At exactly 10pm on February 9 (New Year's Eve), in Long Xuyen city, An Giang province, brilliant fireworks were shot into the air amid cheers, attracting thousands of people to watch and welcome the new year.

Ms. Tran To Kim Phuong (residing in My Phuoc ward, Long Xuyen city) confided: Because the house is quite far from Trung Nu Vuong Square, the family chose to come here early at 6:30 p.m. to park the car and take souvenir photos.

"My child loves watching fireworks, so every year we choose to travel far away to take a break.

This year, due to financial constraints, we chose to stay home and go to the square to enjoy the scenery and wait until the fireworks display to celebrate the Lunar New Year," said Ms. Phuong.

Previously, from around 8:30 p.m. on February 9 (ie New Year's Eve), according to reporters at Trung Nu Vuong Square (My Long Ward, Long Xuyen City), thousands of people gathered to visit and take souvenir photos.

Many people are waiting for the fireworks to welcome the new year.

All roads leading to the square are securely barricaded. Police and militiamen are also on duty to ensure public safety.

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Quyen (35 years old, residing in My Binh ward, Long Xuyen city) said that she came to the square at 7:00 p.m. with her family.

"This year, my two younger siblings and I prepared early so we were able to choose a suitable place to watch the beautiful fireworks.

I hope the new year will bring more joy and a more stable job," Ms. Quyen shared.