Fireworks light up the sky to welcome New Year 2026

At 11.45 p.m., fireworks launch sites across Hanoi were set off simultaneously, 15 minutes earlier than in previous years.

Photo by VnExpress/Anh Phu

 

 

Fireworks light up the sky to welcome New Year 2026

Hòa Minzy khuấy động sân khấu quảng trường Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục

Half an hour before the fireworks display, locations along the Sai Gon River – including Bach Dang Quay, Me Linh Square and the foot of Ba Son Bridge – were packed with people.

Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Around 30 minutes before midnight, thousands of people showed up outside My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, waiting for to watch fireworks.

Photos by VnExpress/Hoang Giang

At a park in Bai Sau Beach, Vung Tau, HCMC, the atmosphere grew more lively as the night went on, with steady streams of people and tourists arriving. Many families strolled or sat on the grass and enjoyed the sea breeze at the turn of the year. This year, the area was more crowded and bustling thanks to the park’s recent refurbishment.

On the beach, Jana, a Russian national, along with friends and her two daughters, played music, danced and raised glasses of wine to toast the New Year amid the sound of the waves. She sent wishes of peace and joy to friends in Vietnam, thanking them for their friendliness and hospitality.

People gather at Bai Sau Beach, Vung Tau, HCMC. Photos by VnExpress/Dang Khoa

Jana (L), along with her friends and daughter, celebrate the New Year.

The high-altitude fireworks display to be launched at midnight on Vu Yen Island in Hai Phong City drew inner-city residents crossing over to watch, causing Le Thanh Tong Street leading to the Royal Bridge to be congested for more than 5 km. By contrast, the area around the city theatre saw a less heavy crowd, with authorities arranging traffic lane separation from a distance.

Photos and video by VnExpress/Le Tan

 

 

Fireworks light up the sky to welcome New Year 2026

Ùn tắc trên cầu Hoàng Gia

At the Mandala Tay Thien Stupa in the northern province of Phu Tho, the Drukpa lineage sangha, led by Supreme Master Gyalwa Dokhampa, joined thousands of Buddhists and local residents in circumambulating the stupa to receive peaceful and positive energy ahead of the New Year. At midnight, the organisers of the religious ceremony will set off fireworks to welcome 2026.

On Wednesday, the religious ceremony was officially opened and will last three days until Jan 2, 2026, featuring many community activities such as pilgrimage practices and prayers aimed at relieving stress in daily life. Thousands of Buddhists and residents are taking part, including many from Hanoi and HCMC.

Photo by Drukpa Vietnam

 

 

Fireworks light up the sky to welcome New Year 2026

Đi nhiễu quanh đại bảo tháp Mandala Tây Thiên

At 10 p.m., Bach Dang pedestrian street in Da Nang City became livelier, as several student bands played and sang. A small stage was set up in the middle section of the pedestrian zone, featuring a band and foreign singers. As the pedestrian street grew increasingly crowded, many people sought out quieter spaces such as a book festival or art exhibitions in the APEC Park area.

Photos by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong