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crossing the road in vietnam

Replies: 31 - Last Post: Mar 12, 2012 2:21 AM Last Post By: Captain_Courage...

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tash123

tash123 avatar

Feb 29, 2012 11:28 PM
Posts:  30

crossing the road in vietnam

How scary is it crossing the road in Vietnam. I have heard the cars stop for no one they just drive around you is this true. I had a bad accident a few years ago and get a little freaked crossing the road even in Europe at pedestrian crossing points. I'm still going to Vietnam in march but just wondering what others have to say on the subject. Any tips anyone can give. I will be in Hanoi, saigon and some various other towns and cities between these two.

Haggisthai

Haggisthai avatar

Feb 29, 2012 11:54 PM
Posts:  21

1

Scary Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

wmcnicol

wmcnicol avatar

Mar 1, 2012 12:03 AM
Posts:  195

2

Take taxis...

Seriously, it's not expensive. Get in one side of the street, get out on the other....

Vietnam is not the place to get freaked crossing the road.

William.

Roadking95

Roadking95 avatar

Mar 1, 2012 12:28 AM
Posts:  1,710

3

Dont cross the road if cars,buses or trucks are on the road where you want to cross,they generally wont stop for anything. Make sure you walk when its only motorbikes as they will go around you without a problem, once you have got used to it,its quite easy.

NormC

NormC avatar

Mar 1, 2012 1:47 AM
Posts:  1,101

4

Best thing is to be grabbed by an old lady and taken across the road by her....otherwise just look straight ahead and walk with a measured pace without any pauses....thats about the best advice that I can give.

Herbie47

Herbie47 avatar

Mar 1, 2012 2:03 AM
Posts:  3,605

5

Best to walk across slowly and the bikes will weave round you but as said above watch out for buses and cars. It is a bit scary at first but you soon get used to it, dont jump around like a kangaroo like one guy I saw.

HenningWessel

HenningWessel avatar

Mar 1, 2012 2:49 AM
Posts:  2,357

6

I don't know. I use the zebra crossings with traffic lights. Works.

sean_de_cuirteis

sean_de_cuirteis avatar

Mar 1, 2012 3:21 AM
Posts:  12

7

Definitely best practice to cross the same time as a local person who knows how to cross.

Found this from The Lonely Planet...but maybe not so useful!

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/836/84798/Top+10+Tips+for+Crossing+the+Road+in+Vietnam?destId=357861

Sean de Cuirteis

octopus29

octopus29 avatar

Mar 1, 2012 3:49 AM
Posts:  123

8

I cross the roads in Saigon everyday and still alive. You need to stay calm and look everywhere, all directions.

Can use traffic lights and zebra crossings like HW. Easier!

mooslie

mooslie avatar

Mar 1, 2012 5:00 AM
Posts:  2,222

9

Ok for chickens but not for people.
Reason: The chicken usually always crosses the road and gets to the other side most times.
Sometimes we wonder why it crosses the road.

Bassalegboy

Bassalegboy avatar

Mar 1, 2012 5:27 AM
Posts:  1,357

10

You'll get used to it OP.
it is a bit mindblowing to begin with.

tash123

tash123 avatar

Mar 1, 2012 5:34 AM
Posts:  30

11

can you trust the lights to cross with them? or is i a free for all at all times

Junglebeach

Junglebeach avatar

Mar 1, 2012 8:26 AM
Posts:  482

12

this reminds me of my 1st morning in hanoi, dec 94, motorbikes were not here yet, they arrived summer 2000, i was standing at a corner totally bewildered at the zillion bicycles, saw 2 traffic police on the the side, laughing at me, and one of them came over, took me by the hand and walked me across, it was hilarious, but i have not had a problem since

HenningWessel

HenningWessel avatar

Mar 1, 2012 6:15 PM
Posts:  2,357

13

can you trust the lights to cross with them? or is i a free for all at all times
Basically you can. Just be aware of your surroundings like everywhere else. It's a bit more hectic but it's possible. Millions do it every day.

sonuvcdouille

sonuvcdouille avatar

Mar 1, 2012 10:16 PM
Posts:  719

14

Use the zebra crossing so the ambulance will know where to find you.
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