Every year on International Women’s Day, women receive flowers, chocolate, and heartfelt wishes, but for female passengers on bus 72 in Ho Chi Minh City, their special day came with an extra dose of kindness thanks to their bus driver, Le Xuan Huy.

For the past seven years, Huy has made it a tradition to surprise his female passengers with small gifts on March 8. This year was no exception, even though he had almost forgotten the day.

Realizing his mistake just in time, he took an early break the day before to buy presents, spending over VND4 million (nearly US$160) on lovely gifts such as chocolates, mirrors, keychains, and nail clippers.

Female passengers proudly display their gifts on bus route 72 in Ho Chi Minh City, presented by driver Le Xuan Huy on March 8, 2025, to celebrate International Women’s Day. Photo: Supplied

His act was simple but very kind-hearted. Every time he stopped at a bus station, he counted the number of female passengers boarding and then handed them gifts with a warm smile. “Happy Women's Day! Everyone on this bus gets a present today!” Huy cheerfully announced to his passengers traveling from Nha Be District to 23/9 (September 23) Park in downtown District 1.   

His generosity touched many, including an elderly woman who thought she wouldn’t be eligible because of her free ride privilege. To her surprise, Huy doubled her gift, ensuring she had something to take home for her grandchild.

His kindness extended beyond female passengers, too. On trips where only a few men were on board, he handed them keychains shaped like beer cans, playfully ensuring they didn’t feel left out of the fun.

This heartwarming tradition isn’t about extravagance; it’s about spreading joy.

A female passenger of bus 72 in Ho Chi Minh City shares a social media post featuring her gift, including a flower, given by driver Le Xuan Huy on March 8, 2025, for International Women’s Day. Photo: Supplied

Talking about his big spending on the gifts, Huy simply smiled.

"It’s just a once-a-year occasion, and this amount is not too much… As long as I have my health and my job, it’s worth it."

Even his wife, a former bus attendant, supports his tradition. Although she was away visiting family this year, he made sure to send her warm wishes in the morning – along with a little ‘ting ting’ (a playful way of referring to a bank account transfer).

Flowers and other gifts for passengers are displayed on bus route 72 in Ho Chi Minh City, driven by Le Xuan Huy, on March 8, 2025. Photo: Supplied

Huy’s simple yet meaningful gestures have won the admiration of many. Passengers eagerly took photos and shared their experiences online, turning him into a celebrity on social media. But for Huy, the best reward is seeing the smiles of his passengers.

His story is a beautiful reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be great—it just needs to be honest. And in a busy world, touching moments like this make all the difference.

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