Ho Chi Minh City has taken on a new look, awash with flags, flowers and a festive atmosphere during the National Day holiday. From central streets to newly-built urban areas, the red colour of the national flag is visible everywhere, drawing large numbers of residents and visitors eager to sightsee and take photographs.
The area around the Ho Chi Minh monument on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street has become the hottest destination, with visitors queueing to capture memorable moments.
Residents wearing ao dai printed with the red flag and yellow star flocked to Nguyen Hue pedestrian street to take photographs and immerse themselves in the celebratory mood.
Thu Chi, 26, said that instead of returning to her hometown, she chose to stay in the city and explore its best-known landmarks. "Nguyen Hue pedestrian street is beautiful by day and by night. After that, my friend and I will visit Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Central Post Office," she said.
The city centre's streets have been lavishly decorated with posters, banners, red flags with yellow stars and images of President Ho Chi Minh.
Banners and posters marking September 2 have appeared along streets large and small, adding to the lively holiday atmosphere.
Many young people carried flags through the streets together, expressing patriotism and national pride.
The park along the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal has also been filled with flags and flowers, creating a scene that is both poetic and solemn.
A residential complex of four high-rise towers on National Highway 1K, in Di An Ward, has been covered with hundreds of flags, creating a striking focal point.
Even unoccupied flats in the complex had bright red flags hung from their balconies by the management board, reflecting a shared community spirit.
At The Global City urban area on Do Xuan Hop Street in Binh Trung Ward, hundreds of large and small flags have been strung across roads and buildings, creating a sea of red in celebration of National Day.
Well-known attractions such as Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and Ben Thanh Market have also been splendidly decorated. Thanh Tu said quieter roads during the holiday gave him, his wife and their children the chance to head into the city centre for photographs and sightseeing. "We plan to stay out until the evening, then go to Bach Dang Wharf and take the metro as well," he said.
Aeon Tan Phu shopping centre has drawn attention with a giant LED-designed flag, becoming an ideal check-in spot for young people. Nguyen Thi Truc Anh, 24, said: "This year is the most beautiful I have seen it. The flag is very bright and large, so it is easy to take pictures. Especially at night, it looks incredibly sparkling."
