The Great Tết Migration:
A Journey of Tradition, Traffic, and Togetherness
Every year, millions of Vietnamese people embark on a heartfelt journey—returning to their hometowns to celebrate Tết, only to face the inevitable post-holiday traffic jams and the bittersweet return to daily life. But why do they endure the chaos, and what makes this tradition so unforgettable? Dive into the story of Tết’s enduring magic and the resilience of a nation that balances tradition with modernity. And just like that, the Lunar New Year, or Tết, has come and gone in the blink of an eye.
The festive energy that once filled the air, with the sounds of laughter, firecrackers, and cheerful greetings, has slowly faded. Today is already the sixth day of the new year, and life is shifting back to its usual rhythm. The holiday glow lingers, but the streets that had been filled with family gatherings, flower markets, and the scent of freshly made bánh chưng and bánh tét are now returning to normal. People are back at work, their holiday attire replaced with office clothes, and shops have reopened, ready to welcome customers once more.
Last night, Ho Chi Minh City witnessed the familiar post-Tết migration as thousands of people made their way back from their hometowns. According to a report from the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam, in 2023 already, over 1.5 million people traveled through major highways and bus stations in the days following the holiday. After days of celebrating with family in provinces near and far, they packed their bags and boarded buses, motorbikes, and cars, heading back to the bustling city where work and responsibilities awaited. The highways, once quiet during the holiday, became a sea of red taillights stretching for miles. Long lines of vehicles crawled forward at a snail’s pace, their drivers and passengers resigned to the annual gridlock.
Yet, despite the exhaustion of the long journey, no one really complained. It was all part of the ritual—the bittersweet end to a cherished time of reunion. There was an unspoken understanding among the travelers: this was Tết, and Tết always came with traffic, crowded bus stations, and the slow return to reality. Some took naps in their cars, others scrolled through their phones, while children dozed off in their parents’ arms. The scent of leftover holiday treats wafted from plastic bags, a reminder of the feasts they had just enjoyed.
Mr. Nguyen, a 35-year-old office worker returning to Ho Chi Minh City from his hometown in the Mekong Delta, shared his experience: “The traffic was heavy, as expected, but it’s worth it. Tết is the only time of the year when I can spend quality time with my family. The journey back is tiring, but it’s a small price to pay for the memories we made.” His sentiment echoes that of millions of Vietnamese people who undertake this annual pilgrimage to reconnect with their roots.
As dawn broke over the city, life continued as if the celebrations had never happened. Sidewalk vendors fired up their stoves, the aroma of morning coffee and bánh mì filling the air. Office workers hurried to their desks, shaking off the last traces of holiday laziness. Students, still groggy from their extended break, hoisted their backpacks and headed to school. The city, vibrant and relentless as ever, embraced its people once more, ready for another year of hustle and hope.
The return to normalcy after Tết is a poignant reminder of the balance between tradition and modernity in Vietnam. While the holiday is a time to honor ancestors, strengthen family bonds, and celebrate cultural heritage, it is also a fleeting moment in the fast-paced rhythm of contemporary life. A report from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam revealed that in 2023 over 70% of the population travels during Tết, highlighting the deep cultural significance of the holiday. Yet, as the last firecrackers fade and the decorations are taken down, the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people shine through as they dive back into their daily routines.
In the end, Tết is not just a celebration but a reflection of the enduring spirit of Vietnam—a nation that cherishes its past while relentlessly pursuing its future. As the streets of Ho Chi Minh City buzz with activity once more, the memories of family gatherings, festive meals, and laughter serve as a source of strength for the year ahead. The holiday may be over, but its warmth and joy remain, carried in the hearts of those who celebrated it.
By Ngoc Tran
