Every corner of Hanoi is lighted by the atmosphere of Christmas celebrations, the cheer being carried along by not only local residents but also international friends for the first time in the cold holiday season.

 Christmas is known as Noel in Vietnam. Many young couples consider Vietnam an ideal place for Christmas holiday celebrations with family members and friends.

 

 International friends join locals in smiling yoga for Christmas celebrations

Danish tourist Emma says “Vietnam will be my first Christmas without snow away from home. Although things are likely to be very different from what I am familiar with, I am looking forward to seeing how the event is celebrated here,” she says.

 In Hanoi’s old quarter, Russian tourist Andrei, who has bought a large volume of beer along with his decorations, explains to his Vietnamese friends, “The food is better and the beer is cheaper in Vietnam.”

“This is my first Christmas in Vietnam,” says Andrei, “Local food and beer will add a distinctive Vietnamese flavour to the Christmas party.”

Haru Sato from Japan says he has not yet welcomed Christmas. “I am not religious but I love the holy atmosphere in Vietnam despite my long stay here, and wish all a better life in future,” he says.

Having just arrived in Hanoi, Singh Mehra, an Indian tourist, is very impressed by its colourful streets and decorated churches. “Christmas services are advertised every where, even Santa Claus gift delivery,” she says.

After checking into her hotel, she arms herself with a camera and heads for the Hanoi Cathedral, to capture the excitement building up to Christmas Eve.

 ”The Vietnamese people are very friendly. They tell me a lot about their traditional customs and what they often do during the Christmas holiday. For most of them, Christmas Eve is a delightful evening,” says Mehra.

French businessman Frank Daniel says his girlfriend has accompanied him to Vietnam to enjoy Christmas celebrations and see how young Vietnamese couples show their love. “My girlfriend is very excited to visit the beautiful S-shaped country. We plan to visit Mui Ne, a beautiful resort not far from Ho Chi Minh City,” he says.

If local Christmas celebrations are not in the fullest sense of the meaning, the presence of many international friends is sure to bring great joy to Vietnam.

VOV