On the afternoon of August 21, Hanoi’s main streets turned into a “sea of people” as thousands gathered to witness the first rehearsal for the 80th National Day (September 2) military parade. Among the crowd were many foreign visitors, eager to experience the historic celebration.
Six-Hour Wait for a Perfect View
Kenzo, a 21-year-old from Luxembourg, took a motorbike taxi from Tay Ho to Ba Dinh early in the day to secure a good spot along Hung Vuong Street. “I waited six hours before it started,” he said.
It was his second visit to Hanoi, and he considered it “a stroke of luck” to return just in time for the grand anniversary. After once witnessing police forces parade around Hoan Kiem Lake, Kenzo was determined to watch the full rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square.
He recalled being deeply moved when locals offered him water, handed out flags, and even shared their viewing space. “The moment when the whole crowd sang the national anthem and shouted ‘Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh!’ gave me goosebumps,” he said.
Shared Emotions Across Borders
Albert, 44, from the Netherlands, also joined the crowd near Hoan Kiem Lake. He was struck by the sight of people wearing áo dài or clothes printed with the national flag. “What touched me most was seeing elderly veterans in uniform salute as the troops marched by. The connection between generations was overwhelming,” he said.
For Albert, the parade was more than a military display — it was a show of unity between the people and the armed forces.
International Fascination
Other foreigners, such as Italians Salvatore Bosco and Eugenio Grosso Sgarrillo, gathered along Thanh Nien Street, waving flags with locals and capturing every moment on their phones.
On social media, expat groups like Hanoi Expats buzzed with tips on the best viewing spots and road closures. TikTok videos under hashtags like #VietnamParade and #MilitaryParadeVietnam attracted hundreds of thousands of views, with many foreigners sharing selfies alongside crowds and soldiers.
Tourism Boom for Hanoi
Major national celebrations are proving to be a magnet for international visitors. During the April 30 celebrations marking 50 years of national reunification, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 120,000 foreign tourists — up 122% year-on-year.
This time, Hanoi is the center of attention. Booking.com data shows the capital topping the list of destinations searched by Vietnamese travelers for the September 2 holiday. Agoda reports a 44-fold increase in hotel searches compared to last year. Noi Bai International Airport expects record traffic, with up to 110,000 passengers per day, including nearly 44,000 international travelers.
Looking Ahead to September 2
Additional rehearsals are scheduled for August 27 and 30, before the official parade on the morning of September 2 at Ba Dinh Square.
For Anis Espoir, a 32-year-old from Algeria, the event carries a special meaning. “Vietnam and Algeria share a history of fighting for independence against colonialism. That’s why I want to be in Hanoi on September 2, standing with my Vietnamese friends on their most important day of the year,” he said.
As for Kenzo, he’s already preparing for the next rehearsals, with a Vietnamese-flag T-shirt, snacks, water, and a mat in hand. “This is more than a parade — it’s a living history lesson,” he said.
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Source: Vietnam Insider