Under scorching heat, Ho Chi Minh City’s outdoor workers adapt to survive

Thai Van Son, a 45-year-old ride-hailing motorbike driver, said he has recently stopped working through the noon hours, seeking shade instead as the heat strains both his health and his fuel costs.

"In this weather, it's not just tiring, it also burns more fuel, and there are fewer customers unless it's urgent," he said, adding that he typically resumes work after 2:00 pm.

Other drivers shared similar concerns, including Le Duy Hung, a 65-year-old traditional motorbike taxi driver with three decades of experience, who said the heat worsens his health conditions and makes it difficult to continue working during peak hours.

"I get headaches and can't handle the heat at noon anymore," he said, adding that he often rests on park benches or under trees before returning to work later in the afternoon, sometimes extending his shifts into the early morning hours to make up for lost income.

Across the city, many workers with limited flexibility keep working through the heat, including construction laborers, street vendors, and informal workers who rely on daily earnings.

Phung Thi Men, a 50-year-old street vendor from south-central Quang Ngai Province, begins cooking sticky rice as early as 2:00 am to sell during cooler morning hours near industrial zones, where most of her customers buy food before starting their shifts.

"If I can sell most of it by mid-morning, it's a good day," she said, noting that high temperatures not only reduce foot traffic but also cause food to spoil more quickly.

Despite the heat, some workers cannot afford to avoid midday hours, including Hoang Van Ngoc, a 62-year-old scrap collector, who searches through roadside bins even under harsh sunlight to secure recyclable items before others do.

"If I wait until it's cooler, there's nothing left," he said, adding that he tries to move along tree-lined streets and takes short breaks when he feels unwell.

Weather officials say the heatwave is expected to persist, with temperatures in the coming days forecast between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, while residents report that conditions feel hotter due to dense urban development.

Authorities advise people who must go outside at midday to wear protective clothing and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.