THE HANOI TIMES — On the final day of the 2026 New Year holiday, tens of thousands of residents returned to Hanoi, with traffic volume increasing yet remaining congestion-free.
Hanoi welcomed back tens of thousands of residents on the afternoon of January 4. Photos: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times
The four-day holiday, spanning January 1 to January 4, saw travelers strategically staggering their return times.
While traffic volume surged at major city entry points, proactive diversion plans ensured smooth flow. Inner-city roads and key entry routes remained clear and well-organized.
Traffic police maintained full duty throughout, directing traffic at major intersections, patrolling key corridors, and coordinating with other forces. Traffic signals operated seamlessly, and most road users adhered to regulations.
Many residents opted to return on January 2 and January 3, avoiding the final-day rush.
Ngoc Hoi Road experienced traffic buildup as vehicles entered the city from the south.
This early return strategy distributed traffic more evenly, alleviating peak-hour pressure. The Traffic Police Department directed local units nationwide to enhance traffic guidance and regulation.
Traffic flowed smoothly on Giai Phong Road.
Hanoi collaborated with neighboring provinces to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on routes in and out of the city, as well as around festival and event areas.
Returning residents carried bulky luggage into the capital.
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 significant congestion or serious traffic accidents.
Cold yet dry weather further facilitated favorable travel conditions.
“Traffic police and relevant units proactively managed and diverted traffic to prevent congestion. Authorities strengthened enforcement, particularly against drunk driving and speeding. Overall traffic conditions remained well-controlled,” stated a representative of the National Traffic Safety Committee.
Many travelers returned to Hanoi by bus, contributing to steady and manageable traffic flows.
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