Stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam is not only a reminder, but also a survival tip for any tourist when immersing themselves in the bustling motorbike traffic of Saigon. With experience supporting hundreds of international guests, Rental Motorbike shares with you the principles you need to know to confidently ride on any road. Read now to prepare thoroughly!
Stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam by keeping a reasonable distance
If this is your first time riding a motorbike in Vietnam, there is one thing you should know: Vietnamese people really don’t like to stop while riding. Sometimes, they are willing to go the wrong way, run red lights or deal with dangerous situations just to avoid being stuck in the middle of the road.
To stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam, remember that you can go slowly and stay close to the edge of the road when you are not familiar with the road. However, don’t stick too close to the edge of the road because sometimes this lane has people going in the opposite direction directly towards you. Keeping a safe distance will give you more space to handle things better.
According to Rental Motorbike, motorbikes in Vietnam usually ride on the right and cars drive on the left. On major roads such as national highways, there will be a separate lane for motorbikes. However, always observe carefully and only overtake when you are absolutely sure that there is no vehicle approaching to stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam.
Why do many people ride in the wrong direction in Vietnam?
When traveling in Vietnam, especially in large cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, many foreign tourists will be surprised to see many people riding in the wrong direction quite calmly. Although it seems “illegal”, this behavior comes from a common habit to keep the flow of vehicles moving – which is important for the crowded motorbike traffic in Vietnam.
For example, if someone wants to turn left into a busy road, instead of waiting in the middle of the intersection (which is very dangerous for small motorbikes), they often choose to turn slowly to the opposite side of the road and then ride a short distance until they can safely merge into the lane. This method helps to limit stopping for too long in the middle of the road, which is inherently dangerous because no one is used to seeing a motorbike “standing still” in the middle of a stream of traffic.
To avoid risks and stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam, newbies should understand practical ways to turn left such as:
- “Early cut” style (turning in the opposite lane): Instead of turning right at the intersection, many people will cut to the left side and go a short distance in the opposite direction to wait for a chance to merge. This method is fast, avoids stopping in the middle of the road but requires careful observation and collision avoidance.
- Western style (standard turn at the intersection): Suitable for cars or Western traffic, but for motorbikes in Vietnam, stopping in the middle of the road to turn left is often not recommended because it is easy to become a “target” in the crowded traffic.
- Diagonal turn (cut corner): Move to the middle of the road and then slowly turn diagonally into the new road. This type of turn helps you maintain momentum and flexibly handle situations if a vehicle suddenly rushes towards you.
- Stop and cross (wide turn): Suitable for beginners, however, during rush hour, waiting for a long gap can sometimes make you tired and more likely to make hasty decisions.
>> SEE MORE: Park your motorbike safely in Vietnam to avoid risks
Some skills you need to know to help you stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam
When participating in traffic in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, motorbike riders will have to face a crowded, dynamic and sometimes unpredictable traffic system. Mastering the skills to handle situations is the first step to stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam, especially for those who experience traffic here for the first time.
Checking mirrors and blind spots is a step that cannot be skipped
One of the important habits to help you stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam is to always observe the rearview mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Although in Vietnam, most road users only focus on the front, you should still proactively observe both behind and on both shoulders to avoid unexpected collisions. A simple action like glancing over your shoulder before turning can help you avoid dangerous situations.
Be careful with other people’s turn signals
In Vietnam, turn signals do not always reflect the rider’s intentions. Many people do not turn on their turn signals or forget to turn them off after changing lanes. Therefore, when riding, you should not rely entirely on the turn signals of the vehicle in front, but need to observe their actual behavior to make the right decision.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles
Buses, trucks and taxis are dangerous vehicles due to their large size and slow, inflexible movement. Especially during rush hour, these vehicles can cause local congestion and obstruct visibility. If you want to stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam, prioritize caution: stay in the correct lane, avoid tailgating and observe carefully before overtaking other vehicles.
Mastering the Roundabout Situation
Roundabouts in Vietnam can be confusing for newcomers because there are no clear rules about priority. It is advisable to observe the traffic flow carefully, wait with a group of vehicles and enter the roundabout slowly. In all cases, prioritize safety over haste.
Traffic lights in Vietnam
If you want to turn left at a traffic light, move into the car lane (on the left) and move forward as far as possible. When the light turns green, you can turn neatly at an angle, ahead of the traffic going straight. This is the way many people apply to turn left safely without getting stuck in traffic. However, you still need to pay special attention to vehicles that run the light late.
Rental Motorbike believes that careful preparation not only helps you have an enjoyable experience but also ensures safety on every journey. Don’t forget that the simplest way to stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam is to understand local riding habits and always stay alert and know how to handle a motorcycle crash calmly if it happens.
Stay safe on a motorbike in Vietnam is a top priority for anyone who wants to fully explore the S-shaped country in the most free way. And if you need a reliable companion, Rental Motorbike is always ready to support you 24/7 from renting a motorbike to memorable tours.
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