HCM City, Vietnam: The second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 is set to take place from May 31 to June 9 at various venues including Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf, Saigon Cruise Port, and other tourist hotspots. This year’s festival promises a vibrant mix of cultural, culinary, and entertainment activities, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
The festival aims to transform Ho Chi Minh City into a prime destination for waterway tourism. A standout feature of the event is the signature show titled “The Story of a River,” which narrates the history of boats significant to the region.
The inaugural river festival in 2023 attracted over 6,000 spectators, who enjoyed five spectacular performances depicting the cultural and economic life of river dwellers in Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh – Ho Chi Minh City from three centuries ago. It was the first time an art show was performed on a stage built on the Saigon River, integrating advanced performance technologies with historical and entertainment elements.
Le Hai Yen, the general director of this year’s festival, stated that nearly 1,000 professional and amateur performers will participate. The outdoor performance space at Nha Rong Wharf-Khanh Hoi-Saigon Port will be transformed into a large film studio, promising to captivate audiences. The festival will highlight modern historical stories about the special boats that played a crucial role in the nation’s milestones.
Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the Municipal Department of Tourism, expressed hopes that this year’s festival will draw a significant number of domestic and international tourists, boosting the city’s tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Da Nang is enhancing its landscape along both sides of the Han River to bolster local tourism. The city plans to develop the area into an urban center with administrative offices, a financial hub, and a gateway for riverside and coastal tourism. The area is also being upgraded to host national and international conventions and conferences.
Da Nang is investing nearly VND400 billion (US$15.7 million) to illuminate the Han River with horizontal bridges. In 2024, the riverbanks will host 55 cultural events and festivals, infusing fresh energy into Da Nang’s tourism.
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