In the jubilant atmosphere of the National Day celebration on September 2, the capital city of Hanoi will become the center of many solemn and grand celebrations. Besides the parade, the performance of 30 aircraft of the Air Defense - Air Force is one of the most anticipated experiences.
This “air show” not only demonstrates the power of the armed forces but also brings proud and emotional moments to the people. To be able to fully admire this majestic beauty, choosing the ideal observation position is extremely important.
The performance of 30 aircraft of the Air Defense - Air Force is one of the highlights of the parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day.
This year’s National Day air show is meticulously planned, with the participation of 9 flight squadrons and 30 aircraft of various types, including helicopters, CASA transport aircraft, and powerful Su-30 fighter jets. The squadrons will take off from Hoa Lac, Gia Lam (Hanoi) and Kep (Bac Ninh) airports, then form a formation and fly over iconic locations of the capital such as Nhat Tan Bridge, Red River, West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, before heading towards Ba Dinh Square.
Participating forces: 9 flight squadrons with 30 aircraft of various types (helicopters, CASA, Su-30...)
The timing of the air show is also key. According to the official schedule, the show will take place on the morning of September 2, starting at 6:30. Based on previous test flights and rehearsals (on August 27 and 30), the squadrons usually take off at around 6:00 - 6:30. The entire show only lasts about 15 minutes, so timing and choosing the right location are key to not missing a moment. This show will take place right after the ground parade, so spectators need to be prepared to watch.
The squadron will take off from Hoa Lac, Gia Lam (Hanoi), Kep (Bac Ninh) airports, then fly over iconic locations of the capital such as Nhat Tan bridge, Red river...
Choosing your viewing position depends on your preferences and purpose. Each angle will bring a different experience.
If you want to admire the entire flight formation, especially the Su-30 fighter jets flying high and fast, the high position is the best choice. High-rise buildings of 30 floors or more in the wards: Phu Thuong, Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, Giang Vo, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam are considered "golden positions".
Be at the observation location early to not miss the most impressive moments of the aircraft display at the A80 parade.
From here, you can clearly see the smooth, precise coordination of the squadrons, creating a perfect picture in the sky. These areas are located on the main flight axis, ensuring unobstructed views and covering the entire formation. You should avoid areas like My Dinh or Long Bien, because although you can still see the planes, these are take-off and landing zones, not the best angle to admire the flight formation.
Depending on conditions and preferences, you can choose a beautiful location above to see the whole view or below to feel the majesty at close range.
If you do not have the opportunity to fly high, you can still enjoy the air show in open, airy spaces. The most ideal locations are the areas on the flight axis towards Ba Dinh Square, especially the area around Hoan Kiem Lake. The majesty of the aircraft flying over Turtle Tower and The Huc Bridge will bring a very special feeling.
Areas like My Dinh or Long Bien can see planes but are not the best viewing angles because these are take-off and landing zones.
However, it should be noted that the Ba Dinh Square area will be restricted to people on September 2. You should choose nearby locations but still have good visibility such as the intersection of Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hung Vuong - Hang Chao; wide roads such as Dien Bien Phu, Le Hong Phong. These locations not only help you feel the majesty of the aircraft at close range but can also be combined with watching the parade on land.
For photography enthusiasts, the air show is a great opportunity to create historic photos. For close-up shots, the area near Ba Dinh Square or Hoan Kiem Lake is ideal to capture the moment when Mi helicopters and CASA transport planes fly at close range. If you want a beautiful background, streets such as Tran Phu, Le Hong Phong, Nguyen Tri Phuong with rows of green trees and ancient architectural works will create impressive frames, bearing the mark of Hanoi.
Large, less obscured areas are located on the flight axis towards Ba Dinh Square, typically the area around Hoan Kiem Lake.
To capture the moment of the plane passing by, you should prioritize using a phone or camera with a good zoom feature. An important tip is to use burst mode or record video to ensure you don’t miss any moment. Mirrorless cameras or DSLRs with telephoto lenses will be the perfect choice, helping you focus accurately and create sharp photos.
With the above tips, we hope you will have an ideal position and a memorable experience when admiring the impressive aircraft performance, a highlight not to be missed in the 80th National Day Celebration.
