The second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival kicked off on Friday evening at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, offering a memorable experience for both locals and visitors to the riverside metropolis.

The unique cultural essence of Ho Chi Minh City’s rivers, canals, and waterways has been pivotal in fostering tourism growth.

At the Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, a vibrant atmosphere fills the air as the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 unfolds with a series of festive events.

The opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

During the opening ceremony on Friday evening, over 1,000 artists presented an outdoor grand opera titled ‘The Story of a River Season 2 - The Legendary Voyage.’ 

This captivating performance, divided into five chapters, intricately weaves together history, cinematography, and entertainment to narrate the journey of Saigon - Gia Dinh - Ho Chi Minh City, a land defined by its waterways.

A performance during the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like 3D mapping, water screens, drones, and boat parades, the festival creates a vibrant spectacle celebrating river culture. 

Artistic fireworks displays added a breathtaking touch to the opening ceremony.

Artists, actors and actresses present an outdoor grand opera during the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Moreover, a cuisine space opened opened on Le Loi Boulevard on the same evening as part of the fest.

Spanning 24 booths, the venue offers visitors a taste of typical dishes, cakes, fruits, and products from the river region throughout its three-day duration.

A cuisine space at the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, May 31, 2024. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre

From June 4-10, a fruit-themed week titled ‘Tren Ben Duoi Thuyen’ (On the Wharf - In the Boat) will showcase the cultural richness of the southwestern waterways region.

The festival also promises an array of activities, including cultural and artistic showcases, a culinary contest, a river swimming competition, stand-up paddle-boarding races, and thrilling performances featuring water motorcycles, parasailing, and sailboats. 

Additionally, discounts of up to 60 percent will be available for over 50 waterway tours, enhancing the allure of this annual celebration.

People film a firework display with their smartphones at the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City, May 31, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

A performance during the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A view of the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival held at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port from the other side of the Saigon River, May 31, 2024. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

People participate in a folk dance at a cultural space before the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

A view of the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival held at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port from the other side of the Saigon River, May 31, 2024. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

People watch the cup dance before the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

A scene during the outdoor grand opera at the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A performance during the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A view of the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival held at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port from the other side of the Saigon River, May 31, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

People watch the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival via large screens at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Zone in District 1, May 31, 2024. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre

Kites adorn a corner of the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

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