Buzz
Those involved in traffic are no different from professional racers with driving skills matching those of characters in the 'Fast & Furious' series.
American tourist unveils the 'golden trick' for crossing the streets during the Hanoi journey
Renowned journalist Llewellyn King – the founder and host of the White House Chronicles aired nationwide on PBS in the US – penned down his sentiments during his visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, in the last days of 2014.
Similar to many other Western travelers when visiting the capital of Vietnam, Llewellyn King paid little attention to the bustling main streets or the French colonial structures. Not even the renowned pottery street or culinary delights could entice this discerning guest. What struck him the most was Vietnam's traffic.
Observing the street movement, the American journalist likened it to ant colonies, bustling and disorderly. “The only rule that most people seem to adhere to is to stay on the right side of the road. Everything else is... spontaneous,” shared the founder and host of the White House Chronicles.
Not only King, many first-time visitors to Vietnam lack the confidence to drive themselves into the traffic flow on the streets. “If you want to cross the road, gather all your courage and pray. Then, step straight into the moving crowd. Hanoi drivers will avoid you,” revealed the American journalist's 'secret' to crossing the streets in Vietnam.
“I sat in the back seat of a taxi and observed everything. I was sure there would be bloodshed because everyone was driving on the road with a determination you only see in Nascar racers, fast, dangerous speed. If you were to describe it with music, it would surely resemble the New World Symphony (a masterpiece by Antonin Dvorak with fast, intense, and powerful rhythms),” King added humorously.
A foreign tourist, after reading Llewellyn King's article, also shared a lovely memory when mentioning traffic in Vietnam: “Mr. King, I think when you come to Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find traffic even more congested. I've been to Vietnam 10 times and I still feel scared every time I cross the street. Once, an old man held my hand, guided me across the street, and even laughed with me. Such a polite and lovely person.”
Describing Vietnam's traffic, King believes it's “one of the wonders of the world”, resembling a ballet performance where millions of people control vehicles. He was impressed by the flow of people on the streets, the way they skillfully maneuver through crowded roads. Llewellyn King estimates that about 3 million motorbikes are in circulation every day, calling it a “motorbike river” – a constant flowing stream.
He also noticed that bicycles have nearly disappeared from the capital's streets, although 20 years ago when he first came to Vietnam, they were the main means of transportation for the people.
Source: Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 2, 2015
