Fireworks return as Vietnam welcomes 2018

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City's walking streets were both packed as people came out on New Year's Eve.

At the start of the holiday, many Vietnamese have flocked out of the big cities to celebrate New Year's Eve at home. However, Hanoi's walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen Hue Street were still packed with a sea of people as fireworks returned to the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Hanoi

While it was still hours until the new year, the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake were already flooded by 6.30 p.m. with a sea of people eagerly awaiting the New Year Countdown Party.

The walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake is already packed by 6.30 p.m. with a sea of people eagerly awaiting the New Year Countdown Party.

The streets outside Trang Tien Plaza was also packed with visitors long before the party was set to start.

The streets outside Trang Tien Plaza shopping mall is also packed with visitors long before the party is set to start.

Ambulances are parked just outside the walking streets in case of emergency.

Ambulances are parked just outside the walking streets in case of emergency.

Hanoians enjoy a small fireworks show as the countdown to 2018 hits 0.

Hanoians enjoy a small fireworks show as the countdown to 2018 hits 0.

Ho Chi Minh City

The crowd on Nguyen Hue walking street and the stage for the Countdown Party more than two hours before new year.

The crowd on Nguyen Hue walking street and the stage for the Countdown Party more than two hours before new year.

Audiences eagerly gather outside the Peoples Committee building, where a 3D light show to celebrate the new year would be performed.

Audiences eagerly gather outside the People's Committee building, where a 3D light show to celebrate the new year would be performed.

Saigoneers cheer as the countdown hits 0, marking the beginning of 2018.

Saigoneers cheer as the countdown hits 0, marking the beginning of 2018.

Fireworks light up the sky over Thu Thiem Tunnel. After being absent last year due to the Communist Partys call for austerity, fireworks shows once again return to mark the beginning of the year.

Fireworks light up the sky over Thu Thiem Tunnel. After being absent last year due to the Communist Party's call for austerity, fireworks shows once again return to mark the beginning of the year.

The New Year celebrations atmosphere this year is more jubilant, probably since Ho Chi Minh City is allowed to launch fireworks again, said Long, a 32-year-old office worker. I find it necessary because it only uses private funds, helps the city be more attractive to tourists and it helps lift the peoples spirits.A couple welcomes 2018 with a girlfriend leads man around the world photo.
A couple welcomes 2018 with a girlfriend leads man around the world photo.

A couple welcomes 2018 with a "girlfriend leads man around the world" photo.

A boy sits on his fathers shoulders as the family watches the fireworks show.

A boy sits on his father's shoulders as the family watches the fireworks show.

Da Nang

Unlike Hanoi and Saigon, Da Nang celebrated the new year three hours earlier with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Unlike Hanoi and Saigon, Da Nang celebrated the new year three hours earlier with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Locals gather along the Han River to watch the spectacle.

Locals gather along the Han River to watch the spectacle.

Despite a light rain, the fireworks show still lasted for about 10 minutes.

Despite light rain, the fireworks show still lasted for about 10 minutes.

The city is no stranger to fireworks, having been the host of an annual fireworks festival in the last few years. However, locals and tourists are still no less excited about the show.

The city is no stranger to fireworks, having been the host of an annual fireworks festival in the last few years. However, locals and tourists are still no less excited about the show.

In addition to the fireworks show, the city also organizes many arts performances as well as a music festival to welcome 2018.

In addition to the fireworks show, the city also organizes many arts performances as well as a music festival to welcome 2018.

This bar on the roof of a 36-story building along the Han River is packed with people enjoying the fireworks show. Da Nang is estimated to receive more than 140,000 visitors during the New Year holiday.

This bar on the roof of a 36-story building along the Han River is packed with people enjoying the fireworks show. Da Nang is estimated to receive more than 140,000 visitors during the New Year holiday.

Bach Dang Street is flooded with vehicles as people leave at the end of the fireworks show.

Bach Dang Street is flooded with vehicles as people leave at the end of the fireworks show.

VnExpress

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.