Home » Travel Guider » Vietnam Travel » Experiencing the chaotic traffic of Hanoi during tours

Experiencing the chaotic traffic of Hanoi during tours

Tourists know Hanoi for many famous attractions and a thousand-year history of civilization. The capital Hanoi is increasingly developing, attracting workers from regions across the country and tourists from domestic to international. Therefore, chaotic traffic in Hanoi is happening every day. In this article, visitors can learn about this condition in advance to get better adaptation when coming here.

Cause of chaotic traffic in Hanoi

Chaotic traffic

Chaotic traffic

Chaotic traffic in Hanoi is determined by many different reasons. Hanoi is a large city and its capital, so it is impossible not to mention the attraction of workers from other provinces and suburban areas. The Hanoi People’s Committee also gave the main causes leading to this situation.

Firstly, because the number of vehicles is increasing rapidly, the traffic infrastructure cannot keep up, leading to overload. Specifically, the number of road vehicles as of October 2023 is about 1.1 million cars and about 6.8 million motorbikes, not including about 1.2 million vehicles from the provinces and cities. Other cities participate in traffic in the area.

Second, the cause of chaotic traffic is also due to lack of synchronous investment, incomplete ring roads, missing bridges across the Red River,… Hanoi plans 7 ring roads with a total length of 285 km. There are 5 main belt routes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and 2 support belt routes (2.5 and 3.5).

However, belt 5 has not yet been deployed; Belt 4 is under construction and expected to be completed in 2027; Belt 3.5 has not been completed along the entire route due to difficulties in site clearance; Belt 3 is still unopened in the North; Belt 2.5 has just been built in some sections; Belt 2 has not been fully deployed yet, …

Third, many construction projects narrow the cross-section of roads, leading to traffic congestion. Statistics show that there are 38 narrowed routes, typically the Nhon – Hanoi station urban railway project, Thanh Nien – An Duong intersection overpass phase 2 on Au Co – Xuan Dieu road, and the Kim Dong underground tunnel,…

Fourth, the cause of congestion on radial roads and major bridges is due to the density of vehicles participating in traffic exceeding the design. This leads to just one collision or accident leading to congestion.

Furthermore, the awareness of a part of the people when participating in traffic is not high and they have not properly followed road laws, leading to chaotic traffic conditions. The Department of Transport believes that in addition to propaganda to raise traffic awareness, it is necessary to add cameras to increase fines for violations.

The most chaotic traffic time of the day in Hanoi

The time of traffic jam

The time of traffic jam

According to the Ministry of Transport, the two most serious chaotic traffic hours in Hanoi are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is the congested time frame for going to work and leaving work every day.

Traffic congestion in Hanoi in the morning, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., is the time when most people go to the streets to go to work and school.

The sudden increase in the number of vehicles during this time frame causes many main roads such as Nguyen Trai Street, Giai Phong Street and Lang Street to often be stuck. A series of cars and motorbikes are crowded together, making it difficult to move and easily leading to collisions and traffic accidents.

Traffic congestion in Hanoi in the evening, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the congestion continues to reoccur when people begin to leave work.

Roads such as Tay Son Street, Truong Chinh Street and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake become crowded. Increased traffic volume combined with complex intersections makes travel difficult and time-consuming.

During these two hours, the chaotic traffic situation will be more serious when it rains. Heavy rain makes traffic movement more difficult and slippery, so travel speed often slows down. Furthermore, heavy rain leads to flooding and congestion in heavily trafficked areas.

Suggestions when chaotic traffic crossing the street in Hanoi during chaotic traffic

Crossing the street in Hanoi

Crossing the street in Hanoi

Tourists need to know some notes to cross the road and move safely during the trip. While changing direction, drivers and operators of special-use motorbikes must yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists traveling on their reserved roads, give way to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction and point Allow the vehicle to change direction when it is observed that it does not cause an obstacle or danger to other people and vehicles.

In residential areas, drivers and operators of specialized motorbikes are only allowed to make U-turns at intersections and where there are signs allowing U-turns. Note, vehicle drivers are not allowed to make U-turns on the following roads according to Road Traffic Law:

  • Part of the road for pedestrians to cross the street
  • On bridges, bridgeheads, under overpasses, underground, in road tunnels
  • Freeway
  • Where the road intersects at the same level as the railway
  • Narrow roads, steep roads, and curved roads obscure visibility.

Motorcyclists crossing the road need to slow down, turn on turn signals and observe vehicles in the same or opposite direction. When ensuring a safe distance from other vehicles, control the vehicle to cross the road.

Crossing the street is difficult because of the high density of vehicles in the inner city and chaotic traffic. In the suburbs, the roads are more open but the vehicles move at high speed. Therefore, vehicle owners can apply a number of ways to cross the road when riding a motorbike to ensure safety when crossing the road.

In addition, vehicle drivers in chaotic traffic should turn on their turn signals 10 – 15 meters before the point where they need to cross the road, observe the vehicle behind and slowly move the vehicle to the left lane. Observe vehicles going in the opposite direction. If there are none or the vehicle is still far away, the vehicle owner can steer the vehicle across the road.

