Hanoi Shines in Vietnam’s 80th National Day Celebration

On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Since then, September 2 has become a sacred milestone in the nation’s history.

This year, Hanoi will celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day with a wide range of special activities: a large-scale military parade, fireworks displays, cultural festivals, and vibrant culinary and entertainment spaces for both locals and visitors.

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Ba Dinh Square - The Heart of the Parade

Ba Dinh Square, where history was made, will once again be at the center of national attention. The 2025 parade is expected to feature around 16,000 participants, including the army, police, youth, women, and people from many walks of life. Symbolizing friendship, the event will also welcome international delegations from Russia, Laos, and Cambodia.

After the main ceremony at Ba Dinh, parade contingents will march through central streets of Hanoi such as Hung Vuong, Hoang Dieu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Kim Ma, Trang Thi, and Trang Tien. Locals and tourists will have the chance to witness the grandeur firsthand.

It promises to be an emotional moment, when each step of the parade resonates with the bright red of the national flag and the cheers of the crowd, together forming a heroic anthem of pride on this historic day.

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – A Sacred Pause

Next to Ba Dinh Square lies the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the beloved leader. On National Day, especially this 80th anniversary, the Mausoleum becomes an indispensable stop for countless citizens and visitors.

On September 2, tens of thousands are expected to line up to pay their respects to Uncle Ho. In the solemn space, every slow step and every reverent gaze reflects boundless gratitude for his sacrifices.

Adjacent to the Mausoleum are the Presidential Palace Relic Area, the humble stilt house where Uncle Ho lived and worked, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which vividly recounts his life and the nation’s journey to independence. This is not only a sacred stop but also a reflective journey of remembrance, gratitude, and inspiration.

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Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter - Festival Colors

While Ba Dinh Square exudes solemnity, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter are filled with festive energy. Streets adorned with red flags and golden stars, shimmering lights reflecting on the lake, create a lively and vibrant scene. Hoan Kiem Lake is also expected to be one of five high-altitude fireworks display sites on the night of September 2. As colorful bursts of light brighten the sky and reflect on the water, accompanied by cheers from thousands, this will surely be an unforgettable moment.

The Old Quarter transforms into a lively festival ground. Folk tunes blend with modern rhythms, water puppet shows, light performances, and pop-up markets bring a unique mix of tradition and modernity. Amidst the bustling crowd, everyone discovers their own special color, at once familiar and refreshing.

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Other Destinations During National Day

Beyond Ba Dinh Square and Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi offers many historical and cultural landmarks worth visiting during National Day. Here are some highlights:

Hanoi Opera House

A symbol of French architecture in the heart of the capital, the Hanoi Opera House often hosts special art programs, concerts, and performances during National Day. In its elegant halls, with classical architecture blending with modern light and sound, visitors can enjoy an atmosphere of grandeur and artistic inspiration.

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Hoa Lo Prison

Once known as the “Hell on Earth” during French colonial rule, Hoa Lo Prison has now become an important historical relic in Hanoi. During National Day, its exhibitions take on even deeper meaning, recreating the hardships and resilience of those who fought for independence. Visitors here can not only view precious artifacts and documents but also feel the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

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Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long holds a thousand years of history as Vietnam’s ancient capital. Despite centuries of change, it still preserves palace foundations, fortress walls, and valuable archaeological relics that reflect the prosperity of past dynasties. On National Day, the citadel often hosts exhibitions, displays, and reenactments, allowing visitors to travel back in time and relive the nation’s glorious history. Every step here is a step of pride and gratitude.

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Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam

As Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature stands as a symbol of learning and respect for teachers. Within its moss-covered roofs and ancient courtyards, the stone steles bearing the names of scholars remain as testimony to the nation’s reverence for knowledge. On National Day, the site becomes even more solemn, where visitors come to reflect on the idea that national strength is rooted not only in patriotism but also in wisdom and culture nurtured across centuries.

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The Taste of Hanoi on National Day

Cuisine is the soul of Hanoi, carrying memories and flavors through generations. During National Day, amidst the festive atmosphere, savoring the city’s iconic dishes becomes a unique way to experience its rhythm and spirit.

• Pho Hanoi: A steaming bowl of clear, fragrant broth, soft rice noodles, and thin slices of beef—an icon of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork patties over charcoal served with vermicelli and dipping sauce, a rustic yet refined dish.
• Bun Thang: A colorful mix of shredded egg, pork, and shrimp in a delicate chicken broth, showcasing Hanoi’s culinary finesse.
• Cha Ca La Vong: Turmeric-marinated fish grilled then stir-fried with dill and scallions, enjoyed with vermicelli, peanuts, and shrimp paste.
• Xoi Com: Fragrant green rice wrapped in lotus leaves, a seasonal gift that completes the autumn celebration.
• Egg Coffee: Creamy egg foam blending with strong coffee, a unique Hanoi invention loved by visitors worldwide.

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Food not only satisfies hunger but also allows people to taste Hanoi itself, from its elegance and refinement to its creativity and surprises. On National Day, enjoying these dishes is a way to join the city’s heartbeat and feel Hanoi with all the senses.

The Meaning of 80 Years - A National Pride

The 80th National Day is not only a grand celebration but also a moment for the nation to reflect on its heroic journey and reaffirm faith in the future. From the powerful footsteps of the parade at Ba Dinh Square, the solemn silence at the Mausoleum, to the festive colors of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, Hanoi embodies both sacred reverence and lively energy.

For the older generation, it is a time to recall sacrifices and hardships that safeguarded independence. For the youth, it is a call to carry forward the legacy, protecting peace and building prosperity. For international visitors, September 2 in Hanoi is an emotional portrait of a nation that honors its past and confidently steps into the future.

Eighty years of National Day is more than just a commemoration. It is a sacred appointment with history, a declaration of national pride, and a flame of inspiration for every Vietnamese. September 2, 2025, in Hanoi will remain unforgettable, a mark forever etched in the hearts of millions of citizens and international friends alike.