From about 3 pm on National Highway 1, the section passing through the western gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, the number of vehicles increased sharply, mainly passenger cars, cars and motorbikes queuing each other towards the city center.
On motorbikes, adults carry young children, with backpacks, bags, and gift boxes full in front and behind; some vehicles even have bulky sacks and styrofoam boxes attached, making moving even more difficult amidst the crowded traffic.
The sun was scorching hot, the road surface was scorching hot. Many families pulled over to the side of the road, looking for shade under the pedestrian overpass to rest, drink water, wipe sweat and then continue walking.
Mr. Huynh Quang Khai's family (formerly from Hau Giang) departed from 5 am. After 10 hours of travel, the whole family arrived at National Highway 1 at 3 pm.
Sitting slumped on the cement floor under the pedestrian overpass, Mr. Khai took the opportunity to fan his wife who was carrying a young child, leaning on a concrete pillar to rest after a long journey.
My family went early to cool off, but the closer to noon, the sunnier it became, and the road was crowded, so we only got here at this time," Mr. Khai said.
According to Mr. Khai, moving back to his hometown for Tet and then returning to the city is tiring but fun. "Returning to my hometown is very fun, being reunited with parents and relatives. New Year wishes for better business, enough money to take care of children," Mr. Khai shared.
Not far from there, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh (from Can Tho) also stopped the car and took a break before continuing the journey. The couple rode a motorbike from morning, expected to return to their rented room in Thu Duc ward in about an hour.
When arriving in the city area, the car starts to spread out in many directions, so it's better than the section outside the province. I'm just worried that the weather is too sunny and the children are tired," Ms. Thanh shared.
According to records, the number of vehicles pouring into Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon of February 22nd increased sharply. However, vehicles can still move, only locally congested at some intersections, and prolonged traffic jams have not occurred.
It is forecasted that this evening, the number of vehicles entering Ho Chi Minh City through the western gateway will continue to increase.
At major intersections on National Highway 1, traffic police forces are present to regulate, divert traffic, remind people to drive in the correct lane, maintain a safe distance, to ensure smooth traffic at the western gateway during the day people return to Ho Chi Minh City after Tet.
The Traffic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police said that from 6 am yesterday (February 21), teams and stations directly under it have coordinated with commune-level police to simultaneously launch operations, strengthen patrols and controls, organize traffic diversion and regulation at gateway areas into and out of the city to ensure traffic order and safety, limit accidents and congestion.
