CaliToday (30/12/2025): The year-end travel frenzy has officially descended upon Vietnam this afternoon. As citizens scramble to depart for the New Year holiday and secure passage for the upcoming Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ) Lunar New Year, the transport sector is reporting record-breaking pressure.
Railways: A Race Against Time The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) faces a "sold-out" scenario unprecedented in recent years. Despite the emergency release of thousands of additional tickets today for short-haul tourist routes specifically from Saigon to coastal hotspots like Nha Trang and Quy Nhon seats are evaporating within minutes of going online.
"The demand is insatiable," a railway representative noted. "We are seeing a massive surge not just for the immediate holiday, but for the Lunar New Year return trips. Passengers who hesitate even for an hour are finding themselves waitlisted."
Aviation: The Price of the 'Golden Routes' While trains are full, the skies are becoming prohibitively expensive. Airfares for the "golden routes" connecting Ho Chi Minh City to northern hubs like Hanoi, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa have hit ceiling prices. With economy tickets scarce, many desperate travelers are faced with the choice of paying business-class premiums or canceling their homecoming plans entirely. The aviation authority attributes the spike to a shortage of wet-leased aircraft during this peak season.
Gridlock at the Gates On the ground, the holiday exodus has triggered early congestion. As of this afternoon, major gateways leading out of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are experiencing heavy traffic density. Thousands of residents are opting to leave the city a day early to beat the official holiday start, resulting in slow-moving queues at toll plazas and arterial roads. Authorities advise drivers to expect significant delays well into the evening.