Tourists from across the globe and thousands of enthusiastic Ho Chi Minh City citizens are converging for the 10-day River Festival, a grand celebration of cultural heritage and modern innovation.
The second edition of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 promises an even grander scale than its predecessor, reinforcing the city’s image as a vibrant, modern riverine metropolis rich in cultural and historical identity. This year’s festival is an event and a testament to the city’s dynamic spirit and cultural richness.
An Epic Commencement with “Legendary Voyage”
The festival commenced with a stunning musical performance titled “Legendary Voyage,” which transformed Khanh Hoi Port into a cinematic spectacle. Over 1,000 performers took part, mesmerizing 9,000 spectators with a historical narrative brought to life using modest technologies like 3D mapping and drone shows. This unforgettable experience set the tone for the rest of the festival, leaving the audience in awe.
A Tapestry of Cultural Activities
The festival offers a vibrant array of cultural activities that capture the essence of river life. One of the highlights is a recreated Mekong Delta floating market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of boats filled with flowers and fruits. The “Trên Bến Dưới Thuyền” fruit week features an abundance of local produce, complemented by soulful Southern folk songs and captivating traditional games.
Thrilling Water Sports and Culinary Delights
In addition to cultural displays, the festival includes exhilarating water sports events. Visitors can witness the open-water swimming championship and the stand-up paddleboard championship, among other thrilling river sports performances. Activities such as SUP paddling, Flyboarding, and panoramic paragliding over the Saigon River provide an adrenaline rush for participants and spectators alike.
The culinary area on Le Loi Street (District 1) is another major attraction, with 24 booths showcasing regional specialties across Vietnam. Visitors can savour beautifully presented traditional dishes highlighting the nation’s rich culinary heritage, offering a feast for the eyes and the palate.
A Spectacular Grand Finale
The festival concludes with a breathtaking spectacle that features 1,100 drones synchronized with laser lights, thrilling water sports performances by 100 athletes and 100 sports vehicles (including paragliders, jet skis, jetboards, flyboards, and sailing boats), and a majestic parade of cruise boats on the Saigon River. This grand finale, the “Sparkling River,” illuminates the river with iconic images of traditional Vietnamese cranes and the “WE LOVE HO CHI MINH CITY” symbols, leaving a lasting impression on tourists and locals.
Boosting Tourism and Cultural Pride
The River Festival 2024 is not just a cultural extravaganza but also a significant boost to tourism in Ho Chi Minh City. The festival leaves an indelible mark on the public by showcasing the city’s vibrant and dynamic spirit through unforgettable experiences. It cements the city’s status as a premier cultural and historical destination.
As the festival grows in scale and grandeur, it promises to be an annual event that draws even more visitors and participants, celebrating the rich tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural and historical heritage.
For more information on the festival and its activities, visit the official Ho Chi Minh City tourism website here.
Written by: Kanda Limw
