Vietnam rings in 2023

People stopped on Thu Thiem Bridge near midnight waiting to watch the fireworks exploding.

Travelers stop on Thu Thiem Bridge in HCMC minutes before the midnight fireworks explode. Photo by Gia Minh

Two main New Year performance shows in the central Vietnam city attract the highest numbers of citizens and tourists: one in the Bien Dong Park and the other in the Bo Dong Cau Rong Park in Son Tra District.

Pham Tan Xu, director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, said the two events have had their funds mobilized from multiple sources to reduce burden on the national budget. The city would have events spread out over time until Tet, instead of solely focusing on New Year’s Eve, he added.

People flock to Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge to celebrate the new year. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Truong

As DJ Quintino begins his performance, the crowd pulsates to his every beat, throwing their hands up and dancing.

DJ Quintino performs in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Crowds in Hanoi dance and cheer as DJ Quintino performs. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Large crowds could be seen on Bui Vien Street Saturday night, with police officers and militia members being stationed at the site to maintain order.

Annavita, 34, from Russia, said it was her first time celebrating New Year’s Eve in Vietnam. She said the weather isn’t as cold as in Russia, so she felt more comfortable.

Annavita (L) sit with her friends at a beer shop on HCMC’s Bui Vien. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van

As part of events to celebrate the new year, several games and activities were held at the Nguyen Hue walking street. Due to the large crowds, some people fainted.

Some people were given first-aid after fainting at HCMC’s Nguyen Hue walking street. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung

The big crowd on Nguyen Hue Street. Photo by Giang Anh

Satshya Tharien, 37, and his wife, from India, said 2022 was a special year for them when they got married after three years of knowing each other.

As they walked hand in hand at the Le Thai To-Luong Van Can intersection in Hoan Kiem District, they said they decided to celebrate the new year in Hanoi as they both love the city, its food and its people. Their goal for 2023 is to travel and exercise more.

Satshya Tharien, 37 and his wife celebrate the incoming new year in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Son Ha

In the central town of Hue, restaurants in the backpackers streets Vo Thi Sau and Chu Van An are packed with tourists, from both Vietnam and overseas.

Rory, a 28-year-old British tourist, and his wife came to Vietnam nine days ago. Rory said he was glad to welcome the new year in a place much warmer than at home.

Rory (L) is with his wife and a Vietnamese tourist wait to ring in the new year at a restaurant in Hue. Photo by Vo Thanh

Locals and tourists in the central beach town Nha Trang gathered at the April 2 Square on the coastal Tran Phu Street. Vehicles have been blocked from a part around 350 meters long of the street to serve a countdown program.

A big crowd at the April 2 Square on Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang. Photo by Bui Toan

As the night goes on, more and more people flooded towards streets like Le Thanh Ton and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai to watch the music show. Several streets were congested and traffic police officers were dispatched to maintain order.