Biking in Hoi An

The city of Hoi An is really quite lovely.  There is a mix of French and more traditional Vietnamese architecture.  Like many other cities in Vietnam, there is noise and pollution and huge clumps of electrical wires sprouting from poles, but it also is charming and easy to get around.  The traffic is a little less crazy, and there is a vibrant river culture.

A few of our group went out bike riding through the countryside one day and had a chance to get up close to the rice paddies and extensive gardens that feed the population.  It was the first time I’ve ridden without a helmet in many years and felt even more daring given the treacherous traffic conditions.  What I’ve learned, though, is that there are actually a few “rules” – it’s just that they’re the complete opposite of what we’re used to.  

For example, if you want to make a left turn, you merge all the way to the left before reaching the corner.  The on-coming traffic simply moves over.  Then you make your turn hugging the left side of the road until you see an opportunity to work your way back over to the right side.  It’s actually quite brilliant and keeps the traffic moving smoothly. Also, roads that are marked one way only, are only mostly one way.  If it is shorter to get to your destination by going the wrong way on the street, you just do that, and everybody adjusts.  I never hear anybody honking their horn in anger or shaking a fist at some dumb move.  It’s all just part of the flow.  And you never make abrupt movements.  Everyone else is basing their movement on your anticipated trajectory, so just keep moving, no matter how scary it seems. 



 

We had a nice 15 km ride along irrigation canals and little side roads, stopping to take photos of anything that was pretty.  And we all arrived back in one piece, which I count to be a bonus.