crossing the road in vietnam
Replies: 31 - Last Post: Mar 12, 2012 2:21 AM Last Post By: Captain_Courage...
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17
In Hanoi at least, don't try to find an "appropriate" spot to cross, it doesn't exist. Just find a narrower stretch of street if you can and be predictable: don't start running, don't stop walking. Make eye contact with as many incoming drivers as you can. Most important, look both ways three times. Over here nobody really cares about which direction a given side of the street goes, and lights or one-way streets are strange philosophical concepts left over from the evil Han overlords.20
hehe..Don't worry. Well don't ever freak out.
Just walk slowly..very slowly and try to look at all the bikes. The one that drives too fast, you jsut let them pass by, others will drive around you or stopp.
The best is also to reach your hand out giving the sign stopp when you are walking.
Of course, try to avoid cars, buss and other "big" one..
If you are still unsure, then follow locals. But do remember to walk beside and on the correct side, so the locals will front the all the bikes first, or you haveto do that. One more thing... make sure that you always watch the the person who drives the bikes.. if you follow locals..make sure that you are not tatlly hide..or the bikes will not see you..
So take it easy..walk slow and everything will be ok.
And of course the taxi is cheap...but have it in mind..locals do not like to drive the minimum charge..because they do not get anything..the company get that amount..
Have a nice trip:)
24
It's very daunting for a western traveler because it 'appears' that there is no method to the madness.Once you get used to it, it's quite simple and you barely notice the traffic. I've only just gotten used to it and no longer watch the traffic when I cross. It all moves around pedestrians.
If you're nervous about crossing roads in a 'controlled' environment, then you may have trouble in Vietnam. However, it's only the fear of the traffic that will be holding you back. If you can move past that, you can move through the streets easily.
25
Once you get used to it, it's quite simple and you barely notice the traffic. I've only just gotten used to it and no longer watch the traffic when I cross. It all moves around pedestriansI wouldnt advise doing this too often, in some of the quieter areas it may work, but on busy streets you will end up getting hit. Then again it comes down to luck, where I live I would never walk across the road without looking as half the time the drivers are on the wrong side of the road.
29
Generally they will try to miss you because they don't want to scratch their motorbikes. However they can't always avoid.BTW in Vietnam does the chicken always get to the other side of the road?
