Vehicles piled up in droves at the gateways to Hanoi on the morning of the 27th day of the 12th lunar month, with the eastern gateway completely gridlocked.

On February 14th (the 27th day of the 12th lunar month), traffic volume heading towards Co Linh road (Hanoi) and the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway increased dramatically, reaching overload levels at many times.

Vehicles streamed from the center of Hanoi towards the city's outskirts from early morning on February 14th - Photo: HONG QUANG

On the morning of February 14th (the 27th day of the 12th lunar month), workers officially began the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday for the Year of the Horse 2026.

From around dawn on the same day, many main roads leading out of Hanoi began to experience a surge in traffic. As noon approached, the number of people heading home for Tet (Lunar New Year) increased even more.

According to Tuoi Tre Online , the Phap Van expressway heading towards the southern provinces had a line of cars stretching nearly 2km, causing congestion before the toll booth. Traffic police had to deploy many officers to guide and direct traffic from a distance.

• Traveling during Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026: Traffic police warn drivers about 'hot spots and peak hours' to avoid.

Meanwhile, a 4-5km traffic jam occurred at the eastern gateway of the city, stretching from Co Linh Street to the Hanoi- Hai Phong expressway toll station.

Today, the temperature in the capital is around 20-26 degrees Celsius with mild sunshine. This makes it more convenient for many people to return to their hometowns for Tet (Lunar New Year).

According to forecasts from the Traffic Police Department, traffic conditions at the gateways to Hanoi and other major cities will gradually ease from the afternoon of February 14th.

From early morning, a steady stream of vehicles crossed the Vinh Tuy bridge heading towards Long Bien ward and other gateways.

Traffic congestion occurred locally at the intersection leading down the bridge on Dam Quang Trung Street.

Traffic police are stationed at all intersections to regulate traffic.

Despite being a vital artery, Co Linh Street, with its narrow cross-section, has become a bottleneck, frequently experiencing prolonged traffic congestion every weekend and during holidays.

The ambulance was flashing its siren repeatedly, but Co Linh Street remained completely gridlocked and impassable.

Motorcyclists carrying bulky luggage return to their hometowns during the 9-day Tet holiday.

A similar situation also occurred on the Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway heading towards the southern provinces and cities.

As midday approached, the volume of vehicles heading towards Hanoi's gateways continued to increase.

Traffic jams still require adherence to traffic laws.

Representatives from the Traffic Police Department advise people traveling during Tet to proactively choose appropriate routes and times. In case of incidents or traffic congestion, drivers should comply with traffic laws and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers.

At the same time, it is necessary to thoroughly check the technical condition of vehicles before entering highways, ring roads, and elevated roads to ensure safety; if a vehicle breaks down on these routes, it will cause very long traffic jams.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xe-co-un-un-don-ve-cua-ngo-ha-noi-sang-27-thang-chap-cua-ngo-phia-dong-ket-cung-20260214103117145.htm#content-1