Crazy Vietnam Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon

Vietnam traffic is just crazy, no other way of saying it. The traffic in Vietnam is some of the most insane in the world. Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has some of the most extreme traffic patterns. I heard about it but until I got there, I truly had no clue just what crazy traffic looked like. Please bear in mind this is 5:15 or so on a Saturday, not rush out. It gets even more “loco” at that time of day.

Traffic in Vietnam is crazy, period.

As Matt mentions in the video, if you want to cross the road in Vietnam, you just gotta go with the traffic patterns and walk. The people go around you, if you’re timid you’ll never cross as the crazy traffic well, never stops. Thanks to Matt for filming this traffic in Vietnam. I had broken camera #1 and was waiting for camera 2 while in the Mekong Delta.

This Vietnam traffic video will give you an idea. The video was filmed while driving home from the private tour we went on in the Mekong Delta. It was probably one of the most memorable segments of this trip. Whenever you can go on a private tour with a cool guide, I recommend it. It’s a totally different tour experience.

Are there traffic lights in Vietnam?

Yes, there are traffic lights in Vietnam but most of the time it doesn’t really matter. Think of schools of fish moving, the safest place is in the middle. The front runners of the traffic are the ones taking the risk. If you’re in the front and want your segment to go just start easing out and people will slow. Once everyone starts you’ve just changed the traffic pattern. So yes, there are traffic lights in Vietnam but pay more attention to where people are going.

Can you drive a car in Vietnam?

Yes! You can drive a car in Vietnam but it’s not recommended. If you’re going to be in a car in Vietnam might as well just take a taxi. Moving around the cities in Vietnam is very slow as the traffic is crazy. It’s much easier to take a motorbike and flow with everyone If you’re not comfortable driving, don’t other driving a car in Vietnam or a motorbike.

Vietnam traffic is bad, especially in the cities. If you’re going to learn how to drive a motorbike in Vietnam, do it outside the city. Get used to small town traffic in Vietnam and observe the traffic patterns before daring to enter a city. So yes, you can drive a car in Vietnam . The roads are so tight with so many motorbikes it’s not recommended unless you’re very confident.

Can foreigners drive in Vietnam?

Yes! You can drive as a foreigner in Vietnam. It’s actually very easy and affordable to rent a motorbike. If you have no experience, driving in Vietnam is not recommended. Before you rent a car or motorbike in Vietnam inspect it to make sure it’s in good condition. Be willing to pay a little more for a road ready motorbike in Vietnam. Yes you can drive a car in Vietnam as well but it’s a different ball game. Lots of tight corners and endless motorbikes. Foreigners who choose to drive in Vietnam are best suited for motorbikes and being very careful.

How many traffic accidents are there in Vietnam?

There are a lot of traffic accidents in Vietnam. When asking how many traffic accidents there are in Vietnam, it’s hard to answer. The reason is not all are reported. That said, here are the reported traffic accident statistics to give you an idea. Adults from age 15-44 account for 59% of global road traffic deaths. This seems almost unbelievable but click here for proof.

If you don’t have experience in heavy traffic, get a guide. If you are driving in Vietnam and getting into the crazy traffic, always wear a helmet. Many deaths occur on rural roads at night as drunk driving is a real thing in many parts of the world. The roads usually aren’t in good shape either so be careful out there.

Conclusion on driving in traffic on Vietnam

You’ve read this so you know the score about driving in Traffic in Vietnam. If you have no experience don’t bother learning to drive in Vietnam. If you are going to drive in Vietnam, pay attention to traffic patterns and always wear a helmet. It’s recommended for 85%+ of tourists, especially groups to hire drivers. There are also plenty of night buses in Vietnam to move around with. The night buses are also a very reasonable price, look into it. They are the no problem, no worries solution.