Tips for Driving In Ho Chi Minh City 

Disclaimer* Riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is an incredible experience but comes with challenges. The tips and advice in this blog are based on my years of riding in Saigon’s traffic. However, your safety is ultimately your responsibility. Traffic conditions, local laws, and road hazards can change, and what works for one rider may not work for another. This blog is not a substitute for professional training, legal guidance, or common sense on the road. Ride at your own risk, follow local laws, and prioritize safety. I share these tips to help you navigate the city more confidently, but everyone’s riding experience differs. Stay aware, trust your instincts, and take things at your own pace.

Are you considering driving in Ho Chi Minh City?

While the traffic, chaos, and constant noise can be overwhelming, there’s arguably no more quintessential Vietnam experience than driving a motorbike in Ho Chi Min City. Despite the surface-level disorganization, a beautiful, orchestra-like rhythm somehow works out.

After spending more hours than I care to count sitting on two wheels, snaking my way through Saigon’s busy highways, quiet back streets, and surprisingly active alleyways, I’m here to share my top 15 tips for driving in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re a Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha fan, there’s no shortage of fun to be had while traversing the streets of Saigon. Here are all the “unspoken rules” of the road you’ll need to know to do it safely!

1. You’re Only Responsible For What’s In Front Of You

If there’s one thing you take away from this article, it’s this – REMEMBER YOU’RE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT’S IN FRONT OF YOU (NOT BEHIND YOU)!

It may sound hyperbolic, but understand that this is basically how all motorbike drivers think in Vietnam, and it’s reflected in how the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City flows. For better or worse, rearview mirrors are only just for show.

As such, you should expect other drivers to pull out in front of you, cut you off, and switch lanes without warning. Don’t let it upset you. Most, if not all, drivers are seriously only concerned with what’s visible in front of them. Often, they won’t even look back before barreling out into traffic. They’re not trying to be jerks; it’s just the rules of the road here in HCMC!

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Keep your eyes glued on what’s in front of you (which includes your periphery). Check your mirrors periodically, especially when changing lanes or entering intersections. However, nearly all your focus should be on what’s going in your forward line of sight. And don’t forget – that’s what other drivers will do, too!

2. Expect Motorbikes To Be Driving The Wrong Way 

Though technically not legal, it’s perfectly acceptable for motorbikes to drive into oncoming traffic in many instances.

Typically, this behavior occurs on Saigon’s larger roads, primarily those with a barrier in the middle. Because of that barrier, many risk-tolerant drivers seeking faster access to a side street, home, or place of business will turn onto the wrong side of the road and take a “shortcut” to their destination rather than driving further, making a legal U-turn and driving on the proper side.

Of course, at first, this may be horrifying or at least slightly offputting to our orderly Western sensibilities. However, it’s commonplace in Vietnam and even more prevalent in Ho Chi Minh City. In nearly all cases, these wrong-way drivers will move slowly and stay on the far right-hand side of the road.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: You will encounter motorbikes driving on the wrong side of the road. Just know they could be there and prepare to give them space. These drivers generally know they’re “in the wrong” and move cautiously, so it shouldn’t be a significant issue as long as you’re expecting them (which everyone does).

3. Don’t Ride Too Close To The Curb / Sidewalk 

If you spend time in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll probably notice that the term “sidewalk” is merely a suggestion.

In Vietnam’s most cosmopolitan city, “sidewalks” function more like parking lots/markets/cafes than pedestrian walkways. With that, you’ll see all matters of activity taking place just an arm’s length away from speeding traffic. People, motorbikes, animals, trucks, and other mobile entities will suddenly dart into the street without warning.

You’ll want to keep your distance from the curb/sidewalk. The ugly truth is that the space near the sidewalk is where most accidents take place on Ho Chi Minh City’s streets. I’ve personally seen it happen numerous times. For this reason, I usually keep at least a bike’s length (perhaps a meter or two) away from the curb unless I’m turning.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Stay toward the middle of your lane. This will allow faster-traveling motorbikes to pass you on the left and the chaos of the sidewalk to take place off to your right. Maintaining lane control (driving in the center of your lane) gives you more space to react to any unexpected movement on your periphery.

