Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is Vietnam biggest city. With population nearing 7 millions and the number of vehicles to match, roads and streets do get quite a bit crowded.
When Vietnamese motorists get on or in their vehicles, the goal is to stay in motion until reaching their final destinations. There isn’t a single obstacle that I can think of that will make them stop. If their life isn’t threaten, they will find ways to go around, over or under it.
Be observant
Once you've arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, start paying attention the roads and traffic. Like any other city, morning, afternoon and night traffic will be different, try to watch for patterns within the chaos.
Be a target
Ever tried to hit a moving target? It is a lot easier when it moves slow and in a predictable path. This is also true when you are trying to avoid a target. Like it or not, you are a target for Vietnamese drivers. It is best to be calm and keep a steady movement. Do not step backward.
Be water
In Vietnam, traffic is like water, road and street are its river and stream. Always taking whatever form its need to flow. The challenge for you is to enter the flow without causing a disturbance. In other words, be apart of it; "be formless, shapeless -like water."
Additional Resources
Here are tips on how-to cross the street in other parts of the world:
How to Cross the Street Safely | eHow.com
How to cross the street in New York City
Cross the Street in Rome
How to cross the street like a Brazilian
How to Cross the Street in Cairo
How To Cross The Street In India
How to Cross the Street
American Tourist: How to Cross the Street in India and Live to Tell About It
How to cross the street in Guatemala