The latest leg of the global torch relay for the Beijing Olympic Games has concluded in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City. This was the first time an Olympic torch had ever been in Vietnam.

The relay started in front of the Opera House in the city center at 6pm local time on Tuesday.

The deputy mayor of Ho Chi Minh city, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha was the first torchbearer.

The torch was warmly welcomed by local residents and Chinese people living and studying in Vietnam.

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked into the streets to watch the ceremony. They waved flowers and flags, and cheered for the Olympics.

Sixty torch bearers ran the 13-kilometer-route that ended at the 7th Military Zone Sports Stadium.

The last torchbearer for the relay was Vietnam Olympic Committee president, Nguyen Danh Thai who lit the Olympic cauldron in the stadium.

BOCOG's Vice President, Li Binghua thanked local residents and overseas Chinese for their enthusiastic support, at a celebration ceremony held at the stadium.

Vietnam is the last leg of the Olympic flame's global journey outside China. The flame heads to China's Hong Kong on Wednesday.

(CCTV April 30, 2008)