The second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival began on Friday evening at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, offering a memorable experience for both locals and visitors to the riverside metropolis.
The unique cultural essence of Ho Chi Minh City’s rivers, canals, and waterways has been pivotal in fostering tourism growth.
At the Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Wharf and Saigon Cruise Port, a vibrant atmosphere filled the air as the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 unfolded with a series of festive events. During the opening ceremony on Friday evening, over 1,000 artists presented an outdoor grand opera titled ‘The Story of a River Season 2 – The Legendary Voyage.’
This captivating performance, divided into five chapters, intricately weaves together history, cinematography, and entertainment to narrate the journey of Saigon – Gia Dinh – Ho Chi Minh City, a land defined by its waterways. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like 3D mapping, water screens, drones, and boat parades, the festival creates a vibrant spectacle celebrating river culture.
Artistic fireworks displays added a breathtaking touch to the opening ceremony. Moreover, a cuisine space opened on Le Loi Boulevard on the same evening as part of the fest.
Spanning 24 booths, the venue offers visitors a taste of typical dishes, cakes, fruits, and products from the river region throughout its three-day duration. From June 4-10, a fruit-themed week titled ‘Tren Ben Duoi Thuyen’ (On the Wharf – In the Boat) will showcase the cultural richness of the southwestern waterways region. The festival also promises an array of activities, including cultural and artistic showcases, a culinary contest, a river swimming competition, stand-up paddle-boarding races, and thrilling performances featuring water motorcycles, parasailing, and sailboats.
Additionally, discounts of up to 60 percent will be available for over 50 waterway tours, enhancing the allure of this annual celebration.
