The September 2nd parade will feature 9 formations with 30 aircraft from the Air Defense - Air Force Service. The squadron will take off from Hoa Lac, Gia Lam (Hanoi), and Kep (Bac Ninh) airports, flying over landmarks like Nhat Tan Bridge, the Red River, the Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center, West Lake, and towards Ba Dinh Square.
Drawing on their experience from the August 21st rehearsal and previous test flights, Quan Ngoc and Thuy Dung from Hoan Kiem ward, along with a VnExpress reporter, share their tips for finding the best viewing spots.
Timing is key
During test flights and rehearsals, the squadron typically takes off between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. after a weather check. The entire air show lasts about 15 minutes, divided into several consecutive formations. Arrive early to avoid missing any of the impressive moments.
High-rise viewing
 |
Watching the planes from a high-rise building in Giang Vo ward. Photo: Ngoc Thanh |
Watching the planes from a high-rise building in Giang Vo ward. Photo: Ngoc Thanh
High-rise buildings in the city center offer ideal viewing points. Wards with the best views include Phu Thuong, Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, Giang Vo, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, and Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam. While planes can be seen from areas like My Dinh and Long Bien, these aren't the best vantage points as they are in the take-off and landing zones.
"For the best view, choose the highest possible location, such as the rooftop of a building 30 floors or higher," Ngoc advises.
He explains that different aircraft fly at different altitudes. Helicopters and CASA planes typically fly lower, while Su fighters fly higher and faster, requiring a sufficiently high vantage point for clear viewing.
Low-rise viewing
 |
Watching the planes from ground level at Ba Dinh Square. Photo: Tuan Tam |
Watching the planes from ground level at Ba Dinh Square. Photo: Tuan Tam
For those at lower elevations (below the 10th floor or at ground level), choose open spaces with minimal obstruction, like areas around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ba Dinh Square.
"If you're on a lower floor, choose a spot along the planes' flight path, facing Ba Dinh Square," Ngoc adds.
Thuy Dung, a resident of Hoan Kiem ward, mentions that she had a clear view of the rehearsal from the 5th floor of a building near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Note that access to Ba Dinh Square will be restricted on September 2nd. Arrive early and find a spot at nearby intersections like Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hung Vuong - Hang Chao or along wider streets like Dien Bien Phu and Le Hong Phong.
Photographing the air show
Location: Areas near Ba Dinh Square or Hoan Kiem Lake offer excellent angles for capturing close-up shots, especially of the Mi helicopters and CASA transport planes. Streets like Tran Phu, Le Hong Phong, and Nguyen Tri Phuong, with their trees and architecture, provide attractive backdrops.
Equipment: Use a phone or camera with a good zoom capability to capture the entire formations.
Technique: Use burst mode or record video to avoid missing the planes as they fly past landmarks.
The parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day will take place on the morning of September 2nd, starting at 6:30 a.m. at Ba Dinh Square. Rehearsals are scheduled for August 24th, 27th, and 30th. Weather permitting, the air show will also be featured on these days.
Tam Anh
