The streets are full of flags and flowers
From Tong Dan Street to the Hanoi Flag Tower area, from Yen Phu alley to Ly Nam De and Hang Ma streets, the red color with yellow stars covers every corner of the street. Along Hang Ma Street, especially the intersection with Hang Luoc, the atmosphere is even more bustling. Red flags mixed with lanterns and decorations create a brilliant scene like a festival. This is also the place that attracts many people and tourists to take photos and record meaningful moments before the grand ceremony.
The most impressive area for many people is still the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area, not only because of the solemnity and sacredness of a historical site but also because this place is the heart of the capital. The closer September 2nd comes, the more people flock here to offer flowers, take photos, and watch the national flag flutter, creating an atmosphere of both pride and emotion.
People come to watch the flag lowering ceremony at Ba Dinh Square these days
For Phung Van Tung, who spent a lot of time walking through Hang Cot, Hang Ma, Hang Luoc, Ly Nam De, Hang Chao and Dinh Tien Hoang streets, the unforgettable impression was the image of flags flying in front of a construction on Dinh Tien Hoang and Hang Cot streets. “The atmosphere this year is much more special because it is the 80th anniversary of National Day. Every street corner is full of flags, bringing a sense of heroic spirit and great pride,” he shared.
Images of Hanoi streets captured by Mr. Phung Van Tung
Small but cozy spaces
Not only the main streets, many coffee shops in Hanoi also blend in with the national colors. Toka Coffee Stand and Balcony on Dinh Liet Street are two prominent locations, according to Hanh Hanh. With neat and warm decorations, these small shops become ideal meeting places to sip a cup of coffee while clearly feeling the national spirit spreading throughout the space.
Hanh Hanh checked in first at the neatly decorated Balcony Cafe.
Walking along the old town, it is easy to see the image of restaurants and shops hanging flags everywhere. This year, many people commented that the atmosphere is more even and bustling, when from early morning to late evening, the streets are filled with red.
Visiting many places such as Tong Dan, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hang Ma, Ly Nam De, and Yen Phu alley, Hanh Hanh could not hide her excitement when she saw that most of the streets, shops, and cafes were hanging the national flag. For her, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the place that left the most emotions, while Hang Ma is colorful and crowded, creating beautiful photo angles that recall the festival atmosphere.
The streets in the old town are more brilliant with flags and flowers.
A meeting place of memories and pride
In addition to familiar streets and shops, many iconic locations such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien - Hang Khay walking street, Ba Dinh Square or the Shark's Jaw area have also been brightly decorated. These are spaces that are not only beautiful in terms of landscape but also contain profound historical and national values.
View from Trang Tien Bridge and the building that used to be Shark's Jaw in the days leading up to the grand ceremony
In that atmosphere, Hanoians could not hide their joy. Everyone wanted to capture memories of the sacred moment when the whole city was proudly covered in red. “Everywhere I went, I saw the image of the red flag with the yellow star, which made my heart flutter indescribably. I went to take pictures from 5-6 am and there were already many people on the street to capture this beautiful moment. It can be seen that the national spirit is spreading more clearly than in previous years,” Hanh said.
To have beautiful photos, many young people choose early morning or late afternoon to take advantage of the soft light. White, light blue or pastel colors that harmonize with the red background of the national flag are also suggested to make the photo more prominent and meaningful.
Towards the great national festival
On the occasion of September 2nd this year, many people are not only excited about the atmosphere of flags and flowers on the streets but also look forward to important activities, including Hanh Hanh and Mr. Tung. Although not everyone has tickets to attend the big events, everyone is eager to find a route and a space to directly immerse themselves in the heroic and solemn atmosphere of the parade, marching to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day and share national pride.
The flag-filled streets of Hanoi recall glorious history and national pride on the eve of the grand ceremony.
From the red flags fluttering in small street corners to the solemnity of Ba Dinh Square, from cozy coffee shops to the vast space of Hoan Kiem Lake, everything is blending into one common color: the color of the national flag. Hanoi these days is not only beautiful but also reminds every citizen of a glorious historical journey, to love, be proud of and cherish National Day more.
