Ho Chi Minh City's artistic fireworks display for Lunar New Year 2026 will take place at 17 locations, lasting 15 minutes, from 0:00 to 0:15 on 17/2 (the first day of the Binh Ngo New Year). High-altitude display points are planned for the area at the entrance to the Sai Gon River tunnel (An Khanh ward), the New City Center (Binh Duong ward), Tam Thang Square (Vung Tau ward), and Ba Ria Park Square (Ba Ria ward).

To maintain order and mitigate congestion as large crowds gather, all vehicles will be restricted from entering more than 20 central Ho Chi Minh City roads from 21:00 on 16/2 to 1:00 on 17/2. These roads include: Le Loi (from Pasteur to Dong Khoi), Nguyen Hue (Le Thanh Ton to Ton Duc Thang), Dong Khoi (Mac Thi Buoi to Ton Duc Thang), and Ton Duc Thang (Le Duan to Khanh Hoi Bridge).

Fireworks illuminate the Sai Gon River, passing through central Ho Chi Minh City, celebrating the New Year 2026. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

Other affected routes include: Nguyen Huu Canh (Ton Duc Thang to Nguyen Binh Khiem), Vo Van Kiet (Pasteur to Khanh Hoi Bridge underpass), the parallel road of Vo Van Kiet (the section leading from Calmette Bridge to Pasteur), Ngo Van Nam (Nguyen Sieu to Ton Duc Thang), Nguyen Sieu (Ngo Van Nam to Ton Duc Thang), and Nguyen Tat Thanh (Hoang Dieu to Khanh Hoi Bridge).

A series of other roads will also be closed to vehicles during this period: Ham Nghi (Pasteur to Ton Duc Thang); Hai Trieu (Ho Tung Mau to Nguyen Hue); Nguyen Thiep, Mac Thi Buoi (Dong Khoi to Nguyen Hue); Huynh Thuc Khang, Ton That Thiep (Pasteur to Nguyen Hue); Nguyen Cong Tru (Pasteur to Ho Tung Mau); Hai Ba Trung (Dong Du to Me Linh Square); Ho Tung Mau, Ton That Dam (from Vo Van Kiet to Ton That Thiep).

Additionally, roads around Me Linh Square roundabout, including Ngo Duc Ke (to Dong Khoi road), Ho Huan Nghiep (to Dong Khoi), Thi Sach (to Dong Du road), R12, Ba Son Bridge, and Khanh Hoi, will also be closed to traffic.

During the closure period, vehicles traveling from Thanh Tay ward (former Binh Thanh) to Xom Chieu ward (former District 4) should follow the alternative route: Nguyen Huu Canh - Nguyen Binh Khiem - Le Duan - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia - Nguyen Du - Cach Mang Thang Tam - Nguyen Thi Nghia - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Ong Lanh Bridge - Hoang Dieu - Nguyen Tat Thanh.

The reverse direction follows: Nguyen Tat Thanh - Hoang Dieu - Ong Lanh Bridge - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Nguyen Thi Nghia - Cach Mang Thang Tam - Nguyen Thi Minh Khai - Xo Viet Nghe Tinh.

For those traveling from former Thu Duc to former District 5 or District 10: Vo Nguyen Giap - Dien Bien Phu - Dinh Tien Hoang - Vo Thi Sau - Ba Thang Hai - Le Hong Phong. The reverse journey follows: Le Hong Phong - Dien Bien Phu - Vo Nguyen Giap.

Locations of some roads closed for New Year's Eve fireworks in central Ho Chi Minh City. *Graphic: Khanh Hoang*

Beyond the city center, several roads in the new city area of former Binh Duong will also be closed from 20:00 tonight until the end of the fireworks display. These include: Hung Vuong (from the intersection with Vo Van Kiet to Ly Thai To), Le Loi (Le Duan intersection to Huynh Thuc Khang), and Huynh Thuc Khang (Le Loi intersection to Truong Sa).

In the area of Bai Sau Central Square, Vung Tau ward, vehicles will also be prohibited from entering the following roads from 21:00 on 16/2: Thuy Van (Doan Trung Con to Thi Sach); Le Hong Phong (Martyrs' Monument Roundabout to Thuy Van); Tran Chanh Chieu, Le Van Tho (Su Van Hanh to Thuy Van).

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police Department, based on actual conditions, the unit will adjust and reroute traffic as appropriate, minimizing disruption to residents' travel and daily activities in the restricted areas.

Giang Anh