Ho Chi Minh City commemorates renaming anniversary
45 years have passed since Vietnamese people saw the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, marking the long-awaited unification of the North and the South.
Saigon, the former capital of South Vietnam, was accordingly renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 when Vietnam’s Communist Party came into power. Thursday, 2nd July this year will mark the 44th year since the name “Ho Chi Minh City” was given to the metropolis.
To commemorate this event, the municipality of Ho Chi Minh City will host a number of community activities in the central area of District 1 on Sunday, 28th June, such as marathon race and military song performances, and all are welcome to join.
Activities to commemorate the city’s renaming in 1976
Apart from the exciting performances honoring former president Ho Chi Minh and our soldiers in the Vietnam War, the renaming anniversary celebrations also include the city’s 44th marathon.
The annual marathon is usually held on 30th April, which is Vietnam’s unification day. However, this year’s race has been moved to 28th June, which is this Sunday, due to COVID-19 social distancing measures.
The 43rd marathon race in 2019
Image credit: Ho Chi Minh City Portal
The marathon will welcome around a thousand competitive and non-competitive runners as well as joggers along the route. There’s still time to sign up now, and runners of all ages and professions are welcome to join the race.
The 43rd marathon in 2019
Image credit: Thể Thao
Road closures in Ho Chi Minh City this weekend
The marathon will take place in some of the major roads of District 1, which will lead to a series of road closures.
Dong Khoi Road will be closed for the marathon on 28th June
Therefore, local commuters are advised to avoid Dong Khoi Road, Cong Truong Lam Son Road, and Le Thanh Ton Road between 4.30AM to 10.30AM during the opening and closing ceremonies.
Dong Khoi Road, Cong Truong Lam Son Road, and Le Thanh Ton Road will be closed
Image adapted from Google Maps
Vehicles are banned from entering Ngo Duc Ke Road, Nguyen Hue Road, Le Thanh Ton Road, and Dong Khoi Road from 6AM to 10.30AM as the race is going on.
Ngo Duc Ke Road, Nguyen Hue Road, Le Thanh Ton Road, and Dong Khoi Road will be closed during the race
Image adapted from Google Maps
Alternative routes that HCMC District 1 drivers can take this weekend
In the meantime, the suggested alternative routes for commuters in District 1 are as follows:
Towards Dong Khoi Road or Cong Xa Paris Road
Ly Tu Trong Road – Hai Ba Trung Road – Cong Truong Me Linh Road – Ton Duc Thang Road
Image adapted from Google Maps
Towards Le Thanh Ton Road
Hai Ba Trung Road – Cong Truong Me Linh Road – Ton Duc Thang Road
Image adapted from Google Maps
Towards Nguyen Hue Road
Ton Duc Thang Road – Ham Nghi Road – Pasteur Road – Le Thanh Ton Road
Image adapted from Google Maps
Celebrate community activities in HCMC on its renaming anniversary
Even though the road closures will inevitably bring about inconveniences for many commuters, we’re glad that our city is safe enough to host this renaming anniversary event.
This is the chance for everyone to enjoy the vibrant weekend atmosphere and exciting activities that bring the community together.
Also check out:
- Ho Chi Minh City to merge District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District
- Saigon’s first metro line takes shape
- Noi Bai Airport resumes full operations after COVID-19
- Vietnam Airlines ready to open international flights
- More people flock to Lan Ha beach as COVID-19 in Vietnam is under control
- Vietnam Airlines resumes all domestic flights
- Bamboo Airways expands its air routes amid COVID-19 crisis
- Vietnam lifts restrictions on leisure spots
- Discounted railway tickets now for sale
- Vietnamese support struggling students in Japan amid COVID-19
Cover image adapted from: Thể Thao and The Smart Local Vietnam
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