Vietnam Faces Historic Ho Chi Minh City Travel Chaos as Millions Flood Back After Tet Holiday Creating Massive Delays on Highways and Expressways – New Update You Need to Know

Published on February 24, 2026

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As Tet celebrations wind down, travel news shows Ho Chi Minh City is facing its annual traffic ordeal, with streets and highways packed with returning commuters. Ho Chi Minh City traffic quickly became the top concern for both authorities and drivers, as millions of people made their way back from the countryside, leading to long delays and slow-moving vehicles on key routes.

Officials are reminding everyone that the city’s transport infrastructure is under immense pressure during this post-holiday surge, and careful planning is essential to avoid getting stuck in hours-long jams.

Trouble Spots Across the City

Government sources have pinpointed several areas where congestion reached critical levels:

• Luong Phu and Trung Luong intersections: Secondary congestion arose here after cars were diverted from the expressway, slowing the flow on connecting routes.
• Dong Tam intersection: Vehicles stretched for kilometers, barely inching forward during the afternoon.
• Than Cuu Nghia roundabout: The attempt to merge onto the expressway created severe bottlenecks, worsening National Highway 1 congestion.
• Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway entrance: By late afternoon, authorities reported an expressway entrance blockage, allowing only ambulances through while directing motorcycles to parallel roads.

These official reports reflect the intense pressure on Ho Chi Minh City’s major roads during the post-Tet travel rush.

Commuters Share Their Experiences

Even with careful planning, the return journey proved challenging for many:

• Nguyen Hong Khanh, 34, from Dong Thap: His family left early to beat the crowd but still encountered traffic stretching three to four kilometers near the expressway entrance. Thanks to traffic police deployment, he was guided to route N2 and rejoined the expressway later, saving valuable time.
• Tran Thi My Linh, 28, from Can Tho: She noted that traffic is always heavy during the sixth day of Tet, but more alternative routes this year helped early travelers avoid the worst jams.

These experiences show the value of following official route diversion plans and traffic guidance to navigate safely during peak periods.

How Authorities Managed the Chaos

The city’s traffic authorities have been proactive in keeping vehicles moving and preventing accidents. Key measures included:

• Traffic police deployment: Officers were stationed at the most congested points, using loudspeakers and hand signals to guide drivers.
• Route diversion plans: Cars were redirected from overloaded roads onto alternatives like National Highway 30 and route N2, easing some of the post-Tet travel rush.
• Expressway access control: Private vehicles faced restrictions, ambulances were prioritized, and motorcycles were permitted on frontage roads, reducing gridlock while maintaining essential traffic flow.

Officials stress that such strategies are crucial in maintaining order during peak return periods.

Challenges of the Post-Tet Travel Rush

Even with these measures, some challenges remain unavoidable:

• Traffic volumes were exceptionally high across all major highways.
• Bottlenecks at intersections created secondary congestion in nearby areas.
• Motorcycles, while able to use frontage roads, added complexity to traffic management.
• The surge highlighted the limitations of existing infrastructure in handling millions of vehicles simultaneously.

Government reports emphasize that these recurring traffic patterns require careful planning and public cooperation to ensure safety and minimize delays.

Tips and Official Guidance

Authorities have offered guidance for travelers to navigate the hectic post-Tet traffic more efficiently:

• Leave early in the day to avoid peak congestion periods.
• Follow official instructions and obey traffic police at all times.
• Use recommended alternative routes as outlined in route diversion plans.
• Motorcyclists should stick to frontage roads when expressway access is restricted.
• Remain patient and prepared for extended travel times during the post-Tet travel rush.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Millions of travelers returning after Tet caused widespread Ho Chi Minh City traffic.
• Key trouble spots: Dong Tam intersection, Than Cuu Nghia roundabout, Luong Phu, Trung Luong, and expressway entrances.
• National Highway 1 congestion worsened due to vehicle diversion.
• Authorities prioritized safety with strict traffic police deployment.
• Expressway entrance blockage allowed only ambulances; motorcycles used frontage roads.
• Following official route diversion plans helped reduce delays during peak hours.

Conclusion

Travel news confirms that managing Ho Chi Minh City traffic during the post-holiday surge remains a significant challenge. Coordinated traffic police deployment, controlled access to expressways, and clearly communicated route diversion plans are essential to maintain smooth travel.

As millions navigate their way back into the city, following official guidance is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays. Authorities continue to monitor traffic flow in real-time and adjust strategies where needed, ensuring the post-Tet travel rush remains as safe and efficient as possible despite the heavy volume of vehicles.

The situation underscores the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements, expanded alternative routes, and proactive planning to manage future peaks in city traffic effectively.

Bulleted Highlights for Readers:

• Peak congestion at Dong Tam, Than Cuu Nghia, Luong Phu, Trung Luong, and expressway entrance.
• Ho Chi Minh City traffic surged as millions returned after Tet.
• Motorcycles permitted on frontage roads; ambulances prioritized on expressway.
• Secondary delays due to National Highway 1 congestion.
• Active traffic police deployment helped guide vehicles safely.
• Route diversion plans reduced pressure on main highways.
• Cooperation with authorities essential during post-Tet travel rush.