Surviving a year infested with bad news, looming fears, public health threats and financial instability, people in major cities of Vietnam flocked to main streets on New Year’s Eve to say the much-needed farewell to 2020 with thousands of fellow urbanites – a scene that few other places in the world were getting to enjoy. Downtown Saigon alive on New Year’s Eve On Thursday evening, Saigon residents were seen arriving in District 1 in droves to celebrate the new year 2021, the majority of whom maintained mask donning in public to prevent COVID-19 spread. At Ho Chi Minh City’s Bach Dang Port, thousands of youths scrambled for a foothold at as early as 7:00 pm to spectate the pyrotechnic performances. “Last time we couldn’t find a place to park, and the river bank was packed at 8:00 pm, so this year we decided to show up earlier to get a good spectating spot,” said Nguyen Hanh, an event goer. At 9:30 pm, vehicles from all directions started filling up the streets of central Saigon, many of which struggled in finding a place to park. People queueing at an event in Ho Chi Minh City are seen wearing face masks. Photo: Tu Trong / Tuoi Tre A traffic policeman orchestrates traffic at Bach Dang Port area in Ho Chi Minh City. A rooftop coffee shop at Bach Dang Port area of Ho Chi Minh City is packed. Photo: Tu Trong / Tuoi Tre A fashion store on Nguyen Hue Street is seen with “Happy New Year 2021” signage, December 31, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A group of friends take a selfie at Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre Hanoians crowd countdown party As witnessed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper correspondence, major streets surrounding the pedestrian streets in the Old Quarter of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District were packed at as early as 7:00 pm. Crowds were also seen gathering at the nearby Hanoi Opera House, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, and Trang Tien Street. These areas …
