I retired from America to Vietnam and was shocked by the honking

My nephew-in-law, a professional driver, would weave through traffic while blasting his horn as if it were second nature. When I suggested he take his time, he simply smiled and remarked, "In Vietnam, you can't drive without honking."

Reading about the widespread frustration over excessive honking in Vietnam, I can certainly relate. From my perspective, many drivers here seem to rely on their horns far more than necessary. It often stems less from traffic demands and more from a lack of self-control behind the wheel.

Heavy flow of traffic in HCMC, January, 2025. Photo by VnExpress

During my four decades of driving in the U.S., I rarely heard car horns. Honking was considered impolite—at times even aggressive—and overusing it could lead to serious confrontations. Whenever I did hear a horn, it was usually a gentle reminder to a distracted driver, or a warning about an immediate hazard. Most drivers signaled their intentions with headlights instead of blasting their horns.

Now, after six years in Vietnam, I've grown accustomed to hearing a cacophony of horns every day, from soft beeps to alarming blasts. Many drivers seem to use their horns to force others aside or demand priority at intersections, even when traffic signals clearly indicate who should yield.

Despite my nephew-in-law's warnings about getting stuck in traffic without honking, I've managed just fine. Whether I'm heading out to visit friends, shop, or run errands, I drive calmly and avoid unnecessary horn use—just as I did in the U.S. So far, it hasn't caused me any inconvenience.

Ultimately, I believe constant honking isn't necessary, whether in Vietnam or elsewhere. Civility on the road means staying mindful and respectful, which goes a long way toward creating a safer and more pleasant driving experience for everyone.