk signifies something:
Short honk = "I'm passing you."
Two short honks = "Watch out, I'm coming quickly."
Long honk = "Get out of the way!"
At rush hour, the streets become a symphony of horns. It might sound intense, but it is how drivers remain aware of each other.

Horns act like another language on the streets.

Weird Vehicles on the Road

Just when you think you have seen it all, comes along the unexpected:
A farmer with a buffalo cart.
A delivery person on a motobike with a mountain of boxes.
A bicycle loaded with flowers, fruits, or balloons.
These oddities are part of Vietnam's street charm and remind you that traffic in Vietnam is life happening, not just movement.

Final Thoughts. Chaotic Disorder that Works

Vietnam traffic can seem hectic and chaotic at first, but once you understand it, it can become quite captivating. The honks, the motorbikes, the fearless pedestrians, it all integrates into a living and breathing system that works.

Tourists taking photos to remember their trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to cross the street in Vietnam?

Yes. As long as you are not running, you walk, and have a steady pace. Locals are accustomed to avoiding pedestrians.

Do I need to rent a motorbike to travel around?

Not always! Grab or other local app services provide an effortless way to book a ride. But, if you're feeling adventurous, it is part of the Vietnam experience.