Vietnam Reunification Day: What You Should Know About April 30th 2025

April 30th in Vietnam - a day when Saigon changed forever. Vietnam Reunification Day or Vietnam Liberation Day is more than just a holiday, they’re living history. Here’s what expats and tourists should know before joining the celebrations.

What is Vietnam Reunification Day? It's a historic day.

April 30, 1975 - a day when the skies over Saigon seemed to pause, holding their breath as history thundered into the city. That morning, the air was thick with tension, the kind that precedes the fall of empires and the rise of new destinies. Columns of North Vietnamese tanks rumbled relentlessly down the wide avenues of the capital. Civilians stood frozen or fled; some clutched radios, some clutched children. Overhead, helicopters—symbols of a foreign power’s final retreat—hovered frantically over rooftops.

At the heart of it all stood the Presidential Palace, a fortress of Southern power. And then, it happened.

One of the iconic pictures in the Fall of Saigon - marking Vietnam Reunification On April 30, 1975, Saigon held its breath as North Vietnamese tanks rolled through its streets

At 10:45 AM, a T-54 tank of the North Vietnamese Army smashes through the palace gates. The thunderous sound of iron against iron. A tank rolled through, bearing the red-and-yellow-star flag of the North. Soldiers leapt out, and the Vietnamese flag rose over the palace.

Inside, the last president of South Vietnam, Dương Văn Minh, surrenders unconditionally. No shots fired. No final speeches. Just a quiet collapse, like a candle extinguished by fate.

Duong Van Minh - the last president of Saigon - surrender unconditionally
Dương Văn Minh - the last president of the Republic of Vietnam

With that symbolic act, the Vietnam War ended, and the divided nation was reborn as one.

Images from that day—the frantic evacuation of the U.S. Embassy, the desperate climb up helicopter ladders, the silent descent of Saigon’s defenses—have become iconic. But beyond the headlines and grainy newsreels, that moment marked something deeper: a great turning point in Vietnamese identity.

To some, it was a liberation; to others, a loss. But to all, it was a reckoning. In its wake came grief, celebration, exile, return, and above all—reunification.

Now, every year on Vietnam Reunification Day (also called Victory Day or Vietnam Liberation Day), the nation pauses again. But this time, it's in unity. The memory of April 30th beats like a drum in the Vietnamese heart—a symbol of survival, sovereignty, and spirit.

For locals, it’s a day of reflection and pride. For expats and tourists in Saigon, it is a powerful lens into the soul of the country—a story told through pageantry, remembrance, and everyday voices still echoing with the past.

Vietnam’s 30th of April in modern day

April 30th in Saigon is electric. The city becomes a mix of celebration, commemoration, and vibrant energy. While traditional parades and state-sponsored ceremonies remain, the way young people and Gen Z celebrate freedom is really positive.

1. Social Media Patriotism

Vietnamese youth flood platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook with content showcasing their national pride on the Reunification Day. You’ll see:

Reels of flag-waving and patriotic songs
Personal reflections and tributes to family war veterans
Street fashion with red and yellow stars
A surge of patriotic content shared among youngsters

Thousands of patriotic posts are seen during the 30th of April in Vietnam

2. Watching the Rehearsals

Leading up to the 30th of April in Vietnam, many people gather around Le Duan Boulevard and the Notre Dame Cathedral area to watch parade rehearsals. These often include military processions, flag bearers, and traditional music performances. For tourists, it’s a great way to catch the spectacle without the full crowds.

Parades and performances are rehearsed many times before the ceremony

3. Nighttime Fireworks and Light Shows

While not every year features fireworks, when they do, the best views are from:

Alongside the Saigon River on Ton Duc Thang street
Saigon River cruises
Rooftop bars in District 1

Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot. The streets will be packed.

This year on Vietnam Liberation Day, thousands of drones will be used for the light show

Fireworks and drone light shows schedule on Vietnam Reunification day:

26th April: 2.000 drones on air to perform no Saigon River (right in front of Nguyen Hue Street) at 9:15 p.m
30th April: 10.500 drones on Saigon River (you can watch from District 1 or from the Saigon Riverside Park in Thu Duc) at 8:30 p.m

What happens on Vietnam Reunification Day 2025?

If you're planning to be in Saigon on April 30th, it's important to know that several major roads will be blocked, and public transportation will be limited around event zones.

Road Closures to Expect (around District 1):

Le Duan Street (from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Reunification Palace)
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Pasteur streets often have partial closures
Pham Ngoc Thach and Dong Khoi may also be affected
Mac Dinh Chi street
Hai Ba trung street
Truong Dinh street
Nguyen Du street
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street

These roads are typically blocked:

During rehearsals, which occur on a couple of days before April 30th, usually from 7 PM to 10 PM
On the actual day, closures begin around 6 AM and last through midday, especially if there's a parade or speech event

Main Event Timing

Morning ceremonies usually begin around 6:00 - 7:00 AM
Evening performances or parades (if any) start at 7:00 PM
Days of these events: 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th of April

Events itinerary for the upcoming Vietnam Reunification Day

For real-time updates, follow local expat groups on Facebook or check Vietnam’s official news outlets like VNExpress.

What Expats and Tourists Can Do

Whether you're an expat or just visiting, Vietnam Reunification Day is a great chance to connect with the culture in an authentic way. Here are a few tips:

1. Visit the Reunification Palace

There’s no better place to understand the significance of April 30th than at the Independence Palace (also called the Reunification Palace). Take a tour and see where history unfolded.

Ticketing time: 8:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m
Visiting hour: 8:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m
Ticket prices: Adults: 40.000 - 65.000 VND; Children: 10.000 - 15.000 VND

2. Enjoy Local Food and Drinks

Street vendors will be out in full force. Try:

Banh xeo (crispy pancakes)
Bo bia (sweet spring rolls)
Sinh to (Vietnamese smoothies)
Banh mi
Ca phe sua da (coffee with condensed milk)

Many cafes and rooftop bars also offer special holiday discounts or theme nights.

3. Join the Locals on the marching routes

Head to areas along the marching routes to join in the patriotic atmosphere

Sit around Le Duan boulevard and you're sure to get a good view of the 30/4 ceremony
Parades Timeline and Routes:

Starting from Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Thao Cam Vien) and going on Le Duan street to The Independence Palace.
From Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, the parade will split into 2 routes: 1 group will march on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street to Hoa Lu Stadium; the other will go on Ham Nghi street and gather at Ton Duc Thang street.

Favorable parades watching spots:

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Diamond Plaza 5th floor
M Plaza Le Duan
Le Duan street - around the Notre Dame Cathedral

These spots are great for people-watching, casual conversations, and experiencing the vibe. Remember to bring sunlight protection and water because it will surely be packed with patriotic Vietnamese on Vietnam Reunification Day!

Final Thoughts

Vietnam Reunification Day is more than a day off—it’s a deeply emotional and significant holiday for locals. For expats and tourists, it offers a window into Vietnamese resilience, joy, and national spirit. Whether you're exploring history, navigating roadblocks, or joining the celebrations, April 30th is a day you won’t forget.

Be respectful, be curious, and enjoy the ride—whether you're on foot or a Vespa.

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