Vietnamese flock to the streets ahead of New Year’s Eve

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 in Hue, December 31, 2022. Photo by Vo Thanh

Despite a temperature at 15 degrees Celsius, citizens of Hai Phong gathered in front of the Opera House, where a music show would be available to welcome the new year. The show would see the participation of multiple artists from both Hanoi and Hai Phong like Dong Hung, Thu Thuy, Hong Hanh and Minh Quan.

The stage for a music show at the Hai Phong Opera House to celebrate New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022. Photo by VnExpress

Adults and children gather at the Hai Phong Opera House to welcome the new year, December 31, 2022. Photo by VnExpress

People pooled at the streets and entertainment sites in downtown areas of the Mekong Delta’s Can Tho City. Several streets like Hai Ba Trung, as well as the Ninh Kieu Port, were colorfully decorated ahead of New Year’s Eve.

An entertainment show to celebrate New Year’s Eve is available at the Luu Huu Phuoc Park, attracting large crowds.

A group of people takes a selfie at Ninh Kieu District of Can Tho, December 31, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long

Nguyen Van Thanh, 45, said it’s been three years since he last saw such big crowds coming to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

“The economy has recovered quickly after Covid-19 was put under control. The lives and daily activities of the people, including education for the children, have returned to normal,” he said.

People have been going to the Nguyen Hue walking street since Saturday afternoon to participate in the countdown party to 2023. Starting 7 p.m., the street, which runs 600 m, has already been packed.

People stand in front of a stage for the countdown party in HCMC’s Nguyen Hue walking street, December 31, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung

Saigon would have firework shows in two locations to celebrate the new year: one in Thu Duc City and the other in District 11.