On the Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway, one of the main access roads in the south of Hanoi, many cars were seen slowly moving into the city at 2 p.m.
Traffic exceeded average levels on roads leading to the expressway, and major bus stations were crowded.
At Giap Bat Bus Station, many people were seen carrying luggage from their hometowns.
Vu Van Que, 24, came back from the northern province of Nam Dinh. He said there was some congestion but overall the travel was easy.
Pedestrians walked across the busy Giai Phong, which is a key road that connects southern localities with Hanoi's downtown area.
A family of four traveled by motorbike. Many chose to travel by motorbikes instead of buses to avoid being stuck in traffic.
In Ho Chi Minh City some access roads were busy but traffic was not as heavy as in recent holidays as people have been gradually returning in the last several days.
Many buses were fully occupied as people returned the city from Mekong Delta provinces. Others were on their motorbikes with much luggage.
"There was not a lot of congestion but it was a tough journey due to high heat," said 40-year-old traveler Nguyen Hau.
