The opening ceremony of the 2nd "Ho Chi Minh City River Festival"

The "Ho Chi Minh City River Festival" is directed by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and implemented by the Department of Tourism, the Department of Culture and Sports, and other relevant units.

Attending the program were Mr. Nguyen Van Nen - Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Ms. Vo Thi Anh Xuan - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Mr. Phan Van Mai - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City…

Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, delivered the opening speech.

The special art program "The River Tells Stories Season 2 – The Legendary Train" brings together over 1,000 professional and amateur performers, numerous boats and ships, meticulously crafted props, and a grand investment in music , sound, and lighting, providing a visually and aurally stunning experience for the audience. Special effects such as 3D mapping, drone performances, and sound effects are utilized, contributing to surprising the viewers.

In 2023, the "The River Tells Stories" program focused on recreating the formation of nature, people, society, and culture through the developmental periods of the Saigon - Gia Dinh - Ho Chi Minh City region. With a duration of nearly two hours, the program spanned five chapters: "Land Reclamation"; "Building the Citadel"; "On the Wharf and on the Water"; "The Thriving Trading Port"; and "The Glorious City by the River". In each chapter, the history of the city's formation and development unfolded vividly, like a series of lively, subtle, and distinctive film clips.

A spectacular fireworks display.

This story is closely associated with President Ton Duc Thang.

The symbol of tourism in Ho Chi Minh City.

The young man Nguyen Tat Thanh was determined to leave the country to find a way to save it.

The historic ship Amiral Latouche Tréville carried him on his journey.

Artistic drone show in the sky.

In "The River Tells Stories 2 – The Legendary Journey," the program recounts modern history unfolding on the river through the chapters: "Launching," "Dawning," "Setting Sail," "Rising Waves," and "Reaching Far," in chronological order. The chapters are connected by the charming narration of a grandfather and grandson duo, played by Meritorious Teacher Mạnh Dung and child actor Gia Huy.

The most emotionally charged highlights of the program include the story associated with President Ton Duc Thang and the Ba Son shipyard; and the ship Amiral Latouche Tréville that carried young Nguyen Tat Thanh from Nha Rong Port on his journey to find a way to save the country.

The resounding battles on the river fought by the Rung Sac commandos; the Huong River ferry connecting the North and South after national reunification… The program not only recounts history but also evokes national spirit, patriotism, pride, and faith in the future.

The low-altitude fireworks display, combined with drone performances, music, lighting, and parade trains, creates excitement, confidence in a bright future, and a memorable experience for viewers.

The opening ceremony was broadcast live on VTV1, and the Organizing Committee also set up two LED screens at Thu Duc Riverside Park and Nguyen Hue Walking Street for the audience to enjoy the program. "The River Tells Stories Season 2 – The Legendary Train" was directed by Le Hai Yen, with contributions from stage director Pham Hoang Nam, music director Duc Tri, and choreographer Tan Loc…

Fireworks lit up the sky over Ho Chi Minh City to welcome the 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival in 2024.

The 2nd "Ho Chi Minh City River Festival" – 2024 will take place from May 31st to June 9th with a series of activities including tourism, culture, entertainment, art, sports, cuisine, and shopping.

Notably, in its second edition, the festival included, for the first time, artistic fireworks displays, a reenactment of a floating market in the Mekong Delta, an open river swimming competition, a stand-up paddleboarding championship, jet ski demonstrations, and waterway tourism products themed "Legendary Journey".