On May 4, 2025, major expressways in Vietnam experienced significant traffic congestion as thousands of travelers returned to Hà Nội following the extended April 30 - May 1 holiday. The Bãi Vọt - Hàm Nghi expressway in Hà Tĩnh and the Mai Sơn - National Highway 45 in Thanh Hóa were particularly affected, with hundreds of cars lined up due to breakdowns and heavy traffic.
The Bãi Vọt - Hàm Nghi expressway, which runs from South to North, faced a major blockage in Kim Song Trường commune, Can Lộc district. At approximately 1:00 PM, a trailer truck with a Hà Nam license plate broke down, blocking both lanes of the highway. According to Nguyễn Việt Phương, head of the Road Management Office II.3, "The driver of this vehicle braked suddenly, causing it to break down and block both lanes." This incident led to a traffic jam that extended for several kilometers, prompting some drivers to exit at the intersection with provincial road 548 to reach National Highway 1A.
Traffic on the Bãi Vọt - Hàm Nghi expressway was restored to normal around 3:40 PM, but the congestion was just one of many issues faced by travelers that day. The Mai Sơn - National Highway 45 expressway, heading from Thanh Hóa to Hà Nội, also saw heavy congestion around 2:00 PM, as vehicles piled up on the route.
In contrast, traffic in Hà Nội on the same day was surprisingly smooth. Despite heavy rain, the Pháp Vân - Cầu Giẽ expressway, a major route into the capital, flowed freely. Observations from the ground showed that while the volume of vehicles increased as the day progressed, significant congestion did not occur as anticipated. Many travelers expressed surprise at the lack of delays, especially in areas known for heavy traffic.
Trần Văn Bảy, a long-time driver on the Pháp Vân - Cầu Giẽ route, shared his astonishment: "I have driven this route for years, and the end of the holiday is usually a nightmare. Today, traffic was smooth, only slowing slightly at a few intersections. It’s a remarkable change!" Similarly, Nguyễn Văn Nam, returning from Nam Định, noted, "I expected the usual horrific traffic at the Pháp Vân gateway, but it was remarkably clear today. It felt like a normal weekend rather than the end of a holiday!"
From early morning, major gateways into Hà Nội, including the Pháp Vân - Cầu Giẽ expressway, Thăng Long Avenue, and National Highway 1A, were reported to be clear. The absence of prolonged traffic jams was attributed to a more dispersed return pattern among travelers, with many opting to return earlier in the holiday period to avoid the typical congestion.
Traffic police in Hà Nội had prepared for the influx of vehicles, deploying 100% of their personnel to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion at key intersections. Trần Tú Anh, deputy head of the traffic police unit, explained, "We have stationed officers at critical intersections to manage traffic and prevent local congestion. Our goal is to ensure smooth travel for those returning to work after the holiday." The police also coordinated with other agencies to ensure that any accidents or breakdowns were quickly addressed to minimize disruptions.
While the overall traffic situation in Hà Nội was manageable, local congestion was still reported in some areas. For instance, there were reports of several kilometers of traffic near the Khuất Duy Tiến intersection, and vehicles traveling from the elevated Ring Road 2 encountered delays at the Ngã Tư Sở intersection, often waiting through multiple red light cycles.
Despite the rain and the challenges it posed for motorbike drivers, the overall atmosphere in Hà Nội was one of relief. Many residents noted the unusually smooth traffic conditions, which contrasted sharply with previous years when the end of holiday periods often resulted in severe gridlock.
As the day progressed, thousands of people from surrounding provinces returned to Hà Nội, many carrying belongings and preparing for their first workday after the holiday. Bến xe Giáp Bát, one of the main bus stations in Hà Nội, was bustling with travelers, all eager to return to their routines.
In a broader context, the first four months of 2025 saw a significant reduction in traffic accidents across the country, contributing to a safer travel environment. This trend has been welcomed by authorities, who have emphasized the importance of road safety and effective traffic management.
As the holiday season concludes, the experiences of travelers on May 4, 2025, highlight a shift in travel patterns and effective traffic management strategies that may serve as a model for future holiday periods. With more people choosing to return at staggered times, the hope is that the days of overwhelming congestion may be behind us, paving the way for smoother journeys in the future.
