Vietnam’s Lunar New Year Travel Rush Sparks Major Highway Gridlock

Southern Vietnam’s annual Lunar New Year migration has begun, with heavy congestion reported across major expressways connecting Ho Chi Minh City to central provinces as millions of residents travel home for the country’s most important holiday.

On February 11 — roughly one week before the Lunar New Year celebrations — traffic volumes surged dramatically along key transport corridors leading from Vietnam’s largest economic hub toward coastal and central regions, with several highway sections reduced to near standstill conditions.

Key Expressways Overwhelmed by Holiday Traffic

Severe bottlenecks were recorded along the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thành – Dầu Giây Expressway, particularly near the An Phú interchange and Long Thành junction. Traffic congestion worsened near the connection to the Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây Expressway, where vehicle queues stretched nearly 10 kilometers.

Many travelers reported significantly extended travel times. One motorist traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Đà Nẵng said his family departed at 4 a.m. but remained stuck near Phan Thiết four hours later — a stretch that typically takes around two hours under normal traffic conditions.

Further congestion was reported at toll stations and service areas along the Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây route, approximately 90 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, as vehicle numbers surged unexpectedly.

Traffic Accidents Worsen Delays

Two separate traffic incidents further compounded delays along the northbound corridor.

A minor collision involving a container truck and passenger vehicle at the Phan Thiết interchange partially blocked one lane, forcing traffic to slow significantly. While no injuries were reported, the obstruction created localized gridlock before authorities cleared the scene.

Meanwhile, a sleeper bus traveling northbound collided with a highway median barrier along the Cam Lâm – Vĩnh Hảo Expressway near the Núi Vung tunnel area. The accident blocked part of the roadway and triggered additional traffic backups stretching several kilometers.

Some drivers opted to exit expressways and divert onto National Highway 1 to avoid prolonged delays, though this alternative route also experienced rising congestion levels.

Tet Migration Reflects Vietnam’s Largest Annual Travel Movement

The Lunar New Year (Tết) marks Vietnam’s largest yearly population movement, as millions of workers and urban residents return to their hometowns for family reunions. Ho Chi Minh City, home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest migrant workforces, typically sees a dramatic outbound traffic surge during the weeks leading up to the holiday.

Traffic police warned that accident risks increase sharply during this period due to driver fatigue, overcrowded highways, and long-distance travel under tight holiday schedules.

Authorities have deployed officers to major highway intersections and implemented traffic diversion measures to relieve pressure on expressways and reduce the likelihood of extended gridlock.