Heading out of Ho Chi Minh City? Expect heavy traffic as holiday exodus clogs eastern gateway

Traffic on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway backed up for about 10 kilometers on Saturday morning, stretching at one point from the An Phu interchange to the Long Phuoc toll station.

The congestion spilled onto major connecting roads, including Vo Chi Cong and Nguyen Duy Trinh Streets and routes toward Cat Lai Ferry.

On Vo Chi Cong Street, the section from Lien Phuong Roundabout toward Cat Lai Ferry was packed with motorcycles, cars, and container trucks, with traffic at times coming to a complete standstill.

Some motorists said they had to wait around 15 minutes just to move a short distance, while cars could only inch forward through the gridlock.

As of 9:00 am, traffic remained heavy on both the expressway and surrounding roads.

The congestion comes as large numbers of people leave Ho Chi Minh City for popular holiday destinations, including Vung Tau, Lam Dong, and Khanh Hoa.

One driver traveling from Phu Thuan Ward to Vung Tau said it took him about an hour just to get from Phu My Bridge to Phu Huu Roundabout.

Unable to enter the expressway because of the congestion, he was redirected toward the Saigon High-Tech Park and Dong Nai Bridge.

Many travelers had set off early hoping to beat the holiday rush, only to spend hours trying to get through roads leading out of the city.

Those traveling from Ho Chi Minh City toward Vung Tau or other southeastern and central destinations on Saturday are advised to factor in significant delays and consider alternative routes where possible.