Traffic built up as crowds return to capital city following New Year break

On January 3, the third day of the 2026 New Year holiday, traffic heading back to Hanoi from surrounding provinces increases sharply. Many travelers choose to return to the capital early, leading to heavy congestion and slow-moving traffic at major gateways, particularly along the Phap Van–Cau Gie expressway.

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From around 4:30 p.m., traffic near the Phap Van–Cau Gie expressway toll station in Hanoi surges, as vehicles head toward the city centre forming long queues and moving only in short, slow intervals during peak hours.

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Observations show congestion stretching more than three kilometres on the inbound route from Phap Van toward the city centre. At times, vehicles fill three to four lanes of the expressway, significantly slowing traffic. Several drivers say they choose to return early to avoid heavier congestion on the final day of the holiday break.

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In addition to the Phap Van–Cau Gie Expressway, traffic volumes on Ring Road 3 heading into central Hanoi also increase, with slow-moving sections reported along several stretches. In response to the heavier flows, traffic police and other authorities are deployed in greater numbers at toll stations and key interchanges, directing vehicles and managing traffic to ease congestion.

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Tran Van Hung, a motorbike rider from Bac Ninh province, says he chooses to return to Hanoi on January 3 to better manage his time. “The weather is dry today. It’s cold but there’s no rain, so travelling is easier. I come back early to rest and prepare for work tomorrow,” he says.

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Traffic officials expect the number of travellers returning to Hanoi from other provinces to rise sharply on January 4, the final day of the New Year holiday. Hanoi’s Traffic Police Department has deployed traffic control plans to ensure safety and smooth flow on key gateways, ring roads, bus stations and major radial routes leading into the capital.

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Authorities have advised returnees to plan their travel times in advance, comply with traffic police instructions and traffic signal systems, and strictly refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are also urged not to stop, park or pick up and drop off passengers in violation of regulations, and to adhere to speed limits and lane rules to ensure safety for themselves and the public.