As the sun set on April 29, 2025, the streets of Hanoi transformed into a bustling thoroughfare as thousands of residents began their exodus from the capital. With the long holiday for April 30 and International Labor Day on May 1 looming, many took to the roads, eager to return to their hometowns or embark on vacations. This year's holiday marks the second extended break in April, following the Hung Kings Temple Festival.
According to the state holiday schedule, civil servants and public employees are granted five consecutive days off, starting Wednesday, April 30, and ending Sunday, May 4. This extended break has prompted a significant surge in travel, with many people leaving the city to enjoy the festive period with family and friends.
However, the mass movement of people led to severe traffic congestion across several key routes in Hanoi. Notably, roads such as Giai Phong, Nguyen Trai, Pham Hung, and the elevated Ring Road 3 were choked with vehicles, creating a daunting scene as the clock approached 3:00 PM. Traffic jams began to form, coinciding with the end of the workday and the influx of travelers heading to major bus stations like My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Nuoc Ngam.
By late afternoon, the situation had escalated, with reports of long lines of vehicles stretching for miles. The Ring Road 3, in particular, was identified as one of the most pressured routes, with thousands of cars, buses, and taxis inching forward at a snail's pace. It was a test of patience for those trying to navigate their way out of the capital.
As the traffic intensified, local authorities stepped up their efforts to manage the flow. Hundreds of officers from the Traffic Police and local law enforcement were deployed at critical intersections and bus station areas to direct traffic and alleviate congestion. Despite their efforts, the sheer volume of travelers made it a challenging task.
Traffic conditions were similarly chaotic in Ho Chi Minh City, where the afternoon of April 29 saw a significant uptick in people leaving the city. Saigon Station was bustling with passengers, as the railway sector prepared to operate 13 trains to various destinations, including Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Da Nang, and Hanoi. The Thong Nhat SE6 train departed at 3:00 PM, followed by others later in the evening.
At Mien Tay Bus Station in Binh Tan District, the scene was no less hectic. Representatives reported a 5% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year, with over 1,900 vehicles scheduled to transport around 53,000 travelers during the holiday season. The area around the bus station was packed, with travelers carrying luggage and waiting in long lines to purchase tickets.
Traffic congestion was particularly severe on Mai Chi Tho Street, the eastern gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, where vehicles were barely able to move during peak hours. This congestion extended to National Highway 1 and Kinh Duong Vuong Street, where backups stretched over a kilometer.
As the evening wore on, Tan Son Nhat International Airport anticipated a busy night, expecting to handle 744 flights and more than 120,000 passengers. This included nearly 70,000 travelers at the domestic terminal and over 50,000 at the international terminal, indicating a slight increase from the previous day's operations.
In both cities, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming holiday. However, the surge in travel also raised concerns about safety and traffic management. Authorities urged travelers to stay informed about traffic conditions and to plan their journeys carefully to avoid the worst of the congestion.
Despite the challenges, many residents expressed their eagerness to reunite with family and friends during the holiday. "It's always a bit hectic before a long break, but it's worth it to spend time with loved ones," said one traveler, as they maneuvered through the crowded streets of Hanoi.
As the sun set and the holiday season officially began, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City prepared for a wave of festivities, with residents looking forward to celebrating the national holidays with their families. While the traffic might have been a headache, the joy of the holiday season was palpable in the air.
In conclusion, the last working day before the holiday saw a significant increase in travel across Vietnam's major cities, leading to heavy traffic and congestion. Local authorities worked diligently to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure that the holiday season could be enjoyed safely and smoothly.
