The "Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City" event, held from August 23-25, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of Hanoi's rich cultural heritage in Vietnam's largest metropolis. This event was part of the activities marking the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day. 

The opening ceremony of the "Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City" Festival held on August 23-25 in Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. File photos

The event featured a variety of activities designed to showcase Hanoi's unique cultural identity and strengthen the bond between the two cities. Highlights included an art program, exhibitions, and performances that brought elements of Hanoi’s history, such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Temple of Literature, to life for the audience in Ho Chi Minh City.

One particularly memorable exhibit was a detailed miniature of the Long Bien Bridge, which impressed many visitors with its accuracy and beauty. These displays aimed to deepen understanding of Hanoi’s history and promote tourism, offering visitors an immersive experience through replicas of Hanoi's old streets and neighborhoods,​ and fostering a deeper understanding between the residents of both cities​

In addition to the exhibitions, the festival included booths showcasing traditional crafts, culinary delights, and notable souvenirs from Hanoi.

The event left some impressions, including:

Opening Ceremony: Held on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, the ceremony included speeches from officials of both cities, highlighting the importance of the event in strengthening ties and promoting cultural exchange​.

Cultural Showcase: The event successfully brought the essence of Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, allowing locals and tourists to experience the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s capital. This included exhibitions on historical landmarks like the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Temple of Literature. These exhibitions offered a deep dive into the thousand-year-old capital’s rich history and traditions.

Art and Performances: The event included a variety of performances showcasing Hanoi’s traditional arts. The performances were designed to give audiences in Ho Chi Minh City a taste of Hanoi's artistic legacy.

Miniature of Long Bien Bridge: A miniature replica of the iconic Long Bien Bridge was a major attraction, receiving praise for its realistic and detailed construction. This exhibit was particularly popular among visitors.

Documentaries and Films: Attendees had the opportunity to watch a documentary about Hanoi, which provided an in-depth look at the city’s history, culture, and development over the years.

Strengthening Bonds: The event emphasized the close relationship between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding. The activities were designed to deepen the cultural connection and promote tourism between the two cities.

Engaging Activities: The program included a variety of performances, art exhibitions, and sports exchanges, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for attendees.

Vu Thu Ha, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee, speaks at the opening ceremony on August 23.

Speaking at the opening ceremony which was broadcast live on August 23, Vu Thu Ha, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, delivered a speech that left a positive and lasting impression on attendees.

She emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. “Despite the geographical distance, both cities play a crucial role in Vietnam's development and are increasingly interconnected in various fields, including trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange,” Ha said. Her remarks reinforced the idea that fostering cooperation between the two urban centers would lead to mutual growth and prosperity.

Her speech reflected pride in the city’s thousand-year history, its role as the political and cultural heart of Vietnam, and its evolving status as a modern metropolis.

A major focus of Vu Thu Ha’s speech was on promoting stronger economic collaboration between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. She underscored the need for both cities to work together to enhance trade, attract investment, and support the growth of industries such as technology, tourism, and manufacturing.

The speech conveyed a strong sense of cultural diplomacy, as Vu Thu Ha positioned "Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City" as an opportunity to showcase the soft power of Hanoi. She highlighted the cultural performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences during the event as a way to bring Hanoi’s charm closer to the people of Ho Chi Minh City, creating a bond between the residents of the two cities. 

Participants of the festivals.

The event succeeded in bringing the spirit of Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, fostering greater understanding and appreciation between the residents of the two cities. It was well-received by both locals and tourists, who appreciated the opportunity to experience Hanoi's culture without having to travel to the capital.

By highlighting Hanoi's cultural landmarks and traditions, the event aimed to boost tourism between the two cities. It also encouraged residents of Ho Chi Minh City to visit Hanoi, particularly during significant cultural events like the Lunar New Year.

The event was not just a one-time celebration but part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Vietnam's two largest cities. It reinforced the cultural, economic, and social connections between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, setting the stage for more such exchanges in the future​.

"Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City" was a well-executed cultural event that brought the historical and cultural richness of Hanoi to a new audience in Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening the bond between these two key Vietnamese cities.