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The streets were adorned with flags and flowers.
From Tong Dan Street to the Hanoi Flagpole area, from the small alley of Yen Phu to Ly Nam De and Hang Ma streets, the red and yellow colors of the Vietnamese flag covered every street corner. Along Hang Ma Street, especially the section intersecting with Hang Luoc Street, the atmosphere was even more vibrant. Red flags interspersed with lanterns and decorations created a dazzling scene like a festival. This was also a popular spot for locals and tourists to take photos and capture meaningful moments leading up to the grand celebration.
For many, the area around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum remains the most impressive, not only because of the solemnity and sacredness of a historical site, but also because it is the heart of the capital city. As September 2nd approaches, the crowds flocking here to lay flowers, take photos, and admire the national flag flying create an atmosphere of both pride and emotion.
People come to watch the flag-lowering ceremony at Ba Dinh Square these days.
For Mr. Phung Van Tung, who spends a lot of time strolling through the streets of Hang Cot, Hang Ma, Hang Luoc, Ly Nam De, Hang Chao, and Dinh Tien Hoang, the unforgettable impression is the sight of flags fluttering in front of a building on Dinh Tien Hoang and Hang Cot streets. “This year’s atmosphere is much more special because it marks the 80th anniversary of National Day. Every street corner is covered with flags, giving a feeling of heroic spirit and immense pride,” he shared.
These images of Hanoi streets were captured by Mr. Phung Van Tung.
Small but cozy spaces
Not only on the main streets, but many cafes in Hanoi also embrace the national spirit. Toka Coffee Stand and Ban Cong on Dinh Liet Street are two prominent examples, according to Hanh Hanh. With their meticulous and warm decor, these small cafes become ideal meeting places to enjoy a cup of coffee while clearly feeling the national spirit spreading throughout the space.
Hanh Hanh checks in in front of the meticulously decorated Balcony Cafe.
Walking along the old town, you can easily spot restaurants and shops displaying flags everywhere. This year, many people have commented that the atmosphere is more uniform and vibrant, with the streets filled with red from early morning to late evening.
Visiting many places like Tong Dan Street, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hang Ma Street, Ly Nam De Street, and the small Yen Phu alley, Hanh Hanh couldn't hide her excitement at seeing that most streets, shops, and cafes displayed the national flag. For her, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was the place that evoked the most emotions, while Hang Ma Street, with its vibrant colors and lively atmosphere, created beautiful photo opportunities reminiscent of a festive season.
The streets of the old town are made even more vibrant by the colorful flags and flowers.
A meeting place of memories and pride.
Besides familiar streets and cafes, many iconic locations such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien - Hang Khay pedestrian street, Ba Dinh Square, and the Ham Ca Map area have also been brightly decorated. These are all spaces that are not only beautiful in terms of scenery but also hold profound historical value and national spirit.
A view from Trang Tien Bridge and the building that used to be the Shark's Mouth during the days leading up to the grand celebration.
In that atmosphere, the people of Hanoi couldn't hide their joy. Everyone wanted to capture the memory of this sacred moment when the entire city was adorned in proud red. "Everywhere you go, you see images of the red flag with a yellow star, which fills your heart with indescribable excitement. I went to take pictures from 5-6 in the morning, and there were already so many people out on the streets to record this beautiful moment. You can see that the national spirit is spreading more clearly than in previous years," Hanh said.
To get beautiful photos, many young people choose early morning or late afternoon hours to take advantage of the soft light. White, light blue, or pastel-colored outfits that harmonize with the red background of the national flag are also suggested to make the photos more striking and meaningful.
Towards the great national festival
This year, on September 2nd, many people were not only excited by the streets adorned with flags and flowers but also eagerly awaited important events, including Hanh Hanh and Tung. Although not everyone had tickets to attend the major events, everyone was eager to find a route and a space to directly immerse themselves in the heroic and solemn atmosphere of the parade and march commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day and share in the national pride.
The streets of Hanoi, adorned with flags and flowers, evoke memories of glorious history and national pride on the eve of the grand celebration.
From the fluttering red flags on small street corners to the solemn atmosphere of Ba Dinh Square, from cozy cafes to the expansive space of Ho Guom Lake, everything is merging into one common color: the color of the national flag. Hanoi these days is not only beautiful but also reminds each citizen of a glorious historical journey, fostering greater love, pride, and appreciation for National Day.
