How can I cross the street in Vietnam?

Question

I know its about walking slowly...but somehow I forget that and start running...help please :)?

Answer 1

I will tell you that crossing a busy street in Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh City definitely ranks in the top five for being the scariest adrenaline rush experiences.

As you may have seen already, the locals don't even notice that they're inches from death when they cross busy streets. On the other hand, you see death staring at you from what seems to be thousands of motorbikes and cars waiting to run you over the moment you step off the sidewalk. Believe me when I say that crossing a busy street in Vietnam is easier than it appears. However, that first crossing will be the scariest and most daring on your part.

The best advice I can give you is what was given to me when I first ventured into crossing such streets myself for the first time. Here is my advice:

- Look for a local Viet that is crossing the street at the same location as you are.

- Get on the downstream side of traffic from them.

- Follow exactly as they do while crossing the street.

You will make it across the street with relative safety. Do this until you're confident with crossing the street on your own.

NOTE: Do not cross a street in front of a bus or large vehicle. Remember this: The rules of the road in Vietnam is the larger vehicle makes the rules.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

The easiest is to get next to a Vietnamese or two and stay in their "traffic shadow".

Always look the other way before stepping into the street and make sure you continue looking both ways as you continue across.

Always wait for 3 or 4 seconds after the light turns green for you to cross, so that the people that run the red light have gone by before you step out.

Answer 3

..i once saw a blind woman cross a busy street in ha noi.. i see little children do it all the time... walk slow, dont look,  and everone will go around you ...most of the time.. i hardly ever get knocked to the ground.. lol...i mean "ho ho ho" ..merry Christmas all...

Answer 4

Probably the best advice I was given before I went to Vietnam is to wait for a lull in the traffic and then walk at a slow and steady pace across the street, don't stop, don't speed up or slow down and don't step back, and somehow the motorbikes will avoid you. Just don't do anything to confuse them and I think you'll be amazed at how well it works.

Answer 5

You don't.

Just stay in your room and cry.

Answer 6

YOU walk as slowly as you can and strut your butt.

Answer 7

Are you a true dumb blonde?

Answer 8

lol, yeah, very carefully.  I suppose the best way would be just close your eyes and go...  I don't think I could trust that no one would hit me!  Yea, I would probably follow answerer #2's advice.. =]

[edit] ha, found a 6-step system to cross the roads in Vietnam:

http://live.huymoller.com/2007/11/how-to...

You know you're in trouble when there is a "system" to crossing a road ;)

Answer 9

keep your eyes wide open. Always be aware of the bike will hit you. Walk with other pedestrians.

Answer 10

it's very easy. you can cross the street in Vietnam. You walk slowly, and you should look into driver, motorist's eyes.

remember, you don't walk a backwards

Answer 11

ahaha...very funny question. i find crossing the streets in vietnam frightening as well. I just hope for the best and take a step when there is no motorbike coming. and if one is coming, stand still, wait for it to swerve past you, then continue on. you just have to believe in yourself!. motorcyclist in vietnam are very good at swerving and going around humans!