At exactly 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, fireworks lit up the sky over the river, near the Saigon River Tunnel connecting Thu Duc City and downtown District 1.
This was the second fireworks show held in the city to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 50th anniversary of "Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025)." The first one was on April 19.
Viewed from Thu Duc toward District 1, the 10-minute display stood out against a backdrop of skyscrapers, some of which were lit up to display the national flag.
Thousands gathered early at the Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and waited for hours in the rain to watch the show. As fireworks illuminated the sky, many pulled out their phones to film and capture the dazzling moments.
Ngoc Tien, along with her husband and children, took a selfie with the radiant fireworks lighting up the sky behind them.
"I have seen fireworks several times during this year’s holiday and each time it has been just as exciting," Tien said.
Fireworks light up the city skyline.
Earlier, at 7:30 p.m., heavy rain poured down on thousands of people who gathered at the cannon setup at Bach Dang Wharf Park to wait for the show.
The unexpected downpour caused many to hurriedly open umbrellas, put on raincoats, or run for cover under the awnings of nearby stores and hotels.
Others took cover under trees. The Bach Dang Wharf area was so packed that many had to climb trees to wait for the fireworks display.
Many families came to the park in the afternoon, their belongings, tarps, and raincoats in tow, to wait for the fireworks.
According to the plan, fireworks will be launched at 30 locations across the city at 9 p.m. on April 30, marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's Reunification Day. Among them, two high-altitude displays will take place at the Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City and Ben Duoc Temple in outlying Cu Chi District.
Locals wave light sticks while dancing along to the song "Vietnam oi" at Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1. Video by Dinh Van
