Vietnam Independence Day: 80 Years. One Unforgettable Celebration

If you find yourself in Vietnam as September approaches, you'll feel a unique energy building for the nation's biggest autumn celebration: Vietnam's National Day (or 2-9). The streets of major cities begin to transform, adorned with vibrant flags and flowers. You might catch glimpses of soldiers in crisp uniforms practicing in perfect unison, their determined faces reflecting a deep sense of purpose. Don't be surprised - this is all part of the grand preparation for the anniversary of the birth of the "Democratic Republic of Vietnam." This major event, often searched for by its date 2-9 in Vietnam, marks one of the two most spectacular public holidays on the Vietnamese calendar, alongside Reunification Day on April 30th.

Just the other day, I rewatched the precious black-and-white documentary films from that historic moment. My heart swelled with emotion, as if I were standing right there in the crowd. I want to share that feeling with you, to tell you the story of the day the entire Vietnamese nation stood up as one and, after a long and arduous wait, finally proclaimed the word "Independence!"

Crowds flocked to the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to watch the parade rehearsal

A Glimpse into History: The Soul of the Celebration

Try to transport yourself back in time. Imagine you're standing amidst a sea of people - tens of thousands strong - in the vast expanse of Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. The atmosphere is electric. Red flags with brilliant gold stars flutter everywhere, painting the sky in a dazzling display of national pride. The air buzzes with an almost tangible excitement; every face is radiant, filled with anticipation for the monumental event about to unfold.

Red flags with brilliant gold stars flutter everywhere in Ba Dinh Square

Then, Ho Chi Minh – or "Uncle Ho," as we affectionately call him – appears on the podium. (I'm sure you must be very curious about this man, right? If you're wondering who "Uncle Ho" is, this next article is for you - it will answer all your questions by decoding the culture and phenomena of Vietnam on September 2nd). His warm, resonant voice carries across the square. As he begins with the heartfelt words, "Hỡi đồng bào cả nước!" ("To all my fellow countrymen!"), a profound silence falls over the massive crowd. Everyone listens, captivated.

President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square

He reads the Declaration of Independence, and when he utters the powerful, immortal lines, "All men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights; among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," a wave of emotion washes over the square. In that singular moment, everyone knew their reality had shifted forever. They were no longer subjects of a colonial power; they were citizens of a free and independent Vietnam. Tears streamed down countless faces - not tears of sorrow, but of overwhelming pride and profound happiness. It was a moment etched forever into the heart of our nation.

How Vietnamese People, Especially the Youth, Show Their Pride Today

Today, that same patriotic fire burns brightly, but it's expressed in new and dynamic ways, particularly by the younger generation who have found modern avenues to celebrate their heritage.

A Nation's Pride on Full Display

You'll see this love for the country everywhere. Major cities are beautifully decorated, with the national flag adorning every street. Art performances, concerts, and food festivals pop up all over, creating a vibrant, nationwide celebration that is both solemn and joyous.

Vietnamese people participate in the National Concert

Gen Z's Modern Patriotism

Vietnam's youth celebrate National Day in their own cool and positive way. They flood social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook with photos and short videos, using hashtags related to the holiday. You'll see countless posts of people wearing shirts with the flag's design, waving small flags, and checking in at historical landmarks. They also engage with history through technology. For example, the "Keeping the Oath of Independence" exhibition at the Vietnam Military History Museum uses augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create an interactive experience that captivates young visitors, bringing history to life right before their eyes.

Young people show patriotism on Tiktok

The Main Events: What's Happening in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

This year, to mark the momentous 80th anniversary, both of Vietnam's largest cities are hosting incredible events.

The Grand Parade in Hanoi: The Heart of the Celebration

The main event, the National Parade, will take place on the morning of Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the historic Ba Dinh Square and along the central streets of Hanoi.

While the main ceremony area right in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is reserved for special guests and dignitaries, don't worry! You can join thousands of locals and find a spot along the parade route to witness the impressive procession. It's a fantastic opportunity to feel the collective energy and pride of the Vietnamese people.

Here’s a look at the official schedule for the ceremony at Ba Dinh Square:

Time	Activity
06:30	Traditional torch relay from the Ho Chi Minh Museum to the Mausoleum
06:45	Official Flag-Raising Ceremony
06:50	Opening remarks and introduction of delegates
07:05	Speech by a national leader
07:45 – 09:45	The main event: The parade of Armed Forces, mass organizations, and the public
09:45 – 10:00	Closing artistic performance

Pro-Tips for Watching the Parade:

Arrive early! To get a good viewing spot, you should aim to be there before 6:00 AM. The most dedicated locals arrive as early as 4:30 or 5:00 AM.
Best viewing streets: Good spots to watch from include Hùng Vương, Hoàng Diệu, Kim Mã, and Nguyễn Thái Học streets.
Stay on the sidewalk. For safety and to ensure the parade proceeds smoothly, please do not step into the street.
Be respectful of others' views and maintain a courteous atmosphere. It's a shared experience for everyone.
Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged for all the photos and videos you'll want to take.
If you're with children, keep them close, make sure they have shade, and stay hydrated. It can get very crowded and hot.

