Real-world records show that from the morning of February 14 (ie, the 27th of Tet), arterial roads that are frequently congested such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Pasteur, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Le Duan or Ton Duc Thang have become deserted. Vehicle flows move leisurely, no longer crowded, noiseless car horns or suffocating dust are common.
While leisurely riding a motorbike on Dong Khoi street, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung (technology vehicle driver, residing in Thong Tay Hoi ward), shared: "Driving on the street all year, I just look forward to these days to feel Ho Chi Minh City is really different. Every time I pass through this section, I have to move step by step, now the road is wide and spacious, the feeling of driving and admiring the streets decorated with flags and flowers is very relaxing and comfortable".
The deserted traffic is partly due to the large number of workers and students from other provinces returning to their hometowns to celebrate Tet. This is the time when the urban appearance of Ho Chi Minh City becomes the most peaceful and quiet of the year.
In the Ben Thanh market area and the City Post Office, thousands of young people dressed in traditional and modern ao dai flocked to take souvenir photos. The light golden sunshine and cool weather of the days leading up to Tet made the spring travel atmosphere even more bustling.
While adjusting clothes with a group of friends to take pictures in front of Ben Thanh market, Ms. Le Thu Ha (24 years old, Binh Thanh ward) said: "Every year, on the 26th and 27th of Tet, our group invites each other to go to the streets to take photos. Today the streets are deserted, so we travel very quickly, coming here I see the Tet atmosphere filled, everyone is dressed beautifully, making me feel very excited and eager to wait for New Year's Eve.
Not only young people, many families also take advantage of taking their young children for walks and taking photos at decorative miniatures in front of large shopping centers such as Diamond Plaza or Takashimaya. The red color of parallel sentences, the yellow color of apricot blossoms and the bright smiles of the people create a vivid spring picture in the heart of the city.
It is predicted that in the coming days, the streets of Ho Chi Minh City will continue to maintain clearness. This is a very unique feature of the most vibrant city in the country every Tet and spring.