4. Go With The Flow & Stay With The Pack 

Have you ever heard of the concept of a “hive mind”? This idea – that a group of individuals can share a collective thought process (like a flock of birds) applies to Ho Chi Minh City traffic.

You may witness “herds’ of motorbikes, ten to twenty in number, moving elegantly around obstructions, weaving adeptly through dodgy intersections, and stopping en masse for larger vehicles entering the roadway. Read their movements and go with them. Be like water! After all, there is safety in numbers, and sticking with the pack can help keep you in one piece.

And in all seriousness, a large “pack” of motorbikes really does receive instant credibility on the streets of Saigon. Large trucks allow you to pass, buses stop and wait, and other groups of motorbikes grant a wide berth. Following and sticking close to seasoned Saigon drivers also lets you see how the locals do it. Plenty of invaluable lessons can be learned from these intrepid motorbike warriors!

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Staying with the “pack” and following its lead, rather than racing off like a lone wolf, can help you safely navigate Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll notice that other forms of traffic respect large groups of motorbikes, making them far less likely to cut you off. On top of that, other motorbikes can warn you of trouble ahead. You’ll know it’s time to slow down when you see their brake lights go on.

5. Use Your Horn (It’s Not Rude) 

Though the incessant blaring of honking horns can be annoying, know that your horn is a vital tool you should wield when driving your motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City.

Here, the honking horn is certainly not seen as rude. On the contrary, it’s a respectful way to say, “Hey! I’m approaching you. I am here.” Rather than being something done out of anger, in Vietnam, beeping your horn is simply an effective way to declare your presence, something that’s done for safety reasons and seen as a courtesy.

This being the case, feel free to use your horn early and often! Tell cars not to pull out in front of you, let other motorbikes know that you will be passing, and signal to pedestrians that you are coming into their personal space. Locals will not see this as offensive in the slightest. In fact, they’ll probably appreciate that you’re giving them a heads-up!

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Use your horn whenever someone may not see you or be unaware that you are near them. The sound of the horn instantly grabs other people’s attention and alerts them to things they may not have noticed otherwise. Don’t forget – honking your horn will help you stay safe!

6. Bigger Vehicles Are Always, Always, Always  Right 

While the old phrase “might makes right” may not apply to every situation in life, it’s undoubtedly applicable to driving in Saigon.

On the blackened asphalt river in the concrete jungle of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s understood that more oversized vehicles are always right. Even though motorbikes dominate in numbers, motorbike drivers know they must heed the movements of cars, buses, and trucks.

In other words, you should expect the larger automobiles (primarily buses and trucks) to pull out in front of you, cut you off, and pass you without too much warning. These vehicles threaten your health and wellness far more than other motorbikes. So, no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing in Ho Chi Minh City, remember bigger vehicles are always right!

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Keep your distance from cars, buses, and trucks. Generally, they drive okay but never forget that they’re the “bosses” of the urban landscape and behave as such. You’ll want to stay away from them and slow down when you see them creeping into your path from a side street.

7. Watch For Wild Intersections & Roundabouts  

There’s no way around it – Ho Chi Mih City is full of wild intersections and roundabouts (or rotaries, as we New Englanders call them. Go Patriots!).

You’ll soon discover that many of these road junctions have no traffic lights, stop signs, or directional markings of any kind. The good news is that it’s quite possible and relatively easy to maneuver your way across these apparent death traps once you get the hang of it.

Enter the intersection slowly. Be sure to use your turn signals. If you have a passenger, ask them to use their hands as additional turn signals (the left hand indicates you’re moving to the left, and the right hand indicates you’re moving to the right, an open palm pointed down and moving slowly up and down signals the bikes behind you to slow down). Then, slowly work your motorbike in the direction you want to go.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: When entering an intersection with no light, slow down, look both ways, and honk your horn. When entering a roundabout, signal right if you want to get off the first exit and signal left for any exit afterward. Move slowly and deliberately in the direction you want to go. Use other bikes and cars as shields to block oncoming traffic (stay “inside” of them – position yourself on the opposite side of oncoming traffic).

8. Keep An Eye Out For Flash Flooding (During The Rainy Season) 

Are you familiar with the seasons in Saigon? During the rainy season (May-November), flash flooding can hamper motorbike movement in some parts of the city.

