Ho Chi Minh City begins national reunification celebrations with dazzling 3D mapping light show

The 3D mapping light show opened a series of cultural, artistic, and tourism activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day (April 30, 1975–2025).

These activities were planned for from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm on April 19, 26, 29, and 30 at multiple central locations: the People's Committee office building, the intersections of Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street with Le Loi Boulevard, Mac Thi Buoi Street and Ngo Duc Ke Street, and Bach Dang Wharf Park.

The light show was a fusion of music, light, visuals, and international 3D mapping technology.

The AC3 Studio team from France delivered a captivating performance featuring modern, artistic visuals that reflected the beauty and ever-evolving spirit of Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of the international community.

Dirty Monitor artists from Belgium wowed the audience with a display that honored traditional values and highlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s spirit of global connectivity, particularly emphasizing the city’s prominent role on the international map.

In just three minutes, the team from Singapore offered a visually striking experience using architectural flip, transformation techniques and motion effects to mesmerize the crowd.

Vietnam’s Vietsoftpro team presented a performance titled ‘Vietnam in Me,’ showcasing the beauty of the country, its people, and major historical milestones.

Vietnam’s 3D mapping light performance did not use characters or narration. It instead relied purely on artistic visuals, allowing viewers to interpret and feel the story in their own way.

A highlight of the performance was the appearance of iconic national symbols such as Lac bird and Descendants of the Dragon and the Fairy, along with representations of three seminal declarations: Nam Quoc Son Ha by Ly Thuong Kiet, Binh Ngo Dai Cao by Nguyen Trai, and the Declaration of Independence by President Ho Chi Minh.

According to the organizers, there will be a 3D mapping light performance by Hexogon Solutions from Singapore featuring the piece ‘Urban Rhythm’ on April 26 evening.

On April 29 evening, the Dirty Monitor team from Belgium will present an art performance themed ‘Heritage of Trade and Global Connectivity.'

April 30 evening will feature a performance by AC3 Studio from France with the piece ‘Vietnam – France: A Perspective.’

Many free art experience activities

As early as 3:00 pm on Saturday, Minh and her friends began traveling from Thu Duc City to District 1 to watch the light show. 

The group chose to wear ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long gown), each holding a national flag, as they strolled from Ba Son Station to Bach Dang Wharf and along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to take photos.

“We’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Wearing ao dai with the national flag, listening to patriotic songs, and immersing ourselves in the joyful crowd makes us feel incredibly proud,” Minh shared.

Quoc Thai, from District 11, and his family attended the opening ceremony of cultural, artistic, and tourism activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of reunification.

Despite some travel difficulties, he was happy to be there. Although the program started at 7:30 pm, people had already gathered from 4:00 pm to get a good spot.

“On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification, I hope that younger generations will always remember their roots and the sacrifices of their ancestors in order to live better lives,” Thai said.

Thu Phuong, a 23-year-old from Phu Yen Province in south-central Vietnam, shared her thoughts on the 3D mapping light performance by the Vietnamese team, saying that the sound was vibrant, matched with colorful visuals.

His favorite part was the scene where a tank crashed through the Reunification Palace’s gate and a metro train at the end of the performance. It felt like the flow of Vietnamese history was condensed into a few minutes.

Besides the 3D mapping light show, many free art and sports performances will take place along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street on the evenings of April 26, 29, and 30.

Celebrations at the Bach Dang Wharf Park and along the Saigon River section from Ba Son Bridge to Nha Rong Wharf will include Don Ca Tai Tu (southern folk music), contemporary art performances on a floating stage, and water sports displays.

Drone light and fireworks shows will add vibrant highlights to the festivities.

The most anticipated is a program, themed Reunification Day of the Nation, featuring a cavalry parade, community art, and especially a drone light performance expected to set a world record for the highest number of drones flying simultaneously, with 10,500 drones, on April 30 evening.