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On Lunar New Year’s Eve, people across the country gather in anticipation of the fireworks displays and cultural festivities marking the transition to 2025.
Cold weather in the north, festive spirits across the nation
In the northern region, temperatures dropped to below 10°C in some areas, while central Vietnam experienced cool weather.
Meanwhile, the south enjoyed ideal conditions for outdoor gatherings as crowds filled the streets to celebrate.
In Hanoi, the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake served as the backdrop for stunning high-altitude fireworks, despite the chilly weather keeping some areas less crowded.
People gathered at My Dinh Stadium to watch fireworks light up the sky, while couples enjoyed romantic moments by Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake, reflecting on the vibrant displays.
In Da Nang, residents and tourists flocked to the banks of the Han River to watch fireworks, visit spring flower displays, and take photos.
Some took the time to visit An Long Pagoda, offering incense and receiving symbolic gifts of salt and matches for good luck in the new year.
Further south in Ho Chi Minh City, the mild 23°C evening weather drew massive crowds to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and other central locations.
Residents and visitors eagerly awaited the midnight fireworks at two high-altitude points and 13 low-altitude locations across the city.
A mesmerizing drone performance also captivated spectators, with drones forming intricate patterns against the night sky.
Unique celebrations across regions
In Can Tho, people gathered at Ninh Kieu Wharf to watch high-altitude fireworks launched from a barge stationed in the Hau River.
In central Vietnam, Hoi An glowed with lanterns and floating flower garlands, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
Visitors from both Vietnam and abroad, including Xuan Lan from Nam Dinh and Kim Kyung Haeng from South Korea, expressed their joy at experiencing the Lunar New Year in the historic town.
In Nghe An Province, locals gathered around bonfires in village squares, sharing drinks, music, and laughter to ward off the cold and welcome the New Year together.
Meanwhile, the SE1 train journeyed through the night from Hanoi to Saigon, carrying passengers who rang in the New Year as it passed through Nam Dinh.
Leaders send New Year greetings
In Hanoi, General Secretary To Lam visited and extended New Year wishes to senior revolutionaries and citizens, offering gifts and words of encouragement.
Da Nang's Chairman Le Trung Chinh visited police forces and praised their contributions to public safety, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a secure environment during the festive season.
As fireworks illuminated cities nationwide, the spirit of Tet filled hearts with joy and optimism for a prosperous Year of the Snake.
Spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky over Ho Chi Minh City:
Fireworks chase away the winter chill in Hanoi:
Fireworks by the Han River in Da Nang:
People in Da Nang visit local pagodas to offer incense, seek blessings, and pray for peace as the New Year approaches. At An Long Pagoda on Bach Dang Street (Hai Chau District), many residents gathered to burn incense. The pagoda provided incense for everyone. Visitors also received small blessing bags containing salt and matchboxes for good fortune.
At Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho City, many families and couples are sitting and waiting to watch the New Year's fireworks in the cool weather. At the stroke of midnight, high-altitude fireworks will be launched from a 2,000-ton barge at the confluence of the Hau River and Can Tho River, about 30 meters from the shore.
Crowds flock to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
A large number of locals and tourists flocked to Hoi An City (Quang Nam) to celebrate New Year's Eve and welcome the Year of the Snake. Hoi An becomes even more enchanting on New Year's Eve, illuminated by the shimmering glow of lanterns and mystical floating candles.
After releasing a lantern, Xuan Lan, a tourist from Nam Dinh, shared: “This year, my family chose Hoi An to celebrate New Year’s Eve partly because we love the ancient charm here and partly as an opportunity for a family getaway.”
The weather in Hoi An is chilly with light drizzle, but many foreign tourists are still excitedly taking photos in the lantern street.
Kim Kyung Haeng, a tourist from South Korea, shared: “I’m very happy to visit Hoi An with my family during the Lunar New Year. The atmosphere is so vibrant yet has a unique, serene charm that feels very different. Celebrating the New Year in a faraway place is truly special. Wishing everyone good health and prosperity in the new year.”
In rural areas such as Yen Thanh, Do Luong, Thanh Chuong, and Tan Ky districts, residents began gathering large piles of firewood one to two days ago to prepare for lighting fires on New Year’s Eve to ward off the cold. This activity also serves to strengthen neighborhood bonds.
Nguyen Ba Thao, a resident of Ma Thanh Commune, Yen Thanh District, shared: “Every year during New Year’s Eve, villagers gather at crossroads and neighborhood groups to light fires. Everyone comes together, playing music, dancing, and raising a toast to welcome the New Year with hopes for good luck, happiness, and success.”
At the Dragon Bridge entrance on Bach Dang Street (Hai Chau District), the spring flower display has also attracted many visitors for sightseeing and photography.
Phuong Dung (a resident of Hai Chau District) and her family arrived early at the flower street to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Tonight, her family had dinner together and plans to find a good spot to watch the fireworks.
“For the New Year, I wish for my family to have good health, smooth work, and lots of luck,” Dung shared.
The flower street area has attracted a large number of international tourists. Luu Minh, a tourist from Taiwan, China, shared that Da Nang’s snake mascot and decorations are beautifully designed. His family has taken many photos during this trip.
This year, Da Nang is hosting fireworks displays at three locations in Hai Chau District, Lien Chieu District, and Hoa Vang District.
Earlier, Da Nang’s Chairman, Le Trung Chinh, visited and encouraged the teams on duty during New Year’s Eve.
General Secretary To Lam presents a gift to Major General Huynh Dac Huong (105 years old) in Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Viet Thanh.
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