On February 20th (the 4th day of the Binh Ngo Tet 2026), many workers in the Mekong Delta began to return to Ho Chi Minh City and southeastern provinces to continue their work after the Tet holiday.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (resident of Phu Huu commune, An Giang province) said that every year, after the 4th day of Tet, she is busy preparing to go to the city. "It's very fun in the countryside, but long holidays are not paid. I have to go early to get a job in time, because being late affects my monthly income," Ms. Tuyen shared.
According to Ms. Tuyen, this Tet bonus is also temporarily enough to cover expenses. But after Tet, there are a series of things to worry about such as rent, tuition for children, electricity and water bills... Therefore, even though they want to stay with their parents for a few more days, she and her husband still have to leave early.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dien (resident of Nhon Hoi commune, An Giang province) shared that being away from home, away from loved ones, everyone is attached, especially in the days after Tet. But putting aside the sadness, he returned to Ho Chi Minh City to continue his work.
Another year of hard work far away with months of worrying about food and clothing, along with many difficulties, hardships and risks that may occur at any time.
However, putting aside everything, I always hope that the upcoming working days will be favorable, income will increase, and the economy will be stable so that I have better conditions when returning to my family. Because the most important spiritual gift for those who go to work far away is that every time Tet comes, Spring returns, they can reunite with their loved ones, and together enjoy a reunited, warm, and full Tet," Mr. Dien expressed.
According to Mr. Dien, taking advantage of Tet days, he stays at home to chat with his family and clan. Working far away all year, only returning for 5 days, so he spends all his time on family meals. "Working far from home, who wouldn't be sad, especially in the days after Tet. But putting aside the sadness, workers continue to set off, starting a new year of work. Busy and hardworking in a foreign land to accumulate some capital, and at the end of the year, they are eager to return to reunite with their families," Mr. Dien said.
Every year, after Tet, buses carrying workers from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City and southeastern provinces are extended. They carry the wish for a favorable business year, having more income to accumulate, build houses, and take care of their children's education.
For many people, hometown is a place to return to, and city is a place to make a living. These two destinations are connected by cars full of hope and also feelings.
In the crowd leaving An Giang early in the morning, Mr. Nguyen Van Tien (resident of Phu Huu commune, An Giang province) looked back at his relatives standing in front of his house gate. "I'll work for a few more years, save some capital and then think about going back to my hometown to work," Mr. Tien said.
That dream is simple but is the motivation for tens of thousands of Mekong Delta workers to continue to stick to foreign lands. After Tet, the production cycle begins again, and their livelihood journey continues to roll, quietly but persistently like tireless buses going back and forth between hometown and city.
