Fireworks go off at Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi's Old Quarter. (Photo: Son Minh)

At the stroke of midnight, tens of thousands of Hanoians screamed their hearts out watching the colorful boom of fireworks at dozens of locations while exchanging best wishes for a new year of good health, joys and happiness.

Ngo Ngoc Dien, who celebrated the new lunar year at Hoan Kiem lake in the Old Quarter, said he wants to see the city’s year-by-year changes.

“The city is magnificent and the people are happy. We have seen significant progress in all areas. I look forward to a new year of happiness and success,” said Dien. 

Hoan Kiem lake is jammed with people on 2019 New Year's Eve.

Nguyen Hue Flower Street in HCM city’s downtown was packed with revelers  waiting to watch fireworks shows before the clock ticked new year. 

“I came here with my girlfriend to enjoy the exciting Tet atmosphere. We plan to marry this year,” said Nguyen Duc Anh of Tan Phu district.

After the clock ticked midnight, it’s a tradition for many people to visit a pagoda. 

“The very first thing I often do in a new lunar year is to visit a pagoda to pray for a good year. I wish you a new year full of luck, peace, happiness, and successes,” Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngan of Thu Duc district explained.

Fireworks in HCM city (Photo: VNA).

On New Year’s Eve, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong visited and extended New Year wishes to the traffic police force and staff of Vietnam Electricity group in Hanoi.

The same day, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan paid new year visits to public security and border guard forces in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre.

On Tuesday, the first day of the Year of the Pig, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the armed forces in the central city of Da Nang.