“The red flags, the roaring cheers, and the sheer energy—everything was overwhelming and incredibly emotional!” shared foreign tourists who experienced Vietnam’s passionate celebrations following the national football team’s AFF Cup 2024 triumph.
On the night of January 5, the streets of Ho Chi Minh City transformed into a vibrant sea of red as hundreds of thousands of fans flooded Districts 1 and 3 to celebrate Vietnam’s historic victory over Thailand in the second leg of the AFF Cup final. The triumph was not only a proud moment for Vietnamese football but also a grand festival filled with pure emotion and excitement.
The streets echoed with cheers, blaring horns, and the waving of countless red flags with yellow stars, creating a jubilant scene reminiscent of an early Lunar New Year celebration.
Amid the euphoric crowd at the Nguyễn Thái Học – Trần Hưng Đạo intersection in District 1, Luke Forrester, a 25-year-old tourist from the UK, described himself as “incredibly lucky” to have visited Vietnam during such a monumental event.
“I’ve supported the Vietnamese team from the start and believed in their abilities, but witnessing the celebrations firsthand was still a huge surprise. The energy, the joy—it was infectious,” Luke said.
Draped in Vietnam’s national team jersey and waving a red flag with a yellow star, Luke and his friends immersed themselves in the celebrations, exchanging high-fives with strangers and cheering alongside the crowd. “The entire city was alive with excitement. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chiara Petre, a German tourist, found herself swept up in the electric atmosphere while watching the match from Bùi Viện Walking Street. It was her first time in Vietnam, and she described the experience as unforgettable.
“This was my first time watching football in Vietnam, and I was rooting for the team all the way. The match was thrilling, and when the final whistle blew, I could feel the collective joy and relief from everyone around me,” Chiara said.
She added that the sight of streets blanketed in red flags, the rhythmic honking of horns, and the deafening cheers painted an indelible image in her memory.
Vietnam’s thrilling victory brought uncontainable joy to millions, turning every corner of the city into a festival of pride and unity. The celebrations created a heartwarming image of a nation united in passion, leaving a lasting impression on international visitors who were fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.
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Source: Vietnam Insider