Orderly traffic marks mass return to Hanoi at close of 2026 holiday
Early travel choices, proactive coordination and steady enforcement helped Hanoi absorb a large post-holiday return smoothly, avoiding the congestion that often follows long breaks.
THE HANOI TIMES — Tens of thousands of residents returned to Hanoi on the final day of the 2026 New Year holiday, as traffic volume increased without causing congestion.
Tens of thousands of residents returned to Hanoi on the afternoon of January 4. Photos: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times
The four-day holiday, which ran from January 1 to January 4, saw travelers stagger their return times.
Traffic volume rose at major city gateways, but early diversion plans kept traffic flowing. Inner-city roads and key entry routes remained clear and orderly.
Traffic police stayed on full duty throughout the period. Officers directed traffic at major intersections, patrolled key corridors and coordinated closely with other forces. Traffic signals operated stably, and most road users complied with regulations.
Many residents chose to return on January 2 and January 3 instead of waiting until the final day.
Traffic built up on Ngoc Hoi Road as vehicles entered the city from the south.
This early return spread traffic more evenly and eased pressure during peak hours. The Traffic Police Department instructed local units nationwide to strengthen traffic guidance and regulation.
Traffic continued to move smoothly on Giai Phong Road.
Hanoi also coordinated with neighboring provinces to maintain smooth traffic flows on routes in and out of the city, as well as around areas hosting festivals and public events.
Residents returned to the capital carrying bulky luggage.
According to the National Traffic Safety Committee, despite a sharp rise in travel demand during the New Year holiday, traffic conditions on major gateways, ring roads and expressways in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remained stable. Authorities reported no serious congestion and no particularly serious traffic accidents.
Cold but dry weather further supported favorable travel conditions.
“Traffic police and relevant units proactively managed and diverted traffic to prevent congestion. Authorities strengthened enforcement, especially against drunk driving and speeding. Overall traffic conditions remained well controlled,” a representative of the National Traffic Safety Committee said.
Many travelers also returned to Hanoi by bus, contributing to steady and manageable traffic flows.