Heavy rainfall can come seemingly out of nowhere. Much of Ho Chi Minh City lacks modern drainage infrastructure. So, when it rains, it pours. Many streets flood, often as high as the average person’s knees, making motorbike driving impossible or at least difficult.

If you notice an ominous sky and see other motorbike drivers pulling off to throw on their rain coverings, know that heavy rainfall will likely come at any minute. While the entire city is unlikely to see significant flooding, flash flooding can occur in many sections of town, including tourist hotspots like District 1 and Thao Dien.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Expect heavy rainfall and some flooding during the rainy season. Typically, rain occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, though it won’t always lead to flooding. To protect yourself, carry sandals or flip-flops you can throw on (to keep your shoes dry) and a good poncho (to keep you and your possessions dry). If you have time, just pull over and let the storm pass in a cafe. Heavy rainfall only lasts an hour or two, and flood waters recede soon thereafter.

9. Avoid Manhole & Drain Covers (Potholes, too!) 

The most substantial hazards you’ll regularly face while driving a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City will be the manhole covers, drain covers, and potholes.

Spread randomly across many of Saigon’s asphalt rivers, these “landmines” can throw even the best motorbike drivers for a loop. It can even be downright dangerous when you’re not expecting the sudden, jarring jostling these stumbling blocks can cause.

Unfortunately, in many parts of Ho Chi Minh City, manhole and drain covers can rise several centimeters above the road’s surface, and potholes can be as much as half a meter deep. If you’re not paying attention to the surface (keeping your eyes on the road), it can rattle your bones or, worse yet, cause you to crash.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Pay attention to the road’s surface. Some manholes and drain covers become dislodged, creating significant obstructions. Large potholes can also form and create serious issues. Often, locals mark large potholes with tree branches, spare furniture, pieces of wood, or other attention-grabbing items. If you see these, steer around them. They’re most common on smaller side streets but can also occur on major thoroughfares.

10. Stay Out Of Blind Spots (Especially For Buses & Trucks) 

Large motor vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and SUVs, have what are known in the biz as “blind spots” – areas where a driver can’t see.

You can avoid those blind spots by not riding too close to these oversized vehicles. As a general rule of thumb, if you can’t see a large vehicle’s rearview mirrors, you’re in their blind spot, and they won’t be able to see you.

Sadly, many of the unnecessary tragedies that take place on Ho Chi Minh City’s streets, especially on truck-heavy roads like those near the port of Saigon, happen because of motorbikes riding in the blind spots of larger vehicles, which may change lanes abruptly.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Avoid driving in the vicinity of trucks, buses, and SUVs for too long. If you are too close and don’t want to pass, slow down and fall back. If you’d like to speed up and pass, do it quickly to lessen the chances of drivers not seeing you.

11. Wear Eye Protection & Mouth Covering

Before venturing onto the streets of Saigon, it’s always a good idea to check the air quality conditions.

Air pollution can be pretty bad on many days, especially during the dry season. Therefore, wearing a mouth covering, like an N95, KN95, or FFP2 mask is best. However, even a basic surgical mask should help some. I typically wear a basic surgical mask underneath a gaiter.

In addition to a mouth covering, eye protection is a good idea. Many of Ho Chi Minh City’s roads are pretty dusty, and it’s not uncommon for microscopic debris to get kicked up into your eyes. Wear sunglasses, goggles, or a full-face helmet with a shield to stay safe.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: I’d recommend using both eye protection and a mouth covering. However, eye protection is likely more important, as a sudden watery eye can be an immediate danger while driving. On the other hand, air pollution tends to stoke problems down the road. You’ll find that many novice Saigon motorbike drivers complain of sore throats, which can be mitigated by a mouth covering.

12. Carry Small Denominations Of Cash For Gas & Parking

Want to get rid of those little five thousand and ten thousand VND (Vietnamese Dong) notes burning a hole in your pocket? Save them for gas and parking!

Most gas stations and parking lots in Ho Chi Minh City do not accept debit or credit cards. They prefer cold hard cash, and when you don’t have it, you may be told to find it or scram, which can be a massive inconvenience, especially when you’re leaving the Vincom Mega Mall just seconds before closing! That’s another story for another time.

