The opening ceremony includes three parts: “Friendly Vietnam” featuring a countdown event with mapping and virtual graphic shows; “Strong Southeast Asia” showcasing the strengths of regional countries and a parade of 11 contingents of the SEA Games 31; “Shining Southeast Asia” covering arts performances and torch relay.
Participants in the ceremony were Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Hanoi Mayor Chu Ngoc Anh, and honorable guests namely Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cambodia, Minister of Culture and Sports Lao and Myanmar’s Minister of Sports and Youth.
The event themed “For A Stronger Southeast Asia” was contributed by over 1,000 participants on a stage of 7,000 square meters at My Dinh National Stadium.
The Hanoi Timeshelps you explore the ceremony full of typical culture and arts.
The ceremony opens with a countdown scene featuring “Friendly Vietnam”.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc declares the opening of the 31st SEA Games.
Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.
The Vietnamese contingent on the stage of My Dinh National Stadium for the parade.
The flag-raising ceremony takes place in solemn atmosphere.
Eight prominent athletes join the torch relay, including athlete Quach Thi Lan, who won the 2018 ASIAD gold medal, who lights up the cauldron.
The performance features bamboo, Vietnam’s typical tree having an important role in history and life.
The performance, which features lotus, bamboo, and wet rice, is supported by the light and sound mapping technology, introducing culture, tradition, and people of Vietnam while conveying the spirit of the Games “For a Stronger Southeast Asia”.
Vietnamese girls in Ao dai or Vietnamese traditional dress and conical hats gracefully arrange a map of Vietnam on the stage.
The dance performance entitled “The Soul of the Lotus” was led by famous dancer Linh Nga.
The performance takes place in the background of 3D images reminiscent of a lively lotus pond, a beautiful yet familiar image in Vietnam. For long time, the lotus has always been considered the national flower of the country.
Vietnamese singers Tung Duong, Hong Nhung, and members of O-Plus Band perform the official song of SEA Games 31 “Let’s Shine” under a spectacular fireworks display.
To transform Quoc Oai District into a must-visit destination, the local government has embarked on a journey to enhance service quality and forge strategic partnerships with travel agencies. By including the district's unique attractions in tour itineraries, they aim to create a captivating experience that will draw visitors from near and far.
For the very first time, the diverse and rare wildlife of Indochina is being showcased to the world. This region, encompassing Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, has an abundance of unique and endangered species that are now on full display for all to see. It is a celebration of nature's wonders and a chance to appreciate the beauty and fragility of our planet's biodiversity.
As the sun rises over Vietnam, a new day dawns for health and wellness enthusiasts. The bustling parks echo with the sounds of energetic workouts, while families across the nation quietly embrace cleaner, healthier meals. It is a subtle yet powerful shift towards a lifestyle centered on wellbeing, with Vietnam carving its own unique path to a healthier future.
The festive season is a highly anticipated time for locals, and Hanoi's Old Quarter is abuzz with excitement as Christmas preparations kick into full gear.
