The entrance of Thong Nhat (Reunification Park) in Hanoi is adorned with national red flags and banners to mark Vietnam’s National Day, September 2, 2019  (Photo: VNA)

On Monday in the central province Quang Binh, a traditional boat racing took place on Kien Giang River, Le Thuy district, the home village of General Vo Nguyen Giap.  The boat racing festival has just been recognized as national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Boat racing on  Kien Giang River in the central province of Quang Binh

On the same day, thousands of people and tourists cheered the boat race on the Huong River in the central imperial city of Hue. The event involved 250 local athletes competing in 9 teams. Nguyen Thanh Tinh, a member of Thuy Van commune team, said: “The boat race is held annually on September 2, the National Day. This year, everybody from the spectators to racers is happy. This traditional festival prays for national prosperity, peace, and a bumper harvest.”

Boat racing on the Huong River in the central imperial city of Hue

The central city of Da Nang has seen the number of tourists double during National Day Holidays. Le Tan Thanh Tung, deputy director of Vietnam Tourism Joint Stock Company Vitours said: “Many companies are organizing team building programs for their employees. In addition, many foreign tourists have come to Da Nang, especially from countries that have direct flights to Da Nang such as ASEAN countries and Japan.”

On this occasion, an exhibition is underway in several landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City to mark 50 years of implementing President Ho Chi Minh’s testament. 340 exhibited photos feature the great leader of the Vietnamese nation, the heroic struggle of the people and armed forces in the resistance war against the US and the city’s achievements in the renewal period.