The couple arrived at 3 PM on 29/8 and endured seven hours of rain on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. They finally relaxed when their relatives arrived and settled in late at night.

Soaked, they went home to change and grab more snacks. But upon returning at 10:30 PM, the street was closed, allowing only exit, not entry. Despite their pleas, they were denied access and resigned themselves to watching from home.

"It was careless of us to lose the fruits of seven hours in the rain," Dinh Thuy Trang said, regretting missing the special occasion with her family.

Thuy Trang's family shelters from the rain while waiting for the parade after she saved their spots, on the evening of 29/8. Photo provided by the subject.

Thuy Trang's family shelters from the rain while waiting for the parade after she saved their spots, on the evening of 29/8. Photo provided by the subject.

Social media has been buzzing with similar stories. One young man arrived at 3 AM to save a spot for the 8 PM rehearsal, only to lose it while fetching a raincoat. Others endured bathroom breaks or even wore diapers to secure prime viewing locations. Some even woke up early to secure a great spot on Kim Ma – Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, only to discover the parade wouldn't pass by their side of the street.

Dinh Hanh Thu, 35, from Cau Giay ward, almost lost her spot due to a bathroom emergency. She and her daughter left at noon on 29/8 to watch the rehearsal, advising her daughter to drink less to avoid bathroom breaks. By 6 PM, the crowd was packed. Then, both needed the restroom.

After some quick thinking, Thu struck a deal with a nearby couple who hadn't eaten all day. "We'll save your spots if you buy us some bread," they offered. Thu agreed instantly.

"I relieved myself, kept our spots, and made new friends," Thu recounted.

While his parents watched from afar, Minh Duc (center) sat in the front row between two strangers at the rehearsal on 27/8. Photo provided by the subject.

While his parents watched from afar, Minh Duc (center) sat in the front row between two strangers at the rehearsal on 27/8. Photo provided by the subject.

Other families had similar experiences. Thanh Loan's family, from Long Bien, arrived at 7 PM and had to stand far back on Thanh Nien Street.

Her 6-year-old son, Minh Duc, asked to be put down after being carried on his parents' shoulders. He then weaseled his way through the crowd, assisted by bystanders, and ended up in the front row next to a couple, chatting away. "Through his social skills, he got a VIP view, while his parents strained to see the parade," Loan laughed.

Despite the fatigue and disappointment of missing the rehearsal, Thuy Trang and her husband considered it a memorable experience. She consoled herself with having experienced seven hours of joyful anticipation. "At least I saved spots for my relatives who traveled from afar," she said.

Crowds pack both sides of Nguyen Tri Phuong - Dien Bien Phu intersection to welcome the parade during the rehearsal on 30/8. Photo: Vo Thanh.

Crowds pack both sides of Nguyen Tri Phuong - Dien Bien Phu intersection to welcome the parade during the rehearsal on 30/8. Photo: Vo Thanh.

The parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (2/9) will take place at 6:30 AM on 2/9 at Ba Dinh Square and several central streets, attracting large crowds.

Nguyen Duy Hung, 25, from Ha Dong, a veteran of major events like the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory parade (2024) and the 50th anniversary of National Reunification (2025), shared eight tips for a smooth viewing experience.

He recommends studying the route to choose a prime location and finding accommodations nearby to handle unforeseen issues. Arrive at least half a day early to secure a spot and exercise lightly while waiting to avoid exhaustion. Occupy only necessary space, using folding chairs or cardboard to rest without obstructing views.

Hung also advises sipping water, bringing electrolyte powder, and packing light snacks like bread, sausages, sticky rice, and fruit. A backpack should contain an umbrella, a wide-brimmed hat, a thin raincoat, a handheld fan, wet wipes, a portable charger, and a face mask. Going with friends or family allows for taking turns saving spots and seeking assistance from others.

Most importantly, share the space: offer good spots to veterans and the elderly, prioritize children in the front row, and keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting lost.

"Please prioritize and assist veterans; it shows respect for the previous generation," he said.

Pham Nga