Urban Prohibition of Vehicles for New Year’s Festivities in Central HCMC

In preparation for the New Year’s Eve revelry and the ensuing pyrotechnic displays, the municipal transport authority has declared a moratorium on vehicular access to ten thoroughfares in downtown Ho Chi Minh City starting Sunday afternoon.

The fireworks spectacle is scheduled to unfold over a 15-minute span, commencing precisely at the stroke of midnight and concluding at 12:15 a.m. on January 1, 2024. The designated sites for this visual extravaganza are twofold: the inception of the Saigon River tunnel in Thu Duc City and the Dam Sen cultural park situated in District 11.

Simultaneously, a ceremonial countdown will transpire on Sunday night along the renowned Nguyen Hue promenade in District 1.

To avert the specter of vehicular gridlock, a prohibition will be enforced on vehicular passage along the Nguyen Hue segment, stretching from Le Thanh Ton to Ton Duc Thang, spanning the hours from 3 p.m. on Sunday until 1 a.m. on Monday.

Furthermore, vehicular ingress will be restricted on select downtown itineraries, encompassing segments of Le Loi, Dong Khoi, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Tat Thanh, and Ham Nghi, during the time frame spanning 8 p.m. on Sunday to 1 a.m. on Monday.

Roads such as Hai Trieu, Ly Tu Trong, Le Thanh Ton, Dong Du, and Mac Thi Buoi will similarly prohibit vehicular access during this stipulated time frame.

Prohibitions extend to roads in the vicinity of Me Linh Square, as well as the Ba Son, and Khanh Hoi bridges, where vehicles will face restrictions from entry.

HCMC Rings in the New Year with a Spectacular Lineup of Cultural Events and Activities

As the New Year dawned, the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) came alive with a myriad of celebrations and activities, welcoming the arrival of 2024.

Highlight Events on New Year’s Eve:

Fireworks Extravaganza: The city witnessed the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve fireworks at two key locations. A grand display lit up the night sky over the Saigon River, with high-range fireworks emanating from the Thu Thiem tunnel in Thu Duc City. Simultaneously, a low-range fireworks spectacle unfolded in Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11. Both displays, spanning 15 minutes from midnight to 12:15 AM on January 1, 2024, added a dazzling touch to the festivities.

Entera Countdown 2024: HCMC hosted its annual New Year’s Eve countdown party, Entera Countdown 2024, at Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1. The event featured performances by renowned artists such as Toc Tien, Binz, Soobin, Karik, Rhymastic, GDucky, Phuong Ly, and more.

Luxury Countdown Party 2024: Thu Duc City welcomed the New Year with the Luxury Countdown Party 2024, headlined by music stars including Ha Anh Tuan, Dong Nhi, Duong Hoang Yen, the Chillies band, Grey D, Phao, and others.

Citywide Cultural Activities:

Apart from these headline events, a plethora of cultural activities unfolded across Thu Duc City, districts, the HCMC Youth Cultural House, universities, colleges, dormitories, industrial parks, and processing zones on the nights of December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024.

A special New Year’s Eve art exchange, themed “Brilliant Vietnam,” took place at HCMC Book Street on December 31, featuring participation from experts and writers in the publishing industry.

Art Exhibitions and Programs:

Museums and cultural institutions in the city opened their doors throughout the New Year holiday. The HCMC Museum showcased the history of Saigon ceramics, while the HCMC Museum of History presented an exhibition titled “Long Van Khanh Hoi – Dragon Images in Vietnamese Culture,” displaying 100 dragon-themed antiques from the Ly Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty.

Additionally, visitors had the opportunity to explore traditional Vietnamese medicine at the Fito Museum and enjoy water puppetry at the HCMC History Museum, courtesy of the Phuong Nam Art Theater.

Film Offerings:

Cinemas in the city featured a diverse selection of films during the holiday, including three Vietnamese films – “Ke An Hon” (A Soul Reaper), “Quy Cau” (Devil Dog), and “Tren ban nhau, duoi ban muu” (Bang Bang girls) – as well as international releases such as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Death Whisperer (Tee Yod), and Migration.

Overall, HCMC bid farewell to the old and welcomed the new with a splendid array of cultural events, providing residents and visitors alike with a memorable start to 2024.

Saigon Gears Up for New Year Celebrations with Art, Cuisine, and More

As the New Year approaches, Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is buzzing with a diverse range of activities to suit various interests. From art exhibitions to culinary delights, the city is gearing up to bid farewell to the year in a stylish manner.

‘Mystical Topography’ – A Visual Delight

A highlight among the festivities is the ‘Mystical Topography’ exhibition at Annam Gallery. Running until January 28, the exhibit features the works of renowned Vietnamese artist Le Ba Dang. Inspired by Daoist philosophy and resembling topographical maps, Dang’s art provides a unique visual treat for art enthusiasts.

Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Celebrations

Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery has curated a series of New Year celebrations, including a rooftop countdown party and lavish lunch and dinner buffets featuring a variety of fresh seafood. The celebrations are scheduled for December 31 and January 1, aiming to give guests a memorable start to the New Year.

Local Artisanal Fair and Elysium Piano Recital

A local artisanal fair at the Reunification Palace is set from December 29 to 31. The fair serves as a platform for local businesses to showcase products crafted using green technologies and traditional Vietnamese crafts. Additionally, music enthusiasts can look forward to the ‘Elysium’ piano recital at Steinway & Sons Exclusive Gallery in Crescent Mall on December 30, promising a tranquil musical experience.

Midnight Follies at Clay Saigon

As the clock ticks towards the New Year, ‘Midnight Follies’ at Clay Saigon offers a captivating cabaret-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. The event, taking place on December 31, includes a gourmet five-course dinner and entertainment. Amid the festivities, a popular crispy pancake spot in District 3 continues to attract diners with its delightful tastes and the heartwarming sight of three children assisting their grandmother in the kitchen.

International visitors in the city are also immersing themselves in the festive spirit, enjoying the Christmas decorations and pleasant weather that mark the end of the year.