The Dazzling Fireworks Displays

fireworks shows on 2 9 in vietnam.

To cap off the day's celebrations, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will light up the night sky with spectacular fireworks shows. If you want to catch this breathtaking display, here are the official details.

Time: 9:00 PM - 9:15 PM on September 2, 2025 (15 minutes long).
Locations:

City	Location	Type
Hanoi	Hoan Kiem Lake (in front of the Hanoi Moi Newspaper building)	High-altitude
	West Lake (in front of the Tay Ho District Cultural Center)	High-altitude
	My Dinh National Stadium (Nam Tu Liem District)	High-altitude
	Thong Nhat Park (Hai Ba Trung District)	Low-altitude
	Van Quan Lake (Ha Dong District)	Low-altitude

City	Location	Type
HCMC	Saigon River Tunnel Entrance Area (An Khanh Ward)	High-altitude
	New City Center Area (Binh Duong Ward)	High-altitude
	Central Square of the Back Beach (Vung Tau Ward)	High-altitude
	Dam Sen Cultural Park (Binh Thoi Ward)	Low-altitude

Your Survival Guide: Getting Around and Other Essential Tips

This part is super important, so please read it carefully! This information will help you plan your trip and navigate the cities like a pro during the holiday.

Getting Around Hanoi (Traffic and Road Closures)

This is the most critical information you'll need. Many central streets will be closed for rehearsals in the days leading up to the event, and especially on the day of the parade itself.

Schedule road blocking:

Dates & Times (Hanoi)	Restriction Level	Affected Areas / Routes	Who is affected
17:00 Aug 21 – 03:00 Aug 22; 17:00 Aug 24 – 03:00 Aug 25; 17:00 Aug 27 – 03:00 Aug 28; 18:00 Aug 29 – 15:00 Aug 30; 18:00 Sep 1 – 15:00 Sep 2	Complete Ban	Numerous streets around Ba Dinh Square and along the parade route, such as Hoang Hoa Tham, Hung Vuong, Doc Lap, Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Kim Ma, Trang Thi, Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Le Duan (at the Tran Nhan Tong intersection), etc. (the full list is very long).	All vehicles (except those with official security badges for the ceremony).
Same time frames as above	Temporary Ban	- All roads inside Ring Road I. - Trucks (from 1.5 tons) and passenger buses (from 16 seats) on roads between Ring Road I and Ring Road II.	- All vehicles (except priority vehicles, official cars, public buses, and garbage trucks). - Trucks and passenger buses as specified.
Same time frames as above	Limited Traffic	- Roads between Ring Road II and Ring Road III. - Roads between Ring Road I and Ring Road II. - Some main roads leading from Ring Road III to the suburbs (e.g., National Highway 32, Thang Long Avenue, National Highway 6, etc.).	- Personal cars, commercial transport vehicles under 16 seats, and motorbikes.

Block roads in Ha Noi

Travel and Parking Suggestions:

Public transportation is your best friend: This is highly recommended. Dozens of bus routes (like 09A, 22A, 33, E09, 86) will get you close to the parade area without the stress of traffic and road closures.
Parking your vehicle: If you must drive, plan to park your car or motorbike far outside the restricted zones (like in the Giang Vo or Kim Ma areas, or at large shopping centers and hospitals) and then walk or take public transport into the center. Finding parking anywhere near the parade will be nearly impossible.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Block roads for fireworks in 2 9 in Ho Chi Minh City

Restricted areas: Roads around Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Saigon River Tunnel will be closed or have limited access on the afternoon and evening of September 2nd for the fireworks and art performances. Plan your travel accordingly.

A Few Final Words of Advice:

Book in advance: National Day is one of the biggest holidays, so hotels and flights fill up fast. Book early to avoid high prices or sold-out accommodations.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, a hat, a handheld fan, and a power bank are your essential companions for the day. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of standing and walking.
Safety first: Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas. Be patient, avoid pushing, and follow the instructions of event organizers and security personnel for a safe and joyful celebration.
For foreign visitors: Always carry a form of identification, like your passport. When attending the parade, dressing respectfully (covering shoulders and knees) is a good way to show appreciation for the solemnity of the event.

In the end, while September 2nd was born from a sacred and solemn moment in history, today it has also become a day for us to celebrate together, connect with one another, and express our national pride in a way that is youthful, vibrant, and full of color. No matter the era, the spirit of patriotism remains forever in the heart of every Vietnamese person.

After the Final March

We hope the information in this article helps you create the perfect plan to welcome the upcoming Grand Celebration of September 2nd. Surely, after you witness the historic parade firsthand and immerse yourself in the national pride, your curiosity about Vietnam's heroic past will awaken even stronger within you.

And if you wish to continue that journey of discovery, especially in Saigon, consider joining the "Saigon's Secrets" tour. It will be the perfect missing piece, guiding you through the everyday stories and hidden historical corners of the city, making your trip all the more complete.

From grand podiums to silent secrets, Vietnam's history is waiting for you to discover. We wish you a truly meaningful journey!

Cultural Insights