When one first arrive in Vietnam, one can’t help but worry about the traffic here...
The situation has improved significantly. Today, police are more strict about dangerous behaviour, cities organize one way streets and invest heavily in urban equipment. In the countryside, you should be more careful, especially when you meet people who carry materials (bars, furniture etc...) or animals.
Risk
50% of repatriations are due to traffic accidents. The most exposed people are those who ride motorcycle. We strongly recommend that you wear an helmet.
Responsibility
when you have an accident, you are responsible if you are « bigger » (Ex: car > bicycle or motorcycle) than the other whoever's fault it is. Ask your insurance company to know exactly how they cover you in case of problem.
Honk
The use of horn here is not considered “aggressive”. When someone is behind you, he will use his horn you to tell you that he is there and about to pass you.
Cyclos: They are less numerous than before in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Current urban legislations forbid them access to some streets. Traffic becomes heavier with an increasing number of motorcycles and more recently, of cars. Expats usually don’t have time to use this kind of transportation and prefer to use xe om or taxi when they don’t have their own vehicle. Local Vietnamese still use cyclos, especially to carry heavy loads.
Xe Om: They are motorbike taxis on which you ride behind the driver. They can be found very easily in the streets, and it’s often they who find you and propose their services. An average 3 000-5 000 dong should be expected to go in a place in the same district, 10 000-15 000 dong to cross the city.
Bus: For those who haven’t come back here for a long time, you will notice that a lot of bus stops have appeared everywhere in town. Modern buses with air conditioning now cross the streets of the big cities, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The fare is 2000 dong.
Taxis: Very convenient, especially if you are at least 2-3 people. Avoid taxis during rush hours if you are in a hurry (16.00PM – 19.30PM).
Buying cars / motorcycles: It s easy to get a motorcycle/moped here. For a 50cc you won’t need a driving license. But for a more powerful motorcycle or a car, you will need a proper one. You can convert your own driving license if you have a resident certificate (6 months visa required)
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