Nghe An is bustling with people returning home for Tet (Lunar New Year).
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the atmosphere at train stations and airports in Nghe An becomes more bustling than ever as thousands of people who have been away from home return to reunite with their families.
At 5:22 PM on February 14th (the 27th day of the 12th lunar month), train SE14 departed from Ho Chi Minh City and arrived at Vinh Station carrying 384 passengers. This is considered one of the busiest trains to Nghe An during this year's Tet holiday.
According to reporters, as soon as the train stopped, streams of people quickly moved down to the platform, carrying all kinds of luggage. Large sacks, boxes of Tet gifts, suitcases full of clothes… were passed from hand to hand in excited joy.
SE14 is one of more than 20 trains stopping at Vinh Station on this peak day. In addition, trains such as TN6, SE3, SE19, SE23, TN3, TN4… continuously transport passengers from southern and central provinces back to their hometowns for Tet (Lunar New Year).
According to Mr. Cao Ngoc Tuan, Head of Vinh Railway Transport Station, this is a peak day because it is the first day of the holiday, resulting in a sudden surge in passenger numbers. "We have instructed our staff to be on constant duty at various locations to guide and assist passengers, ensure safety, and prevent congestion in the station area," Mr. Tuan stated.
Getting train tickets to return home for the holidays is not easy. Many people say they had to "hunt for tickets" a month in advance because tickets are scarce, especially on routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh, which are always sold out quickly. "I booked my tickets at the beginning of last month; if I had been a few days late, there would have been no seats left," shared Nguyen Van Hong, a worker in Ho Chi Minh City, as he stepped off the train with his wife and two young children.
According to statistics, on February 14 alone, more than 3,000 passengers boarded and alighted at Vinh Station. This number is expected to continue to increase in the coming days. The atmosphere at the station is therefore always busy but orderly, thanks to the close coordination of the authorities and railway staff.
Not only on the railways, but also at airports, passenger numbers increase sharply in the days leading up to Tet.
On February 14th, Vinh International Airport served 41 flights, corresponding to 82 takeoffs and landings, with approximately over 10,000 passengers passing through the terminal. This is considered one of the busiest days during this year's Tet holiday.
Mr. Nghiem Manh Tuan, Director of Vinh International Airport, said that the unit has increased personnel and coordinated with airlines to ensure security, safety, and the best possible service for passengers during the peak season.
Besides railways and airlines, bus stations in Nghe An province also recorded a surge in passenger numbers in the days leading up to Tet. At Bac Vinh and Dong Vinh bus stations, many routes from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, etc., continuously arrived during peak hours, with passengers filling the waiting areas. Representatives of several bus companies said that long-distance sleeper buses were almost fully booked many days in advance, and many people had to book tickets early or accept traveling at later times to get home in time for Tet.
People continue to flock to Nghe An in the final days of the year. Each train and plane landing not only brings passengers but also carries with it hopes and expectations for a peaceful and prosperous new year. And amidst the hustle and bustle of the days leading up to Tet, the homeland becomes the most sacred destination in the hearts of every person living far from home.