But if you don’t have small bills, don’t panic! Gas station attendants nearly always have change for larger bills. However, parking lot attendants may not. If you try to give them a five hundred thousand VND note for an eight thousand VND bill, they may refuse to take it because they’re typically dealing with tiny denominations all day, and they don’t want to count out ninety-eight notes to tender your change.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Keep small bills for gas and parking. When you pull up to a gas station, park next to the pump, and signal to the attendant how much gas you want by flashing your fingers (one finger = ten thousand VND, two fingers = twenty thousand VND, etc.) I usually pay about fifty thousand VND to fill up my tank. When exiting a parking lot, hand the attendant the card he gave you on the way in, and he’ll tell you what you owe. Parking is usually cheap in Ho Chi Minh City (less than a dollar daily). You can spend your one, two, and five thousand dong notes here.

13. Hold Onto Your Blue Card

If you buy or rent a motorbike in Vietnam, ensure you possess the vaunted blue card (official registration document).

Every motorbike in Vietnam is identifiable by its blue card. This critical piece of paper contains information on the owner, make, model, registration, and even the engine of each one of the seventy-seven million motorbikes in Vietnam. If you get stopped by the police, get into a fender bender, or somehow misplace your motorbike, your blue card will come in handy.

Losing your blue card can lead to issues with legal entities, sizable fines (if you rent), and an inability to sell your motorbike (if you buy). I lost my blue card on my first trip around Vietnam (while renting a motorbike), which was a BIG issue. Nowadays, I keep it stored safely on my body whenever I drive anywhere and safe at home when I’m not riding.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: You must have a blue card for your motorbike. If you don’t, it could lead to problems or even allegations of theft. I recommend keeping your blue card safe in a waterproof pouch and carrying it while riding your motorbike. If you happen to have some problems on the road, you’ll need it.

14. Never Consume Alcohol Before Driving 

Of course, it should go without saying that driving under the influence of alcohol is not a good idea. However, know that in Vietnam, there is a zero-tolerance policy.

In recent years, Vietnam has taken a strong stance against drunk driving. In fact, now it’s illegal to have any alcohol in your system at all while operating a motor vehicle. That’s right; if you have a blood alcohol content over 0.0, you could face heavy fines, repossession of your motorbike, or other penalties.

Police randomly set up checkpoints looking for drunk drivers around Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re stopped, you’ll be asked to perform a breathalyzer. I’ve never personally had this happen, but I’ve heard of foreigners being pulled over and tested, especially around Bui Vien Street and other popular nightlife areas. If you’re going out for drinks in Saigon, check out our blog on how to get around Ho Chi Minh City like a local, where we provide insider tips on moving around Saigon safely.

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: We’d advise against driving in Ho Chi Minh City after even one or two beers. You’re better off taking the bus, riding the new metro, or using a rideshare app like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM. We regularly use rideshare apps to get chauffeured around Saigon. Check out our comprehensive guide on travel apps to learn more about the apps you need when visiting Vietnam.

15. Be Confident & More Importantly Decisive 

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City moves to the beat of its own drum. What appears to be pure chaos is actually an intricate web of unspoken rules that keeps everyone moving forward safely.

To fit in, stay safe, and avoid problems, you must be confident and drive decisively. Avoid sudden stops. If you miss a turn, keep going and circle back down the road later on. If you have a tight turn, commit to your movement and go for it. Other drivers expect you to move smoothly and drive as such.

If you make a mistake, don’t panic. Remember the rules of the road In Ho Chi Minh City and continue moving confidently. In time, you’ll come to fully understand the beautiful rhythm of driving in Saigon and be the master of your motorbike universe!

Tip for driving in Ho Chi Minh City: Motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City rarely come to complete stops at intersections. Traffic lights are sometimes ignored, and drivers regularly drive the wrong way. Don’t let it bother you. Drive confident, don’t stop suddenly, signal when you’re turning, make your turns decisively, and hold your line. Stick to these rules, and you should be fine!

Should You Go Driving In Ho Chi Minh City?

Driving in Ho Chi Minh City can seem intimidating to even the most experienced motorbike musketeers. However, once you learn how traffic works here, it can be incredibly rewarding, not to mention fun and convenient.

So, if you’re considering driving a motorbike in Ho Chi Min City, we say do it! Just follow these “unspoken rules” and move at your own pace.

Do you have any other tips for driving in Ho Chi Min City? Let us know in the comments below.