Navigating Ho Chi Minh City Traffic on a Motorbike: Our First-Hand Experience in Saigon
- HipsterHobo
- May 18, 2024
- 7 min read
Ready to dive headfirst into the thrilling chaos of Ho Chi Minh City's traffic? Join us on our wild ride through the heart of Saigon! In this article, we'll take you on the back of our motorbike, weaving through the lively streets of this energetic city.
We'll share our raw and unfiltered experience of renting and riding a motorbike in Saigon, packed with practical tips and real stories. Discover how we snagged the best rental deal and braved the flooded streets when the skies opened up. Learn how to decode those confusing street signs and find that elusive parking spot amidst the bustling city.
Strap on your helmet and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just curious about what it's like to ride through one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities, our tips and tales will gear you up for an epic journey.
Renting a Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City
First off, we were told finding the right motorbike rental is key to a smooth riding experience. We searched for rental shops with good reviews and recommendations from fellow travelers. A reliable shop will provide you with helmets and necessary paperwork. We found a reputable rental service, called 'Rent Me Motorbike Saigon' that offered reasonable prices and well-maintained bikes. They also offered free solid helmets, which we think is a must. We ended up paying 1.5 million VND (which is less than $60) for renting a Honda Airblade 110 cc for a full month.
Did you know daily motorbike rental rates (around $7) are significantly higher compared to long-term rentals (less than $60 for the whole month)?
TIP: Be careful not to settle for cheap lightweight helmets, since these won't protect you in case of an accident.
Before renting, we thoroughly inspected the motorbike. Taking photos and videos of any existing damage helped avoid disputes when returning it. Checking the brakes, lights, tires, and fuel gauge ensured everything was in working order. We noticed that some bikes had quirks, like a beeping sound when the blinker was turned on, which ended up being surprisingly helpful in the chaotic traffic.
TIP: Take photos and videos of any existing damage on the motorbike to help you avoid disputes when returning it.
Our First Day in Ho Chi Minh City Traffic
Our journey began in the city center of Ho Chi Minh City, where we rented our first motorbike and plunged into the bustling streets.
We had heard stories about the chaotic traffic but experiencing it first-hand was another matter entirely. The sheer volume of motorbikes was intimidating, and we quickly realized that driving in Vietnam requires full attention and adaptability. As we merged into traffic, we felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The key was to stay calm and go with the flow. We followed the locals' lead, which helped us navigate the seemingly chaotic environment.
By the end of the first day, we had a better grasp of how to maneuver through the traffic. It was exhausting but exhilarating, and we felt a growing sense of confidence.
Challenges of Riding in Ho Chi Minh City
We soon discovered numerous challenges along the way. Riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City comes with its own set of adventures, beyond the traffic itself.
Flooding During Rain
Ho Chi Minh City is, apparently, notorious for flooding when heavy rain hits. When the rain hit, we soon discovered this and let me tell you, navigating flooded streets was a daunting task. We had to be cautious of submerged potholes and ensure our engines didn’t stall in deeper waters. Riding slowly and following larger vehicles through the floods helped us find the safest path.
Did you know Motorbike Repair Shops are super busy when flooding happens? A lot of the 7.6 million motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh break down due to excessive water.
Unclear Signs and Directions
Street signs in Ho Chi Minh City were sometimes unclear or even obscured. This made navigation challenging, especially in less familiar areas. We often relied on GPS, and were happy that our Motorbike had a phone holder which made navigating a lot easier.
TIP: Ask the rental shop if they have phone holders for your Motorbike. It will make navigating a lot easier.
Parking Difficulties
Finding parking for motorbikes in the city was another hurdle. Many places had designated parking areas, but they were often full or difficult to locate. Street parking came with the risk of fines or theft. We learned to use secure parking lots in shopping centers and to lock our bikes securely to prevent theft.
TIP: Always park your Motorbike at secure parking lots. It may cost you a small fee, but with Motorbikes being stolen often in Ho Chi Minh, it's worth it.
