Tourists experience the tunnels at the historic site of the Củ Chi Tunnels during the National Day holiday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Tuyết

HCM CITY — Millions of foreign and domestic tourists have flocked to historical relics and amusement parks in HCM City during the National Day holiday.

Located around 70 kilometres northwest of downtown, the historic site of the Củ Chi Tunnels is among the most favourite destinations on major holidays.

Tourists experience a tunnel system, which served as living quarters and weapon stores for Vietnamese soldiers during wartime.

They also enjoy a night tour called “Trăng Chiến Khu” (Moonlight in the Resistance Zone), which recreates the nightlife of the Củ Chi people in the liberated area during the resistance war, including activities such as digging tunnels, and milling and pounding rice in the paddy fields.

Joe Phillip from the UK said he read about the resistance war in Việt Nam, but his actual experience in the tunnels was different.

He was impressed by the way people lived, maintained communication, and fought in the narrow tunnels.

He also showed his admiration for the Vietnamese people’s will, courage, and spirit during the resistance war to protect their homeland.

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular destinations for visitors in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Tuyết

Tourists have selected museums, including the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Sài Gòn – Gia Định Special Forces Museum, during the holiday to gain a better understanding of the country’s history, the consequences of war, and a message of peace and friendship.

Nguyễn Hồng Bích from Hà Nội said that during her visit to the Sài Gòn – Gia Định Special Forces Museum, she was moved and proud to learn more about the special forces and the people who silently devoted their lives to winning back national independence. “The visit helped me appreciate the sacrifices of our forefathers and the peaceful life we have today.”

According to the museum’s director, Trần Trọng Nghĩa, the number of visitors, including families, students, individuals and organisations, increases significantly during major holidays.

The museum has upgraded its collection, digitised exhibition content, and adapted technologies and digital narratives to bring history closer to the public.

Lê Trương Hiền Hòa, Deputy Director of the city Department of Tourism, said that red tourism products and the network of red addresses are the city's special cultural resources.

He added that the red addresses are not only sightseeing spots but also spaces that preserve memory, connect the past with the present, and add depth to urban tourism products.

Visitors enjoy circus acts at the Suối Tiên Cultural Tourism Area. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Tuyết

Apart from historical sites, amusement parks, including Suối Tiên, Đầm Sen, and Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden, have attracted a large number of visitors, mostly families and children, during the five-day holiday.

The Suối Tiên Theme Park has offered a series of artistic activities, such as a fire-dancing circus act and new games, while Đầm Sen Park hosted a low-altitude fireworks display from 9pm to 9:15pm on September 2.

Bùi Thị Tố Trinh, deputy general director of the Suối Tiên Theme Park, said the tourist site saw a sharp increase in visitors during the holiday.

She added that the site implemented many discount programmes and ticket promotions and developed activities suitable for various groups of visitors to help reduce costs and make it easily accessible. — VNS