Fireworks lit up the skies over Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh officially being renamed after President Ho Chi Minh on July 2, 1976.
Thousands of residents and visitors gathered at fireworks viewing spots in central Ho Chi Minh City to mark the milestone anniversary
At 9 pm, the artistic fireworks displays began simultaneously across Ho Chi Minh City, with bursts of colour spreading across the night sky.
To mark the anniversary, Ho Chi Minh City staged fireworks at five main venues, combining high- and low-altitude displays at the Saigon River tunnel entrance in An Khanh Ward, the new city centre in Binh Duong Ward, Tam Thang Square in Vung Tau Ward, the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site and the Can Gio coastal tourism area.
Eleven additional low-altitude displays were held in Tan Nhut, Tang Nhon Phu, Tan My, Dat Do, Con Dao Special Zone, Ngai Giao, Dau Tieng, Minh Thanh, Lai Thieu, Phu My and the SAIGON MARINA IFC Tower in Sai Gon Ward
Multicoloured fireworks lit up the sky above the Saigon River, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
Crowds gathered early at Bach Dang Wharf and along the Saigon River to secure the best viewing spots. Many described it as one of the year's most anticipated fireworks displays.
Many young people captured the fireworks on their phones and quickly shared the images on social media
Families gathered beneath the fireworks to celebrate the city's milestone anniversary.
Children watched the fireworks with excitement, gazing up each time the sky lit up
Set against the city's landmark skyline, the fireworks highlighted Ho Chi Minh City's modern image as it marked 50 years of being named after President Ho Chi Minh.
The fireworks display also gave residents an opportunity to reflect on the city's development over the past 50 years.
As part of the celebrations, Ho Chi Minh City staged a two-day 3D mapping show outside the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee headquarters. The century-old building was transformed into a giant canvas of light and animated 3D projections.
