Countdown Festival draws crowds to downtown Hanoi

For several years now, Hanoi's Countdown Festival has become one of the most anticipated events to welcome 2019.

Hanoi have four countdown places for the night, with three places in Hoan Kiem District (Photo: Vietnam+)

There was barely any standing room as crowds congregated downtown in Hanoi to welcome 2019 (Photo: Vietnam+)

There was barely any standing room as crowds congregated downtown in Hanoi to welcome 2019 (Photo: Vietnam+)

Streets are packed with people hours ahead of the Countdown Festival (Photo: Vietnam+)

There is no fireworks display in Hanoi, but that did not affect the spirit (Photo: Vietnam+)

There is no fireworks display in Hanoi, but that did not affect the spirit (Photo: Vietnam+)

Art performances take place in walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake to welcome 2019 (Photo: Vietnam+)

Art performances take place in walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake to welcome 2019 (Photo: Vietnam+)

People gather for a concert to welcome the New Year (Photo: Vietnam+)

People gather for a concert to welcome the New Year (Photo: Vietnam+)

VNA