I have seen families where only one or two people are returning from abroad, yet the entire family hires a 45-seat bus to go to the Tan Son Nhat Airport. I saw the bus parked at the international terminal and wondered why they needed to bring everyone along. The airport is so overcrowded lately because the number of people picking up and seeing their acquaintances off far outweighs the number of actual travelers.
I suspect many of them see their loved ones’ return as an opportunity for an outing, especially if they have not been to the airport or Ho Chi Minh City for a while. Sometimes, they go to pick up their relatives just to secure gifts, which is something I have personally witnessed.
Vietnamese people should reconsider this habit because it is really not a good practice.
Reader Qing Chen
The comment was left on an article on how thousands of people went to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC to welcome their relatives home for Tet (Lunar New Year) family reunions. To make sure they are there in time, people arrive at least an hour before the plane lands. Many families bring their young children along to greet their relatives. The responses to the news were mixed:
Reader Van Minh echoed the above sentiment:
“What era are we in that families still gather at the airport, waiting for hours just to welcome one returning relative?”
I understand that family bonds are precious, but everyone could simply wait a few more hours at home. Only one or two people need to go to the airport, or better yet, if the returning relative is familiar with the area, they could catch a cab home themselves. That way, the entire family can still reunite joyfully and safely.
Bringing a large group to the airport causes unnecessary crowding, traffic congestion, and safety risks. Does such a reunion even remain joyful under those circumstances? In my family, when relatives return from abroad, we do not rush to the airport. Since international flights often arrive late at night, the rest of the family stays home and rests comfortably. We can reunite the next morning over a home-cooked meal and plenty of time to catch up.”
But reader Dinhthitienbctt shared another perspective:
“Only those who have not seen a loved one for years can truly understand the overwhelming longing to reunite with them as soon as possible, or right when they step off the plane. That is why people bring their whole families to greet returning relatives at the airport.
It is not about being showy or extravagant. It is simply about showing love and care for their loved ones. Children are eager and excited, the elderly feel restless. Everyone wants to see how the person looks after years apart. Are they thinner? Healthier? It is a feeling that is difficult to put into words.”
Reader Comet Small:
“I think it is better to have a warm welcome than for no one to show up at all. It is this enthusiasm that makes those living abroad want to come home for Tet. They might feel slightly uncomfortable at first or shy about the crowd, but this warmth is what encourages them to return year after year.
The heartfelt affection and care from family back home make their trip worthwhile. It reassures them that they are important and that someone is eagerly awaiting their return. This is a huge motivation for those far from home. Home is not just a location, it is also the familial love.”
What are your thoughts on this topic?
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
