As the sun dipped low on April 29, 2025, the streets of Hanoi were transformed into a sea of vehicles, as thousands of residents embarked on their journeys ahead of the five-day holiday from April 30 to May 4. The hustle and bustle of city life gave way to a wave of traffic, with many trying to escape the capital to spend time with family or enjoy a getaway.
Reports indicated that the traffic surge began in the early afternoon, with major routes leading out of the city experiencing significant congestion. Notably, Ring Road 3 was reported to be jammed for several kilometers, a testament to the sheer volume of travelers. The situation was not limited to the highways; within the city itself, streets such as Nguyen Trai, Duong Lang, and Huynh Thuc Khang were also heavily congested.
According to local traffic authorities, the jams were largely attributed to individuals heading towards bus stations, train stations, and airports. As Lieutenant Colonel Pham Duc Hoang, head of Traffic Police Team No. 14, noted, "We have deployed 100% of our personnel to guide and divert traffic, especially at high-density points like Giai Phong and Ngoc Hoi streets." The police presence was aimed at ensuring safe and smooth movement for all travelers.
As the day progressed, traffic conditions worsened, particularly in the evening. Vehicles crawled along, with some drivers reporting near-immobility in certain sections. The anticipated holiday rush had indeed begun, creating a scene reminiscent of past years, where the exodus from urban centers was marked by long lines of cars and buses.
Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, the atmosphere at major bus stations was equally vibrant. At the Mien Dong and Mien Dong New bus stations, crowds gathered, signaling the start of the holiday. Passengers, many with luggage in tow, moved methodically through the terminals, thanks to effective crowd management strategies. The orderly flow of people was a stark contrast to the chaotic scenes often seen during peak travel times.
As the afternoon wore on, the Mien Dong New bus station in Thu Duc City saw a surge in passenger numbers, particularly for long-distance routes to popular destinations like Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Buon Ma Thuot. Ticket sales were brisk, with some routes fully booked. A representative from Kumho Samco reported that tickets to Da Lat had sold out, with the next available departure not scheduled until 10 PM on April 30.
Among the travelers was Nguyen Thi Thanh, a 28-year-old from Lam Dong, who expressed her relief at securing a ticket through a friend. "I rushed straight from work to the bus station, and thankfully, my friend saved a spot for me. It’s usually chaotic, but this year it seems more organized," she shared.
At the Mien Tay bus station in Binh Tan district, operations ran smoothly as well. Staff were on hand to assist passengers, and the majority had opted for online ticket purchases, avoiding the long queues that had plagued previous years. The station anticipated a doubling of passenger traffic during the holiday, with estimates suggesting around 55,000 to 61,000 travelers per day.
Trần Nhân Hậu, head of the Mien Tay bus station, mentioned, "Despite the expected increase in passengers, transport companies have prepared well, doubling their fleet and ensuring that enough drivers are available to meet demand. The fare increases are reasonable, generally between 20% to 40% depending on the route."
As the day transitioned into the evening, the traffic situation remained a focal point of concern. The police were out in full force, with Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Chien of Traffic Police Team No. 6 reporting that over 130 officers were deployed to maintain order and assist travelers. He noted that their efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transit system during this busy time.
In the Chuong Duong bridge area, traffic slowed significantly as the evening rush hour coincided with the holiday travel surge. However, thanks to proactive measures by the traffic police, significant congestion was largely avoided. "While the volume of traffic is high, we’ve managed to keep things moving without major delays," Chien added.
As families and friends reunite during this long holiday, the challenges of travel are met with anticipation and excitement. The preparations and efforts by both the authorities and transport services reflect a commitment to ensuring that the holiday experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
With memories of past traffic jams still fresh in the minds of many, the hope is that this year’s holiday travel will be marked by smoother journeys and joyful reunions. As the country celebrates, the collective spirit of togetherness and resilience shines through, making the holiday season a cherished tradition.
