Traffic stretched over 5 km on Vo Chi Cong street, the gateway to the Long Thanh - Ho Chi Minh City - Dau Giay expressway, on the morning of 30/4. Surrounding routes like Nguyen Duy Trinh and Lien Phuong also experienced prolonged congestion as people departed Ho Chi Minh City for the 4-day holiday.

The 4-day 30/4-1/5 holiday, coinciding with a weekend and following the Ancestors' Commemoration Day holiday a week prior, significantly increased travel demand.

Many cars spilled into the mixed-use lane on Vo Chi Cong street, exacerbating congestion and forcing motorbikes onto the sidewalk.

Motorbike riders and pedestrians weaved through the congested traffic to find a way out. Driver Le Hoang Liem, who operates the Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang route, reported waiting for over one hour but still could not access the expressway.

Nearly ten traffic police officers and civil defense forces were deployed to direct traffic at Lien Phuong roundabout, using ropes to channel motorbike traffic. Truong Van Phung continuously directed vehicles at the Lien Phuong roundabout. "This area is always gridlocked during holidays; without traffic channeling, chaos would ensue", he stated.

Approximately 9 km away, the Cat Lai ferry terminal also saw heavy traffic, causing congestion for about 2 km on Nguyen Thi Dinh street, stretching from My Thuy roundabout to the ferry landing.

Thousands of cars formed long queues, moving slowly. Motorbikes also packed the narrow roads, making movement difficult.

In many congested sections, motorbike riders had to stop and wait for traffic police to direct vehicles and clear the path ahead. The hot and humid weather left many travelers exhausted on their journey home.

Dinh Van - Quynh Tran