The 80th anniversary of the August revolution and national day celebration, centered around a parade, will commence at 6:30 a.m. on 2/9 at Ba Dinh square. The procession will proceed along Hung Vuong street and then divide into seven branches towards various assembly points.

Residents and visitors can choose viewing spots along several streets in the Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, Cua Nam, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, and My Dinh wards. Here are some suggested viewing locations and tips for attending the grand celebration.

Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hang Chao intersection

Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hang Chao intersection. Photo: Tam Anh

Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hang Chao intersection (view from Hung Vuong street). Photo: Tam Anh

On Hung Vuong street, next to the newly cleared public area. Photo: Tam Anh

This is one of the best viewing spots as it's where the parade departs from Ba Dinh square and begins to split. Parade groups 1 and 2 will turn left onto Nguyen Thai Hoc street. Group 3 will turn right onto Kim Ma street. Group 5 will continue straight towards Hang Day stadium.

This area has been recently renovated, with abandoned buildings demolished to create a spacious public area, offering many convenient viewing spots. However, according to some Hanoi residents experienced in watching previous parades, the formations here are often less organized as the groups change direction. You might consider standing a few hundred meters before or after this intersection.

Le Duan - Nguyen Thai Hoc intersection

This location isn't spacious, but it offers a convenient view of parade groups 1 and 2. The steps of the Doji building provide an elevated vantage point. This intersection is only 1.2 km from Ba Dinh square, so the wait isn't as long as at Trang Tien - Hanoi opera house. However, due to the limited space, finding a good spot and exiting after the parade might be challenging.

Cua Nam intersection

Parade group 1, heading towards Trang Thi - Hang Khay - Trang Tien, will pass through the Cua Nam intersection. This is a spacious area with multiple access points, making it easy to find a spot, exit, or move around. The area is well-connected by bus routes and within walking distance from Hanoi railway station and the old quarter. Residents and businesses along Hang Bong street can watch from their upper floors.

Kim Ma - Lieu Giai intersection

View towards Lieu Giai street, where parade group 3 will pass. Photo: Tam Anh

This location offers numerous elevated viewing points, including the Nguyen Chi Thanh overpass, Lotte center Hanoi, Hanoi Daewoo hotel, Capital Palace, Vincom Metropolis, and Lieu Giai tower. The intersection is also easily accessible for those using the Nhon - Hanoi railway station metro line. It's a 15-minute walk from the Cau Giay terminal.

The two Starbucks cafes below Metropolis and the Brodard cafe at the Daewoo hotel, situated on elevated levels, offer good views of the parade.

Tran Phu - Nguyen Tri Phuong street

Parade groups 6 and 7, consisting of tracked and wheeled vehicles, will pass along this section. The area is primarily occupied by government offices, embassies, hospitals, and a park, with few residential buildings, so it's likely to be less crowded than other routes. The sidewalks are also quite wide.

Hang Khay - Trang Tien intersection

Hang Khay - Trang Tien street, near the end of parade route 1. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

This is near the end of parade route 1. Those arriving late can still catch the procession here. Avoid standing at the very end of Trang Tien street, near the Hanoi opera house, as the parade will have finished by then.

The area offers various entertainment options, restaurants, and cafes. The streets around Hoan Kiem lake are wide, allowing for quick dispersal after the parade. This is especially suitable for families with children and visitors from afar. Tourists staying in the old quarter should also consider this location.

Besides these specific spots, you can watch the event safely and comfortably along the designated parade routes: Nguyen Thai Hoc - Kim Ma - Lieu Giai - Le Duan - Trang Thi - Hang Khay - Ngoc Ha. These routes are expected to be crowded.

Parade routes:

Route 1 (ceremonial unit): Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Trang Thi - Hang Khay - Trang Tien - August revolution square (Hanoi opera house)

Route 2 (army, foreign military, militia, police): Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Le Duan - Thong Nhat park.

Route 3 (flag unit): Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Kim Ma - Lieu Giai - Van Cao - Quan Ngua sports palace.

Route 4 (mobile police - cavalry): Le Hong Phong - Ngoc Ha - Bach Thao park.

Route 5 (public, cultural, and sports groups): Hung Vuong - Hang Day stadium.

Route 6 (wheeled vehicles): Hung Vuong - Tran Phu - Nguyen Tri Phuong - Ministry of National Defense headquarters on Nguyen Tri Phuong street.

Route 7 (wheeled vehicles): Hung Vuong - Tran Phu - Cua Bac - Nghi Tam - Au Co - Vo Chi Cong - Lang and Giang Vo - Lang Ha - Tran Duy Hung - My Dinh.

Parade routes. Graphics: Hoang Khanh

Important notes:

The event starts at 6:30 a.m., so arrive a few hours early to secure a good spot. Public transport is recommended. Roads along the parade routes will be closed from the afternoon of 1/9. Many businesses will also be closed.

Be aware of the mentioned intersections, which are generally spacious and well-known, but can become congested due to high traffic volume and strict security measures.

Wheeled vehicles will move quickly, so those watching along routes 6 and 7 should time their arrival accordingly.

Besides watching in person, the parade will be broadcast live on over 200 large LED screens at gateways to the capital and public spaces such as Hoan Kiem lake, West lake, and My Dinh, along with hundreds of loudspeakers.

Tam Anh