Right-Hand Traffic in Vietnam: A Cyclist Refresher

Under Vietnam’s road traffic order, vehicles keep to the right side of the roadway (Article 10 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety). This is the same general rule as the United States, mainland Europe, and most of ASEAN — not British or Australian left-hand driving. Cyclists must ride with that flow on paved connectors; dyke crests and village alleys add local nuance but never reverse national direction.

What still confuses visitors

Motorbikes may pass closely on your left or right depending on lane width. On guided days the lead rider sets group positioning — you still own shoulder checks before merges from embankment to district lane. Do not assume ‘keep left’ UK habits: stay predictable on the right half of the carriageway unless a guide signals a brief pedestrian-style walk.

• Overtaking traffic usually passes left in wider lanes — check behind before you drift
• Electric scooters are quiet — mirror checks and hand signals matter
• One-way village segments: obey posted direction even if the street looks empty
• Night riding is outside marketed products here — avoid self-hire after dark
• This article is general law context, not a guarantee about any specific dyke or connector