Surviving a year infested with bad news, looming fears, public health threats and financial instability, people in major cities of Vietnam flocked to main streets on New Year’s Eve to say the much-needed farewell to 2020 with thousands of fellow urbanites – a scene that few other places in the world were getting to enjoy.

Downtown Saigon alive on New Year’s Eve

On Thursday evening, Saigon residents were seen arriving in District 1 in droves to celebrate the new year 2021, the majority of whom maintained mask donning in public to prevent COVID-19 spread.

At Ho Chi Minh City’s Bach Dang Port, thousands of youths scrambled for a foothold at as early as 7:00 pm to spectate the pyrotechnic performances.

“Last time we couldn’t find a place to park, and the river bank was packed at 8:00 pm, so this year we decided to show up earlier to get a good spectating spot,” said Nguyen Hanh, an event goer.

At 9:30 pm, vehicles from all directions started filling up the streets of central Saigon, many of which struggled in finding a place to park.

People queueing at an event in Ho Chi Minh City are seen wearing face masks. Photo: Tu Trong / Tuoi Tre

A traffic policeman orchestrates traffic at Bach Dang Port area in Ho Chi Minh City.

A rooftop coffee shop at Bach Dang Port area of Ho Chi Minh City is packed. Photo: Tu Trong / Tuoi Tre

A fashion store on Nguyen Hue Street is seen with “Happy New Year 2021” signage, December 31, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A group of friends take a selfie at Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Hanoians crowd countdown party

As witnessed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper correspondence, major streets surrounding the pedestrian streets in the Old Quarter of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District were packed at as early as 7:00 pm.

Crowds were also seen gathering at the nearby Hanoi Opera House, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, and Trang Tien Street.

These areas were barricaded earlier by the police to fend off vehicles and reserve space for celebration activities on New Year’s Eve.

People on the streets were seen wearing coats, scarfs and mittens as mercury in the city dropped to 14 degree Celsius and lower.

COVID-19 safety guideline, including face masks, were constantly reminded among the crowds by security guards and police, and were complied with by the crowds.

During the last hours of 2020, many wishes of health, safety, and COVID-19 elimination were sent out at the gatherings.

“Many atrocities happened to our community in 2020, including the pandemic and natural disasters, so I wish the vaccine will arrive soon and herd immunity will be soon achieved, so we can be all healthy to continue to work and study,” said Lan Huong, an 19-year-old joining the crowd in Hanoi.

A child enjoys the countdown party show near Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, December 31, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Tran Duy Khang, singer of indie band Chillies is seen performing on stage, December 31, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Crowd enjoys the countdown party show near Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, December 31, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Crowd cheers to thank the COVID-19 frontline workers, December 31, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Crowd enjoys the countdown party show near Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, December 31, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Da Nang crowd braces optimism

On Thursday evening, main streets in Da Nang City were packed by local residents looking to enjoy a festive ambience during the last day of the year.

The slightly chilly weather failed to dampen the spirit of thousands looking for a good time at local music and performance shows.

The most chosen gathering places in the city include the entertainment functions, Helio night market, Asia Park, as well as the September 2 Square, where a grand countdown party was held.

Immersing themselves in the jovial atmosphere of the crowd, many event goers still upheld the safety guideline and donned face masks.

The year 2020 was an unforgettable time for Da Nang City as well as other places in central Vietnam, as instances of catastrophic flooding, landslides and the second wave of COVID-19 ravaged the area in terms of human loss as well as the economy.

In a time of celebration, local people chose to left the bad mojo of the past year behind to usher in positivity for the new year 2021.

Le Dinh Phuong Quynh, 19, a Da Nang City dweller, said she and her family was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic.

“My family is struggling as my parents lost their jobs, so did I. We resorted to the support package of the Government to stay afloat,” she said.

“I wish the people of Da Nang can all stay healthy and receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the year 2021. On top of that, I hope the situation gets better, the economy improves and our lives go back to normal,” Quynh said.

A countdown party show at September 2 Square in Da Nang City, December 31, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Crowd enjoys a countdown party show at September 2 Square in Da Nang City, December 31, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Crowd enjoys a countdown party show at September 2 Square in Da Nang City, December 31, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Crowd enjoys a countdown party show at September 2 Square in Da Nang City, December 31, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

People don face masks at a countdown party show at September 2 Square in Da Nang City, December 31, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Hoi An people gather for new year wishes

From the Thursday afternoon, the stages erected on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street in the Ancient Town area of Hoi An City were activated with high-capacity lighting system and loudspeakers to prepare for the new year 2021 celebration show.

The whole city was lit up in the subtle glow of lanterns by 8:00 pm.

Once a sought-after destination with thousands of people packing its streets for the year-end season, this New Year’s Eve in Hoi An saw much less visitors, even in central areas and along the Hoai River.

Most visitors were residents from the nearby Da Nang City, who soon returned to their home for the countdown. However, the city still managed to keep up the holiday spirit among the locals and a small demographic of foreigners in town.

On behalf of the city authority, Nguyen Van Son – chairman of the Hoi An City People’s Committee, stated that the small town has never suffered a worse year than 2020, as local tourism grapples to stay afloat after the COVID-19 shockwave and back-to-back floods.

However, thanks to the kindred spirits in the locale, Hoi An remains a beloved destination, receiving love and longing messages from tourists all over the world.

“We wish for all hardships to the last year to pass, and the good things to come,” Son said.

The officials and people at Hoi An also dropped flower candle lanterns to the Hoai River – a local ritual as a way to say farewell to the year 2020 and pray for blessings in a new year.

Thousands packed the stages at Nguyen Phuc Chu Street to spectate performances in the countdown party show and receive words of hope from the city authority.

Leaders of Hoi An City drop flower candle lanterns to Hoai River to pray for the city’s good luck, December 31, 2020. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Crowds enjoy a countdown party show at Hoi An City, December 31, 2020. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Bach Dang Pedestrian Street in Hoi An City, December 31, 2020. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

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