| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dense stream of scooters | Spot the gaps, step out, keep a constant speed |
| Bus, truck, car | Let them pass first |
| Crosswalk or light | Use it, but do not expect bikes to stop |
| Group | Cross shoulder to shoulder, not in single file |
| Hesitation mid-street | Stop dead, do not step back |
The method in four steps
- Watch for a few seconds: a wall of scooters seen from the curb nearly always has gaps.
- Make eye contact with nearby riders, then step out without hesitation.
- Keep the same speed and never run.
- If a local crosses at the same spot, stay right beside them.
Hanoi's sidewalks
In the Old Quarter (Hang Bac and Hang Gai streets), sidewalks double as scooter parking, café seating and market stalls, so you often walk in the roadway with the traffic. Horns here mean "I'm here", not "get out of the way". The Hang Dao night market, Friday to Sunday evenings, is pedestrian-only and a gentle place to practise.
Easing in
A guided walk on day one lets you practise with a local: see the Hanoi landmarks and history walking tour. Also read scams and safety in Hanoi and Hanoi in one day.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team
