Severe traffic jams broke out at Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station and surrounding areas on Thursday evening as people rushed to leave the metropolis for their weekend holiday.

Workers in Vietnam begin their four-day holiday marking the Reunification Day (April 30) and the International Labor Day (May 1) from Friday.

On Thursday evening, multiple streets surrounding the Mien Dong Bus Station, namely Dinh Bo Linh, Nguyen Xi, and Xo Viet Nghe Tinh in Binh Thanh District and National Highway No. 13 in Thu Duc City, were seriously congested due to a surge in travel demand.

Countless motorbikes, automobiles, and long-haul buses were traveling at a snail’s pace along these routes.

The entrance of the bus station was also jammed, with commuters hopelessly honking their horns.

Hundreds of travelers waited for their passenger buses with frustration along the sidewalks.

Motorbikes, automobiles, and long-haul buses travel at a snail’s pace at Binh Trieu Bridge in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, April 29, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Many of them decided to rest at nearby cafés until the situation improved.

As of 9:15 pm the same day, the congestion had remained severe despite traffic police’s efforts.

Similar traffic jams also occurred at the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station in Binh Tan District at dusk on Thursday.

Commuters are stuck in a traffic jam in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, April 29, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Despite the rising travel demand, operators of the Mien Dong and Mien Tay Bus Stations required all transport businesses to take necessary COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

Passengers must have their body temperature measured before getting on their buses and must wear face masks during the entire journey.

Traffic congestion on National Highway No. 13 in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, April 29, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Commuters are stuck in a traffic jam in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, April 29, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Motorcyclists travel on the sidewalk of Binh Trieu Bridge due to serious traffic congestion on April 29, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Travelers wait for their long-haul buses in front of the Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, April 29, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!