Vietnam rings in 2019 with fireworks and festivities

As the clock struck midnight people throughout the country immersed themselves in the festive mood, enjoying firework shows and entertainment activities to see out 2018 and usher in 2019.

A party of light and music to welcome 2019 at the Lam Vien Square in Da Lat.
A party of light and music to welcome 2019 at the Lam Vien Square in Da Lat.

In Ho Chi Minh City, residents were treated to a pyrotechnic display at Dam Sen Cultural Park which was preceded by a stunning LED light art show featuring a fiery bird soaring out from the surface of a bronze drum into the sky.

Fireworks also exploded over the Thu Thiem Tunnel, attracting crowds of spectators to the Bach Dang Wharf with new hopes for the new year.

A fireworks display over the Thu Thiem Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City

The pedestrian street of Nguyen Hue was also thronged with revellers attending a countdown event, which saw the appearance of popular young singers and dancers.

Ho Chi Minh City residents gathered at Nguyen Hue Street to ring in the new year.

In the central city of Da Nang, light rain and cold weather did not dampen the mood of revellers who crowded the September 2 Square for the countdown party, which was heated up by celebrated singers, DJs and dance groups.

A New Year performance in Da Nang

In the meantime, tens of thousands of people packed into the pedestrianised streets near the Sword Lake in central Hanoi to celebrate the arrival of 2019, despite the low temperatures in the strongest cold wave since the start of winter.

People crowded the streets near the Sword Lake in central Hanoi to celebrate 2019. (Photo: Ha Noi Moi)

In the capital city, countdown events were held at the Ly Thai To Statue, the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, the August Revolution Square and the Hang Day Stadium, with the first three venues near the Sword Lake.

In the Central Highlands city of Da Lat, local residents and visitors alike braved the rain to enjoy a party of music and lights to ring in the new year at the Lam Vien Square on the bank of the poetic Xuan Huong Lake.

An illuminated rose bud in central Da Lat

Da Lat is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its foundation and the city expects to welcome 40,000 tourists a day.

Meanwhile in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, an arts performance took place at the Luu Huu Phuoc Park to celebrate the new year and the 15th anniversary of Can Tho’s status as a centrally-governed municipality.

An event to welcome 2019 in Can Tho