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Hanoi is bustling with preparations for the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2nd. The highlight of this momentous event is the grand parade, scheduled to take place on the morning of September 2nd, from 6:30 AM to approximately 10:00 AM at the historic Ba Dinh Square. However, to have a complete and memorable experience, knowing the information and secrets to securing a prime viewing spot is crucial.
To ensure the smooth running of the official parade, the marching and parade contingents have been actively practicing. Hanoi residents and tourists can watch the spectacular rehearsals right in the square and surrounding streets. The remaining rehearsal schedule has been announced by the Organizing Committee, including: a preliminary rehearsal on the evening of August 27th and a final rehearsal on the morning of August 30th. This is a great opportunity for people to witness the vibrant performance early without having to deal with the crowds on the official day.
The parade will begin at Ba Dinh Square, and after passing the reviewing stand, the contingents will continue moving and split into three main routes.
Route 1 turns right, following the route Tran Phu Street - Kim Ma Street - Lieu Giai Street and ending at Van Cao Street.
Route 2 turns left, following the route Nguyen Thai Hoc Street - Trang Thi Street - Trang Tien Street, and stops at the August Revolution Square.
Route 3 also turns left, following the route of Nguyen Thai Hoc - Le Duan Street and ending at Thong Nhat Park. Knowing these routes will help tourists easily choose a suitable viewing spot.
In particular, to help all citizens immerse themselves in the heroic atmosphere of the holiday, the organizing committee arranged 270 LED screens and 400 loudspeakers along the streets, providing a realistic and vivid experience as if they were present at Ba Dinh Square.
These are the "prime viewing spots" for watching the parade.
According to those who have attended parades before, arriving early is key to securing an ideal viewing spot. Many say you should be there at least until midnight the night before, which is at least 12 hours prior to the ceremony. If you arrive late, you'll have to accept standing in more distant positions with limited views. However, with long parade routes and a dense network of screens and loudspeakers, visitors can still enjoy the festive atmosphere from anywhere.
One of the prime locations is the intersection of Hung Vuong and Tran Phu streets. Located near the main viewing platform, visitors can observe the parade from its very first steps. Further along Nguyen Thai Hoc street, near house number 143 heading towards Le Duan, is where the contingents begin to separate and proceed to the assembly point; this is also where visitors can witness the international parade contingent passing by.
Additionally, intersections like Tran Phu and Nguyen Tri Phuong are ideal locations to admire Vietnam's modern military equipment. The Cua Nam - Trang Thi - Tho Nhuom area is also highly regarded for its spaciousness and unobstructed views. For those who want beautiful photos with a wide perspective, the Hang Khay - Trang Tien route with its wide road is a suitable choice.
If you're looking for a more open space for easy movement and viewing, the stretch of road from Kim Mã – Đội Cấn – Liễu Giai – Văn Cao is a good option. With wide sidewalks and several overpasses, these are perfect vantage points to admire the entire parade formation.
Finally, the area around August Revolution Square and the route from Hanoi Railway Station to Thong Nhat Park is where the marching contingents gather after passing the reviewing stand, providing an opportunity for people to interact and take photos with the soldiers, creating an unforgettable memory.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable parade experience, visitors should note a few important points. Before the official parade day, monitoring traffic closure information is essential to plan your route and avoid unnecessary long walks. In case of traffic closures, metro lines are an effective solution. You can take the Yen Nghia - Cat Linh line and walk to the Nguyen Thai Hoc - Kim Ma axis, or take the Nho Son - Thu Le Park line to reach the Kim Ma axis or Thong Nhat Park.
When attending the ceremony, strict adherence to the instructions of the authorities is a prerequisite for ensuring security and order. Visitors should avoid bringing bulky items or prohibited goods to facilitate a quick inspection process. Furthermore, a beautiful cultural tradition that should be promoted is the spirit of giving way to veterans, the elderly, and children. Finally, please maintain public hygiene and refrain from littering to keep the streets of the capital clean and beautiful, befitting the solemn and proud atmosphere of National Day.
