Early in the evening, families and groups of friends flocked to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City, eager to find the best spots for the festivities.

Vendors took advantage of the demand, offering prime seating for the fireworks show at prices reaching 1.4 million VND (around 57 USD) for two seats.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A lively center filled with music and fireworks

As the evening progressed, Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, filled with excitement. Young crowds lined up on Le Loi and Ngo Duc Ke streets, eager to watch performances by famous artists such as Thanh Lam, Tung Duong, Soobin Hoang Son, and Minh Hang.

Some attendees, like Nhi from District 1, arrived as early as 6 PM to secure a prime viewing position and cheer for their favorite performers.

For Tuan’s family, visiting from District 6, it was their first experience of the New Year festivities. “We came after hearing about the music events,” Tuan mentioned, noting they planned to stay until the fireworks at midnight.

At Saigon Riverside Park, families had claimed their spaces by 7 PM, with authorities restricting vehicle access to maintain pedestrian safety.

Cafés offering views of fireworks at a premium

Around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, local cafés transformed their spaces into ideal spots for viewing the fireworks, with prices varying from 150,000 VND to 1.4 million VND (approximately 6–57 USD) based on the view and location.

One upscale café provided an excellent view of Turtle Tower and The Huc Bridge while allowing guests to enjoy performances from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

As the clock struck 9 PM, the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake were packed with revelers. Roads like Cau Go, Dinh Tien Hoang, and Dinh Liet were crowded as pleasant temperatures around 16°C added to the festive ambiance.

Crowds gather at iconic locations in Hanoi and HCMC

Visitors like Hoang Ly opted for Hanoi due to its rich cultural atmosphere during the New Year. Even amidst the throngs of people, she was excited to stay until midnight for the countdown and fireworks.

Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, guests like Khanh Han seized the moment to take photos at the beautifully lit Ba Son Bridge. Visitor Bich Thao, who traveled from Binh Thuan Province, expressed her joy: “This New Year’s Eve will be unforgettable for us as we explore more sights tomorrow.”

International guests also joined the celebrations. Amelia from Australia delighted in celebrating the New Year in Vietnam, while Phillippe from France savored delicious banh mi at Da Nang’s Son Tra Night Market.

Danang: A quieter but festive atmosphere

In contrast to the bustling happenings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Danang offered a serene atmosphere without fireworks. However, areas like Son Tra Night Market buzzed with locals and tourists alike, shopping and enjoying the festive spirit.

As it approached 10 PM, popular streets such as Trang Tien, Hang Khay, and regions around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi continued to draw crowds as everyone eagerly awaited the “Countdown Party 2025.”

As midnight neared, fireworks were set to light up the skies over Saigon River and Hoan Kiem Lake, creating a spectacular welcoming for 2025.

Nhi (District 1) and her friends arrived at 6 PM to secure a good viewing spot and catch their idols’ performance, sharing her excitement about the New Year celebration.