Residents in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City gathered at local hot spots on Monday night to welcome the 2022 Lunar New Year in a quiet but cheerful way amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In Ho Chi Minh City, many people flocked to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 to mark the Lunar New Year as well as to visit this year’s Nguyen Hue Flower Street.

The flower street, which is open from January 29 to February 4, was temporarily closed on Monday night as the large number of visitors posed a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.

However, residents were still able to take a stroll along the other sections of the pedestrian street and had a joyful celebration.

Municipal authorities had also canceled their Lunar New Year fireworks performances this year as part of the local pandemic prevention and control measures.

People have a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, January 31, 2022. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

A street artist draws a portrait of a young woman on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, January 31, 2022. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

Residents enjoy street food and drinks on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, January 31, 2022. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

In Hanoi, the absence of a pyrotechnic display and countdown event did not stop citizens from having a cheerful Lunar New Year’s Eve.

Many headed to such famous destinations as Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter in brisk weather to pose for a photo and take a walk with their loved ones.

Most eateries and shops were also closed as of Monday night.

“My family decided to remain in Hanoi instead of going back to our hometown this Tet due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Le Thu Hoai, 37.

“Although there is no fireworks, we still headed to Hoan Kiem Lake to mark the special moment.”

Residents pose for a photo at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, January 31, 2022. Photo: Q.The / Tuoi Tre

People visit Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, January 31, 2022. Photo: Q.The / Tuoi Tre

Residents pose for a photo at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, January 31, 2022. Photo: Q.The / Tuoi Tre

In central Da Nang City, the Tet flower street by the Han River and APEC Park attracted a lot of people on Lunar New Year’s Eve.

The dry and slightly chilly weather created a perfect atmosphere for locals to welcome the Year of the Tiger.

People visit the Tet flower street by the Han River in Da Nang City, January 31, 2022. Photo: D.C. / Tuoi Tre

People visit the Tet flower street by the Han River in Da Nang City, January 31, 2022. Photo: D.C. / Tuoi Tre

People visit the Tet flower street by the Han River in Da Nang City, January 31, 2022. Photo: D.C. / Tuoi Tre

Residents visit APEC Park in Da Nang City, January 31, 2022. Photo: D.C. / Tuoi Tre

Residents visit APEC Park in Da Nang City, January 31, 2022. Photo: D.C. / Tuoi Tre

Residents visit APEC Park in Da Nang City, January 31, 2022. Photo: D.C. / Tuoi Tre

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