With nearly 20,000 visitors per day, the festival and parking lots were overflowing with people, motorbikes and vehicles.

A wide assortment of exciting activities such as tug-of-war, lion dances and martial art performances along with plenty of food and beverage options were held in conjunction with the religious festivities.

Organizers estimate this year’s event to log 2.5 million visitors.

Thousands made the climb to Dong Pagoda at the top of Yen Tu Mountain.

A massive bronze statue of King Tran Nhan Tong weighing 138 tons and 15 metres high is located at the pagoda. 

It’s a 6,000 metre trek to the top of the mountain.

Many people believe if they touch a big bell at the mountain top it will bring luck in the new year.

The entire Dong Pagoda is cast in copper.