Hours-long traffic congestion was observed in various areas surrounding Tan San Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday as people started leaving the southern metropolis for a four-day holiday.

Salaried workers in Vietnam are celebrating the Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1), and will only return to work on Wednesday next week as the former holiday falls on Sunday.

Heavy traffic jam took place mostly on the Lang Cha Ca Overpass, Tran Quoc Hoan Street and many thoroughfares surrounding Hoang Van Thu Park, leading to the airport in Tan Binh District.

Although scores of traffic officers were dispatched to those areas in the early afternoon to ease the congestion, traffic remained heavy until the evening due to the overwhelming amount of vehicles.

People getting out of the city are advised to take alternative roads to alleviate the situation.

Below are some photos taken at the scene by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

A minor accident between a motorbike and a car only worsens the ongoing traffic jam.

Long lines of slow-moving vehicles are observed on Truong Son Street, Tan Binh District.

A construction site in front of Tan Son Nhat Airport exacerbates the problem.

Some motorists have to drive their bikes on the sidewalks.

Congestion is observed on Hoang Van Thu Street.

A child becomes tired after waiting in the traffic.

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