Ho Chi Minh City to light up National Day with fireworks, art shows

Ho Chi Minh City is set to host a series of vibrant events to commemorate Vietnam's National Day on September 2. Residents can look forward to a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. on the evening of September 2, with seven designated locations across the city. Three of these sites will feature a combination of high and low-altitude fireworks, while the remaining four will focus on low-altitude displays.

Beyond the fireworks, the city has organized a rich program of artistic performances and exhibitions running from late August through early September. On the evening of September 2, artistic shows will simultaneously take place in key areas, including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Binh Duong New City Central Park, and Ba Ria Square Park. Additional performances will be held in various wards and communes, bringing cultural celebrations closer to local communities.

An extensive exhibition, running from August 19 to September 5, will showcase city-level commemorative activities at three main venues: Chi Lang Park, Nguyen Du Park, and the Revolutionary Tradition House. Local cultural centers, sports facilities, and community areas will also host events, fostering a city-wide festive atmosphere. The Ho Chi Minh City Book Street will feature exhibitions of historical documents and images, alongside sports competitions and activities.

For those aiming to capture the dazzling fireworks, prime viewing spots in the city center include Ben Bach Dang Park and along Ton Duc Thang Street. Alternatively, less crowded vantage points can be found from the Thu Thiem Urban Area, the base of Ba Son Bridge, or from high-rise cafes and restaurants. With an anticipated large turnout, authorities are urging citizens to plan their travel arrangements in advance and be mindful of traffic restrictions to avoid congestion. This year's National Day holiday allows civil servants a five-day break, from August 29 to September 2.