Ho Chi Minh City’s waterways, rivers, and canals are a cultural treasure, and their unique essence has been pivotal in the city’s tourism growth. The Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port come alive with the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024, a vibrant celebration of the city’s river culture.

The festival kicked off on Friday evening with a grand outdoor opera, ‘The Story of a River Season 2 – The Legendary Voyage,’ performed by over 1,000 artists. This captivating performance, divided into five chapters, intricately wove together history, cinematography, and entertainment to narrate the journey of Saigon – Gia Dinh – Ho Chi Minh City, a land defined by its waterways.

The grand opening of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

The opening ceremony was a spectacle, with cutting-edge technologies like 3D mapping, water screens, drones, and boat parades creating a vibrant celebration of river culture. Artistic fireworks displays added a breathtaking touch to the evening.

A mesmerizing performance at the opening ceremony of the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, May 31, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

The festival also featured an enticing cuisine space on Le Loi Boulevard, offering visitors a taste of typical dishes, cakes, fruits, and products from the river region. With 24 booths, this culinary journey lasted three days.

From June 4-10, the festival will present a fruit-themed week, ‘Tren Ben Duoi Thuyen’ (On the Wharf – In the Boat), showcasing the cultural richness of the southwestern waterways region. There will be cultural and artistic performances, a culinary contest, a river swimming competition, stand-up paddle-boarding races, and thrilling displays featuring water motorcycles, parasailing, and sailboats.

A culinary journey at the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, May 31, 2024. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre

Additionally, over 50 waterway tours will be offered at discounts of up to 60%, making this annual celebration even more alluring. The festival promises an immersive experience, with folk dances, captivating opera scenes, and breathtaking visuals that celebrate the city’s rich river heritage.

A vibrant firework display at the opening ceremony, as captured by spectators with their smartphones. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
A mesmerizing dance performance at the opening ceremony. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
A stunning view of the opening ceremony from the other side of the Saigon River. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
A folk dance performance at a cultural space before the opening ceremony. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
Another breathtaking view of the ceremony from across the river. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Spectators enjoy the cup dance before the opening ceremony. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
A captivating scene from the outdoor grand opera. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
A stunning performance during the opening ceremony. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
A unique perspective of the opening ceremony from across the river. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
Spectators enjoy the opening ceremony via large screens at the Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Zone in District 1. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
Kites add a touch of color to the opening ceremony. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
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