On February 7, the old Mien Dong Bus Station in the former Binh Thanh District remained bustling, especially with routes heading toward the Central Highlands, even though most fixed-line services have already moved to the new Mien Dong terminal.

Inside the waiting halls, eateries and drink stalls were busy serving hundreds of passengers patiently waiting for their buses to depart.

Carrying two bulky boxes of Tet gifts, 26-year-old Hoang Van Nam from Dak Lak said his company gave employees an early holiday break, so he decided to catch a bus on the 20th to avoid the inevitable crush of the 25th and 26th.

"Every year around this time, I just want to drop everything and get home as fast as I can," Nam shared. "I chose to leave a bit early to make the journey easier. I had to book my ticket a month in advance just to get a decent seat."

Third-year student Minh Thu, waiting to board a bus to Gia Lai, echoed the sentiment.

"Right after finishing my last exam, I came straight to the station," she said. "After a whole year of studying far from home, I just want to get back to help my mom clean the house and prepare bánh chưng. It’s stuffy and crowded here, but the thought of seeing my parents again makes all the fatigue disappear."

Traffic along Do Muoi Street (National Highway 1), heading toward the central and northern provinces, has begun to spike. Many long-distance buses stop along the highway to pick up passengers rather than go through the terminals.

To save on time and travel costs, many students and workers choose to board buses from the roadside instead of entering official stations.

According to the city’s Department of Construction, the Tet travel peak will last for 20 days, from today until February 26. Compared to last year, passenger volume is expected to rise by 3-8%, with over 76,000 people traveling daily on more than 4,300 outbound bus trips. Holiday surcharges for bus tickets are being capped at 40-60% above regular fares.

During the peak travel days, Ho Chi Minh City has ramped up traffic police presence at major intersections to manage flow and ensure safety. Authorities also advise travelers to stay updated on traffic conditions and prepare well - both mentally and physically - for the long journey ahead.