Travelers Return to Hanoi: Congestion as the Tet Holiday Concludes

As the Tet holiday draws to a close, Hanoi is seeing a massive influx of people returning to the capital. By midday on the fourth day of the lunar new year, the Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway was already experiencing heavy congestion, with long lines of cars snaking towards the city center. Despite the holiday lasting seven days—the longest break of the year—many chose to return early to avoid the last-minute rush and prepare for the return to work.

From 10 AM, the traffic on the expressway became dense, with cars filling all three lanes plus the emergency lane, creating a queue stretching over a kilometer. This early return trend is becoming common, as travelers aim to settle in, rest, and avoid the peak congestion that typically occurs on the final day of the break. Similar traffic patterns were noted as early as the third day of Tet, indicating a steady stream of people making their way back to their urban routines.

For many, the return journey is a bittersweet experience, often accompanied by gifts from the countryside. It is a common sight to see cars and motorbikes laden with local produce—live chickens, bags of rice, and traditional Tet delicacies tied securely to the back of vehicles. Families, like those traveling from Thai Binh, shared that they left early in the morning to cover the 120 km journey in about three hours, preferring to arrive home with plenty of time to recharge before the work week begins.

Traffic police have been working tirelessly, managing the flow of vehicles at the end of the Phap Van expressway and along the Ring Road 3 elevated highway, where congestion stretched for nearly 2.5 kilometers near Linh Dam. Despite the traffic, the atmosphere remains one of anticipation for the year ahead. With the pleasant weather in Hanoi—averaging 25 degrees Celsius with bright sun—the conditions for travel have been favorable, albeit busy.

As the city prepares to resume its usual pace, the return of the people marks the final transition of the Tet season. It is a time of reconnecting with the city, unpacking the memories of the countryside, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Whether by car, bus, or motorbike, the journey back to Hanoi is a shared experience that signals the start of a new, productive year.

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