Adjusting to the Flow
Over the next few days, we began to adjust to the rhythm of Vietnamese traffic. During this period, we came to understand the (unwritten) rules of the road and we embraced the chaotic way of the Vietnamese.
Learning to Read the Traffic
We soon learned to anticipate the movements of other vehicles. The key was to watch and learn from the locals. Vietnamese riders have an innate ability to anticipate each other's movements. By observing how they navigated through intersections, merged into traffic, and made turns, we started to understand the flow.
TIP: Watch and learn from the locals.
Making eye contact with other drivers became a vital part of this process. It was like a silent agreement, acknowledging each other's presence and intentions.
Embracing the Horn Culture
In Vietnam, the horn is used not out of anger but as a friendly reminder of one's presence. We quickly adopted this practice, using our horns to signal our approach and navigate through tight spaces.
We quickly learned to embrace this horn culture. A short beep when overtaking, approaching an intersection, or navigating a tight spot became second nature. It’s all about communication—letting others know you're there, especially in blind spots or busy areas. This practice significantly improved our confidence and safety on the road.
Finding Confidence on the Road
With each passing day, our confidence grew. We became more comfortable with the traffic flow and started to enjoy the ride. The initial fear gave way to a sense of adventure and freedom.
We learned that hesitation could be more dangerous than making a bold move. Once you decide to turn, merge, or overtake, do it decisively. Vietnamese drivers are used to a fluid style of driving, and they expect others to move with a certain level of assertiveness. Over time, we became more comfortable with this dynamic, fluid style of riding, blending in with the local traffic flow.
TIP: Once you decide to turn, merge, or overtake, do it decisively.
Handling Intersections and Roundabouts
Intersections and roundabouts in Saigon can be daunting. Unlike in many Western cities where strict rules are followed, in Ho Chi Minh City, it's more about blending in and moving with the flow.
We discovered that the best approach was to move slowly and steadily, making our intentions clear through body language and eye contact. Entering a roundabout or crossing an intersection is less about having the right of way and more about negotiating space with other drivers. This cooperative style of driving, although seemingly chaotic, works surprisingly well once you get the hang of it.
Conclusion
Adjusting to the flow of traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is a process that involves observation, adaptation, and a bit of courage. By learning to read the traffic, embracing the horn culture, and building our confidence, we were able to navigate the streets of Saigon with greater ease. Our experience on the motorbike not only improved our riding skills but also gave us a deeper appreciation for the unique rhythm and culture of this vibrant city.
If you liked this article, there is much more to be found on the Travel Blog page. And there's more: on the Travel Apps page you can explore reviews on the latest Apps for traveling. Go check it out and be safe out there!
Essential Safety Tips
We would like to end this article with some basic, yet essential safety tips. Safety should always be your top priority when riding a motorbike in Vietnam.
1. Think twice about driving in Ho Chi Minh City
If you're not used to driving in heavy traffic or you're not used to driving a motorbike at all, think twice. Although there are some kind of unwritten traffic rules in place, it is still a dangerous undertaking. With Grab and Grab Bike available for next to nothing, seriously weigh your options. By the way; my review of the Grab App can be found here.
2. Staying Visible and Predictable
Wear bright clothing and use reflective gear to increase your visibility. Make your movements predictable by signaling turns and avoiding sudden stops. Sometimes, when you almost miss your exit, it's better to take a small detour instead of trying to make a sudden move.
3. Understanding Road Conditions
Vietnamese roads can be unpredictable, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and unexpected obstacles. Always keep an eye on the road ahead and ride at a speed that allows you to react to sudden changes.
4. Respect and Etiquette on the Road
Show respect to other drivers by being courteous and patient. Yield to larger vehicles and give way to pedestrians. Understanding and adhering to these unwritten rules will make your experience more pleasant.
5. The Unwritten Rules of Vietnamese Traffic
There are many unwritten rules that you’ll pick up on the go. For instance, merging into traffic requires a steady pace and confidence, while stopping abruptly is frowned upon. These nuances add to the unique charm of riding in Vietnam.
Comments