From its very first day, cultural and artistic activities have drawn strong public interests, especially among young people. Throughout 2025, landmark national events, large-scale concerts, and record-breaking cinema releases help shaped a vibrant cultural landscape, spreading patriotism and national pride. These highlights now set the tone for a new year marked by renewal and high expectation.
Thousands gathered at Nomin Square to immerse themselves in the Hanoi Countdown 2026 celebration. The appearance of renowned artists, particularly world-class DJ Alan Walker, generated palpable excitement among young audiences. Today, there are many artists performing, including world famous DJ Alan Walker from Norway.
In way the New Year celebrations blended past and present as a heritage city's quiet elegance met contemporary energy. The event also marked the close of National Tourism Year 2025, opening an inspiring new chapter. In Guang Ning, more than 50,000 spectators moved in unison as the multi-generational lineup turned the night into a powerful musical celebration.
Meanwhile, Zalai stood down with a theme igniting hearts connecting love. Music, lighting, and large scale LED screens combined to create a modern and immersive artistic space. Before fireworks lit up the sky, Hing City was already alive with the final night of the Hazo City Ted Fest.
The countdown city amazing show delivered an international standard spectacle of sound and light. As the calendar turned, crowds gathered along win walking street to welcome 2026 together. I hope I will be more successful than last year, becoming a better version of myself.
I also wish for our country to integrate and grow further in this era of national advancement. The fireworks were spectacular, lighting up the entire night sky. It's truly joyful to be here with my loved ones.
[Music] Now, many provinces and cities across the country enjoyed favorable weather on the first days of 2026, encouraging large numbers of residents and tourists to visit entertainment venues and tourist attractions. Now, let's hear more about that. Saigon Zoo and the botanical gardens are always popular destinations during public holidays, especially for families with young children.
During the 4-day holiday, the site is expected to welcome around 800,000 visitors. >> The place is spacious and airy. There's a fair today, so we wanted to come here to enjoy a truly meaningful day.
Landmarks including the Ho Chi Mining City Central Post Office, Nadam Cathedral, the Independence Palace, Bentang Market, Wanbing Book Street, and the Kushi Tunnels drew large crowds on the first day of the year. Kur offers over 100 tourist sites and 860 accommodation facilities with expanded tourism spaces boosting stays, spending, and positive prospects for the new year. We organized an outside photo shoot together in the early days of the new year.
I find the atmosphere here very lively. It's cheerful, airy, and the scenery is beautiful. Local vendors have started decorating their stalls, so we have many opportunities to take photos with a festive backdrop.
We've got a lot of great pictures already. >> Atmun Square in the Way Imperial Citadel. The Bansuk ceremony of the Muan dynasty was reenacted, offering residents and visitors a meaningful cultural experience to mark New Year's Day.
>> On the first day of 2026, many people choose Fukuok, also known as the Pearl Island, as the destinations to celebrate their holiday. At the same time, daily life on the Pearl Island continues with various activities creating a vibrant picture of Fukquok on New Year's Day. >> Hello, Vietnam and happy new year.
[Music] Vietnam. >> Today is the first day of 2026 and I'm here in Fuka riding the world's longest cable car with a length of 8,000 meter. So, are you curious about how it feels like to be at this height?
Let's ask our visitor here. >> Hello. >> Hello.
Um, how do you feel welcoming the first day of the new year in such a stunning scenario in Vietnam? >> It feels very good. Thank you.
I mean, look at the views. >> It was a a place that none of my family has been to. So, we went with entire family with my father and sister and kids.
So, it's been a wonderful trip so far. >> Fukuok welcome nearly 8 million visitors in 2025. And the new year holiday is a big season here.
This is my first time visiting Fukuok and I feel very happy. Fukuok is a world famous tourist destination and there are many foreigners here celebrating the new year as well which I find very interesting. The pace of life here is also slow and relaxing.
>> Really really nice to perform here to live this holidays here. It's interesting because we have people from all around the world. We love to perform for them.
>> Outside the tourist areas, a quiet yet urgent atmosphere is still unfolding. These workers are still racing to complete the complex of facilities serving APAC 2027. >> Today is the first day of 2026 already.
There's not much time left before the APEC conference takes place. Maintaining continuously construction is very important and meaningful since each unit is an indispensable link in the overall project. We feel very proud 2026 has arrived and we are making every effort to speed up the construction progress.
Everyone is very determined in our work. In a vibrant and resilient pace of life, Fukok is entering 2026 with high expectations, ready to integrate and welcome visitors worldwide. >> Now, different from the lively scenes of Fugwok at the beginning of the new year, Hano woke up to a different rhythm.
>> Yes, the usual rhythm and rush was absent. Traffic horns feel silent and the capital took on a calm yes festive atmosphere as residents and visitors headed into the streets to mark the holiday. It's a quieter celebration but no less festive.
Showing Hano's unique way of welcoming the new year. >> During the new year holiday, three generations of Titian's family from Ho Chi Min City visited Hanoi for the first time. Starting at Hankim Lake where they embrace the festive atmosphere in traditional attire.
>> I have wanted to visit Hanoi for a long time and this holiday finally gave me the chance. I feel deeply moved standing before so many beautiful and meaningful landmarks. My wish for 2026 is that my family will be safe and healthy and that everyone around me will be truly happy.
On the first day of the new year, beside the solemn turtle tower, people dressed in their finest outfits, capturing memories of a fresh beginning. This lake holds many memories for us. We lived here through the war and into peace time.
So, we want to keep these photos as a way of looking back on our memories from childhood to adulthood. I'm very happy to take photos on such a meaningful day. Today is the first day of the new year and we want to capture a picture of our youth.
>> While the New Year's Day celebrations are not overly lively, it offers a moment to slow down, share warmth, and exchange simple heartfelt messages with love.
