The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has a population of 89 million* people. Ho Chi Minh city or SaigOn is the largest city in Vietnam with an estimated population of 10 million* people, 6 million* motorbikes AND with fewer than 800 traffic enforcement police on duty!! (* as in Feb 2012.)
If you come from a city with well-organized traffic system, the streets of Ho Chi Minh city will ShoCk Your Life. It may sound silly, but watching the traffic flow may be ONE of the entertaining thing to do.
Buses, coaches, trucks, vans, cars, taxis, SUVs, MPVs, bicycles, motorbikes, cyclos, motorized/pedaled tri-carts formed a kind of organized street madness!! Rather than the chaos you'd expect, everything seems to flow harmoniously accompanied by an entire "Symphony of HOnks".
Once you're in Ho Chi Minh city, your first orientation is 'How to cross the street without being Hit!' - particularly by a motorbike steering and swerving to avoid other motorbikes as well as pedestrians.
Crossing the street is really a challenge as motorbikes dart in and out of nowhere, whizzing by extremely close, weaving around you while trying not to Hit you.
Zebra Crossing does not work here.. You need a Leap of Faith to wade in and walk slowly but steadily to get across safely.
Stranded in the middle of the street is not only common but what most tourists had - A Scary FuN..
Posing in the middle of the street is not only adventurous but what most tourists will preserve
A Lasting Memory
Look out for Train* Crossing too!!
*The Reunification Express Vietnam
Bikers who are rushing for time or avoiding traffic lights will ride up the pavement, creating a precarious situation for pedestrians.
Fell of his bike. No Big deal. No Big Fuss.
Got his bike up and off with his journey again.
NOTE: ROAD SAFETY IN VIETNAM
The two most dangerous activities in Vietnam are crossing the streets and driving/riding in traffic. The road system throughout Vietnam is chaotic, and traffic laws are being ignored. Always be on an ALERT.
HOW TO CROSS A STREET IN VIETNAM?
Look for a gap in the traffic, step in, move in a slow and steady pace while watching out for incoming traffic of any kind of vehicles. If you sense danger, STOP. If not, keep walking slowly. You can also raise your hand lower than your shoulder to signal that you are crossing.
NOTE that Zebra crossing DOES NOT work. Nobody is going to stop for you no matter how long you've waited and no matter who you are!
Motorbike riders will try to maneuver their ways to avoid you. If you hear a beep, it's likely a motorbike rider is entering your space quite close. If crossing the street seems to be a mission impossible, stand beside a local and cross with them!
"A Deadly ChallenGe in VietNam!!"
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