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In rural areas hitchhiking is easier. Trucks have no problem stopping for you. Using a sign with "Xin Xe" followed by your destination works well. Expect every bus to stop as well, even if you don't have your hand stretched out. Most of the time they will charge, but you may get a free ride. Ask before entering by saying "Miễn Phí?" ("free?"). The Vietnamese can be very generous.
When traveling alone, it's highly suggested you get yourself a helmet, as most of your ride offers will be from scooters, and it's the law to wear a helmet when on a motorized bicycle. Being a foreigner, you may not be bothered by the cops, but the fine is heavy.
There is a substantial problem with police corruption. This is usually no problem for hitchhikers. However your driver may request that you pay the "fine". Drink driving is also common. It is up to the hitcher to use their discretion in these situations. Big trucks have an enforced limit on the number of passengers, drivers can ask you to leave quickly or hide in the cabin if they see a police checkpoint ahead.
You may even try to get a boat ride on the Mekong.
→Speed: repeated information
If you can ride around 50km/hr you can consider it a good average in Vietnam. If you want to visits some places and hitchhike at the same time try to not ride more than 300km a day as the roads are slow and streets are dark at 6pm.
Highway AH1 QL.1 is very busy, getting a ride is easy with a sign and a good spot but riding is slow.
Secondary roads can be quite empty but if you get a car you can go quite fast (like on Ho Chi Minh highway).
On some small roads, you can have to wait a while before seeing any car or truck. An option is then to be light enough to be able to hitchhike with moto.. Unintentionally ending up in cities should be avoided since there are very few trucks in them and very many buses and motorbikes.
== Cities ==
