“Loving Bus” brings students home for Tet
The “Loving Bus 2026” left Hanoi to take hundreds of disadvantaged and remote-area students home for Tet with free transport, gift packages and support, highlighting community care and encouraging their studies.
THE HANOI TIMES — Amid cold and rainy days before Tet (the Lunar New Year), the buses of the “Loving Bus 2026” rolled out from Hanoi to carry hundreds of disadvantaged students and students from remote areas home to celebrate the traditional holiday with their families.
Students are excited to get home on "Loving Bus". Photos: Tung Linh/Hanoimoi
The annual initiative supports students in need while encouraging them to continue their studies.
This year, the program was launched by the Hanoi University of Trade Union, the Capital Volunteers Club joining the Youth Union of Thuy Loi University and the Vietnam Youth Academy under the direction of the Hanoi Youth Union and the Vietnam Student Association.
Phung Ton Lai, a Dao ethnic student from the northern province of Cao Bang, said the program offered more than material help. “The ticket from the ‘Loving Bus’ is also a sharing of love, letting us return home and enjoy Tet with our families.”
Meanwhile, Nong Thu Huong, a Tay ethnic student from the northern province of Lao Cai, could not hide her emotions, saying the organizers helped her complete the registration process quickly, allowing her to catch the bus to a drop-off point close to her home.
“My parents were relieved and happy to know I could return safely with a Tet gift,” she said.
Huong also said the organizers’ attention motivated her to excel academically and engage in community activities.
The program also provided 200 Tet gift packages, each worth VND700,000 (US$27) and containing traditional cakes, sweets and lucky red envelopes. This year’s route covers 13 northern provinces, from Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An to highland border areas including Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Cao Bang and Lang Son.
Pick-up and drop-off points were carefully planned to ensure safety and save travel time for students.
Among the passengers, the story of Trieu Ton Chieu, a second-year social work student at Hanoi National University of Education, drew attention as he is the youngest in a farming family in Cao Bang, his school was supported by his two older sisters. In an emotional tone, he shared: “This is not only a supportive trip but also a sharing of love that brings us full joy.”
Before departure, Vu Thi Minh Hang, Standing Vice President of the Hanoi Student Association, encouraged students to use the occasion to spend time with their families and care for their parents. “I wish you a safe journey and a joyful reunion for Tet,” she said.
She added that the spring bus trips are annual events made possible by the community, universities and other partners.
Assoc. Prof. Le Manh Hung, Party Secretary and Rector of Hanoi University of Trade Union, expressed his pride in hosting the program. He advised students to be role models for their families and communities and to observe the law during Tet.
He also asked universities to maintain contact with bus operators to ensure safe arrivals and sent greetings to parents.
As the buses departed Hanoi, laughter and chatter filled the air. For students far from home, Tet had arrived.
The trips shortened distances while demonstrating the warmth of sharing, community responsibility and the support of the Youth Union and Student Association.
Each journey home reminded participants that Tet is not only about gifts but also about love, connection and hope.
The "Loving Bus" program was launched by Hanoi University of Trade Union, the Capital Volunteers Club joined the Youth Union of Thuy Loi University and the Vietnam Youth Academy under the direction of the Hanoi Youth Union and the Vietnam Student Association.
