The opening ceremony included three parts: “Friendly Vietnam” featuring a countdown scene with 3D mapping and virtual graphic shows; “Strong Southeast Asia” showcasing the strengths of regional countries and a parade of 11 contingents of SEA Games 31; “Shining Southeast Asia” covering performances and torch relay.

Participants in the ceremony were Vietnam's President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Hanoi Mayor Chu Ngoc Anh, and honorable guests namely Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cambodia, Lao Minister of Culture and Sports, and Myanmar's Minister of Sports and Youth.  

The event themed “For A Stronger Southeast Asia” was contributed by over 1,000 participants on a stage of 7,000 square meters at My Dinh National Stadium.

The Hanoi Times helps you explore the ceremony full of typical culture and arts. 

The ceremony opens with a countdown scene featuring “Friendly Vietnam”.

Traditional culture of Southeast Asian countries displayed in Dong Ho painting, a line of Vietnamese folk painting.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc declares the opening of the 31st SEA Games.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.

The Vietnamese contingent on the stage of My Dinh National Stadium for parade.

The flag-raising ceremony takes place in solemn atmosphere.

Eight prominent athletes join the torch relay, including athlete Quach Thi Lan, who won the 2018 ASIAD gold medal lighting up cauldron.

The performance features bamboo, Vietnam's typical tree having an important role in history and life.

The performance, which displays lotus, bamboo, and wet rice, is supported by light and sound mapping technology, introducing culture, tradition, and people of Vietnam while conveying the spirit of the Games "For a Stronger Southeast Asia".

Vietnamese girls in Ao dai or traditional long dress and conical hats gracefully arrange a map of Vietnam on the stage.

Dance performance entitled “The Soul of the Lotus” led by famous dancer Linh Nga.

Performances take place in background of 3D images reminiscent of a lively lotus pond, a beautiful yet familiar image in Vietnam. For long time, the lotus has always been considered the national flower of the country.

Vietnamese singers Tung Duong, Hong Nhung, and members of O-Plus Band perform the official song of SEA Games 31 "Let’s Shine" under spectacular firework display.

A "light party" for the audience.