Numerous people have begun leaving Ho Chi Minh City for their hometown prior to the 2022 Lunar New Year holiday, causing heavy congestion at major gateways.

According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters on Thursday morning, the number of vehicles on National Highway No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City's Binh Tan and Binh Chanh Districts began climbing, causing vehicles to drive slowly along crowded sections of the street.

This image shows vehicles crowding National Highway No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

At some intersections, traffic police officers were tasked with regulating traffic and signal lights in order to avoid prolonged congestion.

According to a police officer at the intersection of National Highway 1 and Nguyen Huu Tri Street, the number of vehicles has declined compared to previous years.

A scene of traffic on National Highway No.1 leading to Long An Province on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

"There has been an increase in traffic in recent days, but there has been no serious congestion,” the police officer stated.

“However, during rush hours, we are still here to direct traffic flows.”

This images show holiday-goers on the way back to their hometowns from Ho Chi Minh City on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

People flocked to the city center through the northwest gateway from the An Suong intersection, jamming major streets such as Truong Chinh and Cong Hoa.

In particular, the queue of vehicles moved slowly at the intersection of Truong Chinh and Tan Ky Tan Quy Streets. According to locals, traffic congestion occurs on a regular basis, but the closer Tet, the worser traffic jams.

Commuters are stuck in a traffic jam on Truong Chinh Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

National Highway 13 in Thu Duc City is also frequently congested, particularly the section from Binh Duong Province to the Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station. When a train goes by, the part of the road becomes the most packed.

Congestion caused by container trucks often takes place on the Hanoi Highway in Thu Duc City these days, from the overpass of Station 2 to the RMK intersection.

A traffic scene on National Highway No.13 in Thu Duc City, under Ho Chi Minh City on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

According to the drivers, the congestion was a result of container trucks that had to wait in line to access the neighboring Truong Tho Port.

This weekend is expected to see a slew of people leaving Ho Chi Minh City for their hometowns to celebrate Tet. 

Vietnamese will formally celebrate the Tet, or Lunar New Year, festival on Februrary 1.

Vehicles travel at a snail’s pace on Truong Chinh Street, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Traffic congestion at the intersection of Truong Chinh and Tay Thanh Streets, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Commuters are stuck in a traffic jam on Tan Ky Tan Quy Street, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City on January 27, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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