Around 7 PM, sidewalks along Le Duan street were overflowing with people. Those arriving after 7 PM found it impossible to squeeze in, resorting to sitting in long lines at the intersection with Kham Thien street. The crowds on Le Duan street were reportedly many times larger than on the evening of August 29th, when people had camped out for the rehearsal on August 30th.

Unable to find a viewing spot, many groups reluctantly gave up around 8 PM. Nghiem Thuy Hang and her group of 30 people, dressed in matching outfits and equipped with flags and supplies for an overnight stay, were among those forced to turn back. Hang said her group arrived at Cat Linh station around 5 PM and walked about 10 km through various streets by 8 PM, but couldn't find a place to settle.

People and tourists sit in long lines at the intersection of Kham Thien and Le Duan streets.

They walked back to their company in Ha Dinh, about 6 km from Le Duan street, as they couldn't hail a taxi. Despite their disappointment, Hang's group remained in good spirits, singing as they walked to embrace the festive atmosphere of September 2nd.

It wasn't just older people who had to give up. Duc Hanh, 25, and his 15-year-old brother, Xuan Phuc, also left despite securing a spot on the Le Duan sidewalk. The constant jostling from the crowd behind them proved too exhausting. Overwhelmed by the density of the crowd, the brothers decided to prioritize their well-being and abandon their parade viewing plans.

Walking from Hang Chao street to the O Cho Dua roundabout, Pham Thi Hai was shocked by the size of the crowd. On the evening of August 29th, she and her husband had comfortably camped out in Hang Chao. They planned to repeat the experience, but it proved impossible.

"The crowd must have been three times larger than the previous night. We couldn't watch, but I'm still happy," she said, explaining that they had gone primarily to soak up the atmosphere.

Duc Hanh (right) and Xuan Phuc carry their chairs and food as they head home. Photo: Tu Nguyen

At the Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line stations, from around 9 PM, people wearing red shirts and carrying belongings began returning in increasing numbers. Nguyen Quang Canh, a Ha Dong resident, traveled with a group of 10. They arrived at Cat Linh station at 6 PM and walked to Nguyen Thai Hoc street but couldn't get through the crowds. Redirecting to Le Duan street, they found a spot about 50 meters away from the main road.

"At that point, we would have only seen the backs of the people in front of us," he said. Despite the unexpected turn of events, the group was happy to have experienced the joyful National Day atmosphere.

Thuy Hang heads home despite having prepared everything for the September 2nd parade. Photo: Tu Nguyen

People turn away from the Le Duan street parade viewing area. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Hai at the Dong Cac street parking lot after unsuccessfully searching for a parade viewing spot. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Canh's group at Van Quan station after their unsuccessful attempt to find a parade viewing spot. Photo: Tu Nguyen

On September 2nd, Vietnam held a military parade and march to commemorate the 80th anniversary of National Day at 6:30 AM in Ba Dinh square. The ceremony involved a full display of forces, including ground, mechanized, air, and naval units. Nearly 16,000 people participated in the parade, comprising 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military artillery and special forces vehicles from the Army and Police.

Tu Nguyen