Dmitry, a 26-year-old Israeli from Jerusalem traveling in Vietnam, could not believe what he was witnessing.
"Suddenly, in the middle of Hanoi, I heard Israeli songs," he said ecstatically. "I told myself I had to be hallucinating, but it was actually happening."
Dmitry was describing the large celebration put on by the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam on Saturday to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which brought thousands of Vietnamese to historic Ly Thai To Square for a display of Israeli technology and a mass Israeli folk-dancing session.
The event was almost surreal, especially considering the past animosity between the two nations. For the better part of the past quarter-century, the government in Hanoi has usually contacted Israeli ambassadors only when it wanted to summon them and issue rebukes for Israel's alleged mistreatment of the Palestinians, in keeping with Vietnam's past as an ally of the Soviet Union. Vietnam even hosted Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Yasser Arafat several times during the Cold War and afterwards.
Israel and Vietnam established official diplomatic ties in 1993, but it took 12 years before Hanoi opened an embassy in Tel Aviv. In 2010, when Israel suggested that then-President Shimon Peres visit Hanoi, the Foreign Ministry was told such a visit would be premature.
But things have been changing in Vietnam, with the country opening up to Israeli technology and know-how. Israel's Foreign Ministry has focused on addressing the urgent needs of two drought-stricken provinces in the Asian country, as well as in other developing nations. Israeli agriculture has paved the way and innovation has redefined the relationship.
The Israeli Embassy event included an exhibition of Israeli technologies, including vertical rice farming and atmospheric water generators, which can produce 700 liters of drinkable water per day from the humid air.
"We decided to celebrate our relationship by showcasing Israeli trailblazing water technologies because they represent what connects our two nations: innovation, science and vision," Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Nadav Eshcar said at the event.
Israel's image in Vietnam is defined by agritech. The average Vietnamese is uninterested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"Those who know a thing or two about Israel say that Israelis are very intelligent, they are geniuses and innovators. Now I know why they said that," Le Bich, a financial reporter at a local television station, told Israel Hayom.
Minh Hang, 24, a resident of Hanoi, could have been reciting talking points from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
"You are known as a startup nation, and I admire that," she said.
Like the tens of thousands of Hanoi residents thronging the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngan Ha, 21, had gone for a stroll in the parks with a friend when they found themselves joining the Israeli folk dancing event in the square.
"It is easy learning the moves, and this says a lot about your approach to life," she said.
Ngyuen Thu Ha, 34, added: "I discovered that dancing is part of how you celebrate your independence; this is fascinating."
Relations between the two countries are on the upswing. In recent years, Israeli cosmetics and medical companies have been making inroads in Vietnam.
At Saturday's event, Eshcar said talks on a bilateral free-trade agreement were progressing.
For Israel's Israeli Foreign Ministry, the warming relations with Vietnam prove how Israel can bolster its image: First, it brings its technology and know-how, then economic ties will follow. Over time, Israel will reap diplomatic dividends.
