By 11 p.m., major streets like Le Loi and Nguyen Hue were already jammed with people and vehicles. At this time, traffic restrictions had not yet been enforced, causing many vehicles to become trapped, unable to move amid the throng. On both sides of the road, people had laid out mats and blankets to rest, further complicating movement.

Inside Nguyen Hue Walking Street, there was no longer a clear path - people filled every inch, sitting and lying wherever space allowed.

A family pitched a small tent for their two young children to sleep overnight while waiting for the parade.

At Ben Thanh Market, the scene was no different. Several families set up tents near the market’s entrance, settling in for the night.

By 12:30 a.m. on April 30, Ton Duc Thang Street, which runs along the Saigon River, was completely packed. People sat across the entire road surface.

Nearby intersections leading toward Bach Dang Wharf were also full. Vehicles caught near Ngo Duc Ke Roundabout were gridlocked, unable to move even an inch.

Many laid down mats right on the road to sit and rest. Some who were merely passing through the area found themselves stuck for a long time in the immobile crowd.

Van Anh, a student on her way home, was trapped in the congestion. “It’s been over an hour and I’ve only moved about 50 meters,” she said.

Security forces and police set up barricades and ropes to guide the crowd and maintain order throughout the night.

By 2 a.m. on April 30, many people remained energized and cheerful, joking and chatting through the night. They were determined not to give up the prime spots they had secured as early as noon or the previous afternoon.

PV