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Right outside the door, the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam fluttered in the wind. Inside the cafe, every little corner was steeped in the imprint of a historical period: old photographs, radio sets, notebooks, faded handwritten letters, posters celebrating the day of complete victory... That space was like a gentle reminder: Hanoi of yesteryear is still here, vibrant in every detail.
The event was divided into three parts, guiding attendees through a continuous stream of emotions. It began with a precious documentary about the victory of April 30th. The valuable footage, a mix of black and white and a touch of color, shone brightly in the hearts of the viewers: images of the Independence Palace gates being knocked down by tanks, images of the liberation soldiers with gentle smiles, images of the crowds of Saigon residents pouring into the streets, cheering and waving flags to welcome freedom… The entire room fell silent, listening to the heartbeat of the nation returning to that historic moment.
Right from the entrance, the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam fluttered in the wind.
On the morning of April 27, 2025, at Pho Hang Cafe, time seemed to stand still.
After the documentary, the audience listened to three guest speakers share their stories. The guests were as special as the setting they were in. Ms. Oanh, a woman in a simple black dress, had served in the army during the fierce years of war. A look of pride was evident on her face. She sat there, gently recounting the days of marching, the sleepless nights in the trenches, the mornings waking to the deafening sound of gunfire, yet remaining steadfast in her belief in ultimate victory.
The photo shows Ms. Oanh (in the black dress) and Mr. Duc Anh (in the white shirt).
Beside her was Mr. Duc Anh, a researcher of Hanoi and Southern Vietnamese history. He brought to the event rare and valuable documents – pages faded by time, fragile yet containing the strength of an entire nation. When he held up the 1973 Paris Agreement, the entire room fell silent. On that old paper, each letter was still clear and firm, like the unwavering will of the Vietnamese people.
He shared: "These documents are extremely rare; each copy is unique. Preserving them is already very difficult, as they are just paper and easily deteriorate over time. But preserving these documents is extremely important because they are witnesses, irreplaceable milestones in the history of the Vietnamese nation." Every word he spoke, every artifact he presented, brought a moment of reverence to the room. People not only saw historical documents but also heard the throbbing hearts of those who sacrificed and persevered to achieve peace.
The atmosphere of the event became even more serene when artisan Pham Ha Linh appeared. Dressed in a traditional purple-blue ao dai (Vietnamese long dress), wearing a turban, and holding a calligraphy brush, he seemed to carry the essence of an entire era. His strong, graceful strokes appeared on the white paper, igniting memories of calligraphy sessions at the ancient Temple of Literature. With skill and enthusiasm, Ha Linh guided each guest in holding the brush, teaching them how to pour their hearts into each stroke. Each stroke was a tribute to their ancestors.
The bold, graceful strokes appear on the white paper, igniting memories of calligraphy sessions at the ancient Temple of Literature.
Not only the elderly guests, but also a large number of young people were present that morning. Those with gray hair and those with youthful hair sat together, listening and sharing radiant smiles. One could feel the vibrant pulse of a radiant Hanoi on the day of complete victory. A Hanoi that was simple yet generous. A Hanoi that knew sacrifice, knew suffering, but also knew how to cheer, how to burst into the most complete joy. Sitting in that atmosphere, it was easy to imagine the historic morning of April 30, 1975.
From small houses nestled in narrow alleyways, from old, cobblestone streets, people poured into the streets, carrying fluttering red flags with yellow stars. Loudspeakers blared from every street corner, spreading news of victory like a blazing fire in everyone's heart. Liberation soldiers, wearing pith helmets and carrying backpacks, smiled amidst the welcoming embraces of the people. The elderly, the children, the mothers, the fathers... all burst into joy, the happiness they had waited for for so many years, a joy forged with tears and blood. And that day, at Pho Hang Cafe, that spirit was rekindled – intact, pure, and moving, just as it was years ago.
The event attracted many visitors of all ages.
Amidst the lively chatter and eager glances of the young people, the atmosphere warmed up. A group of students excitedly shared: "We often look up information online. Luckily, we learned about this event and came to attend, to listen to firsthand accounts of Vietnamese history, not just what we've learned from books."
Besides, even the elderly couldn't hide their joy. One elderly man smiled gently and said emotionally, "The people here are very happy that the younger generation cares about and listens to history. To express it, I probably have nothing more to say, because you young people have said it all, and you said it so well" - (he smiled).
Each story told by Ms. Oanh, each document brought by Mr. Duc Anh, each stroke of calligraphy meticulously crafted by artisan Ha Linh, serves as a bridge connecting the past and the present. Everyone who attended the event, young or old, felt as if they were reliving the most sacred moment in the nation's history.
These days, the cafes on Hang Street are also decorated with items associated with the day of complete victory: liberation flags, records of military achievements, a photograph of General Nguyen Chi Thanh, postcards printed with images of the liberation army... A small corner also displays old newspapers, short but decisive news reports about the day the South was completely liberated. The atmosphere on the streets around the event area is also more vibrant than usual. Red flags with yellow stars are hung everywhere, from awnings, windows, and stalls. Small markets and moss-covered streets suddenly brighten with the loving red color.
As the morning drew to a close, hands clasped tighter, and eyes met with greater warmth. Those departing carried within them a mix of nostalgia, pride, and responsibility: the responsibility to preserve that memory, that flame, and pass it on to future generations. For history, after all, is not just a matter of yesterday. History lives on in every breath, every heartbeat, every choice made each day by the children of Vietnam.
Some photos at Pho Hang Cafe.
