What happens at a red light in Vietnam might surprise you

Editor’s note: This piece was written by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reader Huynh Dao, following a viral social media video showing a woman picking vegetables while waiting at a red light at an intersection. The moment opens up a broader reflection on what people choose to do in those few seconds of waiting in Vietnam's urban areas. It has been translated and edited by Tuoi Tre News.

Every day, you stop at red lights multiple times at intersections. What do you do in those moments? Have you ever wondered what the people standing next to you are doing or thinking during those few seconds?

A video circulating on social media shows a woman making use of the wait by picking vegetables while stopping at a red light. At a busy intersection, under the sun, she stands in a black jacket, wearing a mask and glasses, her hands moving quickly as she preps greens, seemingly unconcerned about those around her.

The person who posted the clip joked that if every red light lasted five minutes, she might have a full plate of stir-fried vegetables ready by the time she got home.

The video drew a wave of reactions, many expressing a mix of admiration and sympathy.

Some praised her for making the most of her time.

“She’s probably very busy, with limited time but still has to take care of the house, children, and meals before heading to work in the afternoon. Maybe she’s always thinking about the people she loves,” one comment read.

Another said women like her probably wish the day had more than 24 hours to get everything done.

Many others left compliments such as: “You can tell she works really hard,” “I truly admire her, she must be an amazing person,” “A perfect 10,” and “She deserves to be the happiest woman.”

However, some expressed concern that picking vegetables at an intersection could pose traffic safety risks.

“Focus on driving when you’re on the road,” one person commented. “You don’t have to make use of every single second.”

Others quickly responded: “She’s only doing it while pulling over, not while riding, so it’s not unsafe.”

Some commenters, identifying themselves as men, said the video helped them better understand and sympathize with women, noting that some people come home and relax while waiting for meals to be served.

Others added, “If the meal isn’t perfect, don’t be upset with your wife. She has already put her heart into preparing it.”

What do you do in those few seconds?

A dozen or even a few dozen seconds at an intersection is a necessary pause to ensure safety so everyone can reach their destination each day.

Some people use that time in unexpected ways.

“If I have to wait more than 30 seconds, I automatically take out my phone to check messages or quickly scroll through Facebook,” said Nhat, a university student in Ho Chi Minh City. “Just standing there feels boring.”

Meanwhile, Thanh, an office worker, said it is her time to relax after a busy day and the stress of driving.

Vinh, a delivery driver, uses those seconds to listen to podcasts or watch YouTube.

“My job keeps me on the road all day, and I stop at red lights dozens of times. Some last more than a minute, so I try to use that time for entertainment or to pick up some information or knowledge,” Vinh said.

Tri Dang, another office worker, shared an unusual habit. Every time she stops at a red light, she looks at people’s shoes.

“Shoes can tell so many stories about their life,” she said.

“There are muddy shoes of construction workers, high heels of office workers, or someone else in worn-out plastic slippers that are still clean.”

And you, what do you do while waiting at a red light?