Watching people drive in Hanoi is a sight to behold. In some ways it is liberating to not have so many rules, but it can take frustration levels to the brink when you’re forced to expect the unexpected, all the time. Here is my top 10 why reasons you should come to Hanoi and drive a motorbike:

10. You can go wherever you want with your motorbike; sidewalks, streets, alleys, markets, it’s even customary to drive your bike right into your own living room.

9. You can drive against traffic (this includes, but not limited to, roundabouts). Let’s face it, sometimes this just makes life easier.

8. Red lights are completely optional on a motorbike. They are merely a suggestion. Feel free to honk your horn and drive right on through! In fact, most traffic violations are completely forgivable if they’re prefaced by honking your horn.

7. In a traffic jam you can push  and squeeze yourself in between cars and other motorbikes in order to deepen your position within said traffic jam…very effective.

6. You can carry ANYTHING on your motorbike: mattresses, trees, sheets of glass, multiple kegs of bia hoi, dead pigs, alive pigs, three children and your husband…check, check check! It CAN be done.

5. It’s such a great way to catch up with friends! It’s customary to drive alongside your friends (on a narrow road), travel at the same (low) speed and chat about life. No need to worry about clogging traffic. Vietnamese people are very patient.

4. Riding your motorbike provides a great opportunity to read your emails or send those text messages that you hadn’t had time to do earlier. After all, when you can accelerate and brake with one hand what’s the other hand supposed to do?

3. As a foreigner, riding your motorbike during the day is a great and efficient way to work on your suntan. However, as a Vietnamese woman it’s necessary to cover up. Everything. This requires a special riding outfit that involves significant effort each time you venture out: a wraparound ankle-length skirt, a long-sleeved jacket that covers one’s hands and includes a hood, a mouth mask, sunglasses and helmet.

2. IT’S CHEAP! It costs between $3-5 for a full tank of gas. I fill up every two weeks or so.

1. Come to Hanoi and ride a motorbike because absolutely nothing beats the feeling of freedom when you’re driving at nighttime with the warm air in your face, marvelling at the brilliant city lights as they surround you, smelling street food and hearing the sounds of the city. You’re right in it. You’re living it. You feel alive. #RideOn