MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA - A music gala with the theme of “Bản Hùng Ca Vang Mãi” (Heroic Songs) was held at Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1 on April 29 to mark the 49th anniversary of South Việt Nam's Liberation and Reunification Day. VNA/VNS Photo by Thu Hương

HCM CITY – HCM City’s tourism revenue is estimated at more than VNĐ3.23 trillion (US$127 million) during the five-day holiday celebrating Reunification Day from April 27-May 1, according to the city Department of Tourism.

The number represents an increase of 3.4 per cent in revenue compared to the same period last year.

During this year's holiday period, the city welcomed 325,000 visitors, up 1.6 per cent year-on-year,

: Sầm Sơn beach has been known for many years for its clear light blue water, light waves and flat sea bed. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Nam

International tourists reached around 54,000, an increase of 12.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The city dazzled residents and visitors during the holiday with several exciting activities, such as a music gala with the theme of “Bản Hùng Ca Vang Mãi” (Heroic Songs) at Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1 on April 29, and a fireworks display on April 30.

The gala featured songs highlighting the Điện Biên Phủ victory, soldiers and people in the resistance war, and compositions praising the country, President Hồ Chí Minh, and the development of HCM City. It attracted more than 30 popular singers such as Duyên Huyền, Đan Trường and Võ Hạ Trâm, and hundreds of dancers.

A short play Ra Đi Nung Nấu Ngày Trở Về (Going for Better Future) was featured as well, featuring People’s Artists Mỹ Uyên and Hữu Quốc, and Meritorious Artist Hạnh Thuý.

LIT UP SKY - HCM City hosted a fireworks display at five venues on April 30. VNA/VNS Photo by Thu Hương

The city also hosted fireworks performances from 9-9:15pm on April 30 at five venues to celebrate the 49th anniversary of South Việt Nam's Liberation and Reunification Day.

A long-range fireworks display was set off at Thủ Thiêm Tunnel in Thủ Đức city and Bến Dược Memorial Temple in the outlying district of Củ Chi, and short-range fireworks performances in Thủ Đức city, and districts of 11 and Củ Chi.

Meanwhile, the city’s attractions brought in around a million local and international tourists during the holiday.

The municipal People’s Committee and People’s Council headquarters welcomed 1,935 visitors on April 27 and 28.

Located at 86 Lê Thánh Tôn Street in District 1, the building was built in 1909 based on designs by French architect Femand Gardès modelled on a belfry in northern France. It is one of the remaining French architectural legacies of HCM City. 

A tourist opens the lid at one of Củ Chi tunnel historic site near Hồ Chí Minh City. Over the five-day holiday, domestic and international tourists flooded popular destinations in and around the city. VNA/VNS Photo Mỹ Phương

 Destinations such as the Củ Chi Tunnels Historical Site in Củ Chi District, the Sác Forest Military Base and the Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in Cần Giờ District were among the city’s most-visited attractions during the holiday.

The city also launched several new tours such as night city tours with bus and ferry, bicycle tours in Củ Chi and Cần Giờ Districts, and tours to discover historical sites. – VNS