Travel Household Surveys in Vietnam: Current Issues and Future Directions

Vietnam’s rapid urbanization and reliance on motorcycles have intensified urban transport challenges in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Household Travel Surveys (HTS) are critical for transport modeling and policy-making, yet Vietnam lacks a national framework, with surveys like HAIDEP (2007), METROS (2013–2016), TEDI (2012), and MOOV’Hanoi (2024) constrained by outdated methods. This study systematically reviews these surveys, using document-based qualitative analysis and international benchmarking to identify key issues: low sampling rates, reliance on paper-based methods, and the absence of national standards. These limitations, compounded by Vietnam’s unique context, hinder advanced modeling like Activity-Based Models. Drawing on data from ALMEC and TEDI, we propose reforms including standardized survey designs, adoption of Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and smartphone-based tools, integration of Activity Diary Surveys, and regular five-year cycles. This study seeks to contribute to modernizing Vietnam’s HTS framework, enhancing data quality, and supporting effective urban transport planning.