Besides, pursuant to Article 32 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, pedestrians need to pay attention to the rules when participating in traffic. In particular, the following should be noted:

  • Pedestrians must walk on sidewalks and sidewalks; In case the road does not have sidewalks or sidewalks, pedestrians must walk close to the edge of the road.
  • Pedestrians can only cross the street at places with signal lights, road markings or overpasses or pedestrian tunnels and must comply with the instructions.
  • In cases where there are no signal lights, no road markings, overpasses, or pedestrian tunnels, pedestrians must observe oncoming vehicles, only cross the street when ensuring safety, and are responsible for ensuring safety. ensure safety when crossing the road.
  • Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the median strip or cling to moving vehicles; When carrying bulky objects, it must be safe and not cause obstacles to people and vehicles participating in road traffic.
  • Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult when crossing urban roads or roads frequently visited by motor vehicles; Everyone is responsible for helping children under 7 years old when crossing the street.

Directions to solve chaotic traffic situation in Hanoi

Solution

Solution

When the public transportation network and system are well developed, people will limit their use of personal vehicles and switch to public transportation. To increase the attractiveness of public passenger transport, it is necessary to prioritize public transport vehicles with large capacity and limit personal vehicles. This is the key solution to reduce traffic congestion.

Urban transport experts said that Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi still only have a few urban railways and metro lines and lack connectivity, while buses still do not meet the number when personal vehicles are limited. It is known that currently only over 10% of people in Hanoi use public transportation.

It is necessary to combine the implementation of other solutions such as adding static traffic, adding roads, adding flyovers, elevated railways, moving many schools away from the center, and developing modern satellite urban areas. Optimize traffic management,… to minimize chaotic traffic.

In particular, while waiting for the optimal solution to combat congestion, authorities need to increase propaganda so that traffic participants comply with current laws. Only then can we effectively solve the problem of traffic congestion.

Before implementing solutions to adjust and organize traffic, it is necessary to research and analyze the traffic flow on the route to come up with appropriate solutions. It is necessary to promote the application of technology in managing people’s travel needs to regulate travel needs in a reasonable manner. This could be arranging traffic signals according to the light cycle based on traffic demand, installing traffic speed sensors, measuring vehicle flow, etc. to regulate traffic appropriately.

In addition, monitoring and forecasting residents’ travel needs also helps urban authorities have solutions to gradually adjust and reallocate traffic needs through satellite urban development strategies and planning build. In the long term, the solution of developing a public transportation system based on scientific planning is still the core measure to limit personal vehicles and reduce chaotic traffic.

Conclusion

Above is information about chaotic traffic in Hanoi that visitors may experience. Hopefully tourists can soon adapt and have a fun, safe and enjoyable trip with the pace of life in Hanoi. Don’t forget to follow Impress travel’s Website and Facebook to update the latest information about Hanoi tourism and book tours at the best prices!

Amazing Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh: 5 days

Genesis cruises halong bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong islet
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong Bay

We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.

 Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)

  • Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
  • Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
  • Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
  • Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
  • Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
  • Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi

Day 02

HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)

  • Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
  • 7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
  • 8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
  • 10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
  • 11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
  • Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
  • 1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
  • 15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
  • 4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
  • 18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
  • Have dinner is available on your request.
  • Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.

Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish

Day 03

HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)

  • Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
  • 07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
  • You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
  • 12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
  • Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
  • Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
  • 15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
  • 16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
  • 17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
  • 17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)

Day 04

HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)

  • Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
  • 07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
  • 08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
  • 09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
  • 10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
  • 10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
  • 11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
  • 12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
  • About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
  • Dinner is available on your request.
  • Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city

Day 05

HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)

  • Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
  • The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!

What’s included in this trip :

  • A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
  • A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
  • Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
  • 2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
  • Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
  • English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
  • Entrance fees
  • Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
  • All international and domestic flights
  • Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport taxes
  • All meals not mentioned
  • Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
  • Other personal expenses not mentioned.

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM  SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 3-star Hotels

Adamas Deluxe City 

ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

3-star Halong  Bay Cruises

Swan Cruise Deluxe

SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/


4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi  4-star Hotels

The light deluxe with window

THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/

4-star Halong Bay Cruises

Sealife Suite Canbin

HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: www.sealifegroup.com

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi 5-star hotels

Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel

 APRICOT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch

5-star Halong bay Cruises

Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret

MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: https://margaretcruises.com

 

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE

    TOP FIVE

    PACKAGE TOURS

    IN Hanoi
    Hanoi

    Discovery

    All the latest breaking news & travel information on Hanoi travel. Browse The Independent’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Hanoi travel: Hanoi attractions, travel news, gallery, culture, history and tips.

    Voi Phuc Temple

    To visit ancient Voi Phuc Temple plus religion of Hanoi Tours

    Voi Phuc Temple is a temple in Thang Long four towns of Thang Long citadel (now Hanoi), guarding the west of the citadel. Outside the temple door, there are two…

    Family hotel package tours in Hanoi

    Discover family hotel package tours in Hanoi. Enjoy comfortable stays, guided tours, and fun activities for all ages
    Dao Xa musical instrument handicraft

    Dao Xa musical instrument handicrafts in Hanoi: Tours, Guide

    About 50km from the center of Hanoi, there is a small village located on the last piece of land of the city, famous for making ethnic musical instruments with a…
    Where to drink in Hanoi

    Where to drink in Hanoi? Tours & Places

    Join an adventure that will unearth the most excellent places to drink in Hanoi, all costs included, making every sip a lifetime drink.