Tet exodus begins: Motorbikes, buses, and flights packed with holiday travelers

Ho Chi Minh City saw a flurry of activity this afternoon as residents rushed to bus stations, airports, and highways to head home for the Lunar New Year after finishing the final workday of the year.

This afternoon, January 24 (the 25th day of the lunar calendar), Ho Chi Minh City became a bustling hub as residents packed buses, airports, and roads to return to their hometowns for Tet after completing the year’s final workday.

Crowds and congestion as people leave the city

By 5 p.m., thousands of people began their journeys out of Ho Chi Minh City, with the city’s western gateways packed with vehicles and motorbikes.

Quynh Mai, a factory worker in District 7, set out with her family on motorbikes, heading for Soc Trang.

“We chose to travel in the evening when it’s cooler. It’ll take us almost eight hours to get there, so I’ve secured the luggage tightly,” she said.

At Binh Dien Bridge, traffic grew denser as motorbikes laden with belongings joined the exodus.

Meanwhile, traffic police officers in Binh Chanh District distributed water to travelers making their way home.

Busy roads and crowded airport terminals

Streets leading to Tan Son Nhat Airport, including Truong Chinh, Cong Hoa, Hoang Van Thu, Truong Son, and Phan Thuc Duyen, saw heavy traffic this afternoon as passengers rushed to catch their flights.

Inside the airport, families pushed luggage into the terminal to complete check-in procedures. This year’s Tet holiday spans nine days, from January 25 to February 2, prompting a surge in travel.

At the check-in counters, passengers lined up to register for flights and check in their baggage. According to reports, Tan Son Nhat Airport recorded its highest passenger traffic of the season today, reflecting the holiday rush.

Packed bus stations and highways

On Dinh Bo Linh Street, leading to the old Eastern Bus Station in Binh Thanh District, congestion worsened during rush hour.

Ride-hailing drivers were busy ferrying passengers to bus stations and airports, helping them begin their Tet journeys. Inside the bus station, crowds of travelers with bags and gifts queued for departures to provinces like Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Dak Nong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum.

By 7 p.m., the queue at Cat Lai Ferry Terminal in Thu Duc City had grown significantly, with vehicles and motorbikes forming long lines to cross.

A rush to reunite with family

Some children were visibly exhausted, resting their heads on motorbikes while waiting.

Thanh Mai, accompanied by a friend, carried a suitcase, gift bags, and a small hand-crafted silk apricot blossom tree to Vung Tau.

“We left for home as soon as work ended. Fortunately, the roads weren’t too congested, so it was a smooth trip,” she shared.

The scene across Ho Chi Minh City was one of excitement and exhaustion, as residents eagerly embarked on their Tet journeys, carrying the spirit of the holiday home.