As Vietnam prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the nation, Ho Chi Minh City is implementing significant traffic restrictions in the central area. From 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM on April 30, 2025, vehicles will be prohibited from circulating on several key roads in District 1, parts of Binh Thanh District, and Thu Duc City. This decision aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of various commemorative events, including parades and public celebrations.
The affected roads include major thoroughfares such as Cau Ba Son, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Dinh Tien Hoang, Ton Duc Thang, and many others. Specific restrictions include prohibiting both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as well as stopping and parking along these routes. The Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police Department has advised the public to use alternative routes to avoid congestion.
In light of these restrictions, alternative traffic routes have been established for those traveling from Thu Duc City, Binh Thanh, Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, Nha Be, and Can Gio to the city center. For example, drivers can take routes such as Vo Nguyên Giáp to Mai Chi Tho, then through the Saigon River Tunnel and onto Vo Van Kiet to access Districts 5 and 6. Other routes have been outlined for different directions, ensuring that traffic can flow relatively smoothly despite the restrictions.
Local authorities are encouraging residents to utilize public transportation options such as buses and the Metro to navigate the city during this busy time. The Traffic Police have emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic signals and the guidance provided by law enforcement to ensure safety and efficiency.
As the city gears up for the celebrations, many residents are reflecting on the historical significance of the day. Mr. Pham Trong Bien, who played a direct role in the Ho Chi Minh campaign and the takeover of Saigon, plans to attend the April 30 celebrations with his wife. "It was a moment of overwhelming joy when our troops took over Saigon, despite the numerous challenges we faced in rebuilding the city," Mr. Bien recounted, expressing pride in the progress made since that pivotal moment in history.
Mr. Bien and his wife attended the preliminary and general review of the parade on Le Duan Street, a significant event that rekindled memories of their past. "We are excited to arrive early on April 30, between 3 and 4 AM, to witness the festivities," he added, highlighting the deep emotional connection many veterans feel towards this historic occasion.
Among the younger generation, enthusiasm is also palpable. Ms. Trinh Thi My Le, a member of the Khmer Literature and Arts Association, has been actively involved in creating artistic works to commemorate the anniversary. "As a young person born in peace, I understand my responsibility to honor our history and participate in these celebrations," she said, excited about performing and engaging with her community.
Similarly, Phan Bui Phuong Lam, a student at the University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City, expressed his eagerness to meet historical witnesses during the celebration. Having participated in various competitions focused on Vietnamese history, Lam feels a strong sense of duty to share these narratives with his peers. "Winning awards in history contests has motivated me to delve deeper into our past and inspire others to do the same," he stated.
As preparations continue, workers like Nguyen Thi Thuy, who has been employed with the District 1 Public Service Company, are working tirelessly to keep the city clean for the influx of visitors. Thuy starts her day at 4:30 AM and has been putting in extra hours to ensure that the city remains presentable during the celebrations. "It's challenging, but we are proud to contribute to making the city beautiful for this important occasion," she remarked.
District 1's Chairman, Le Duc Thanh, noted that the district has enhanced decorations along Le Duan Street and in front of the Reunification Hall in anticipation of the festivities. With an expected attendance of around 15,000 people, preparations include the installation of mobile toilets and increased waste collection to maintain hygiene and comfort for attendees.
As the city embraces the spirit of the upcoming anniversary, the participation of various community members—from veterans to students and workers—highlights a collective commitment to remembering and celebrating Vietnam's history. Khamsavath Bounmy, a Lao student studying in Ho Chi Minh City, has been capturing the vibrancy of the celebrations through photography. "The atmosphere here is electric, and I feel proud to witness the strong ties between Vietnam and Laos during these events," he shared.
With the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South fast approaching, the sense of unity and pride among the people of Ho Chi Minh City is palpable. From veterans reminiscing about their past contributions to the youth actively engaging in celebrations, the city is set to honor its history while looking toward a hopeful future.
