VnExpress presents a selection of popular check-in locations across Hanoi, offering diverse photographic opportunities from wide-angle shots to close-ups.

Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District

The Old Quarter, centered around Hang Ma Street and extending to neighboring streets like Hang Luoc, Hang Cot, Gam Cau, Au Trieu, is adorned with vibrant red and gold starred flags. These flags, hung closely together in various sizes, create striking "roofs" of red, forming a beloved backdrop for many photographers. Photo: Phung Van Tung

O Quan Chuong Relic, Hoan Kiem District

O Quan Chuong, the only remaining gate of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, blends traditional and Western architectural styles. It features three arched doorways on the lower level and a watchtower above. Rows of red and gold starred flags both in front of and behind the gate offer a meaningful photo opportunity. Photo: Tung Dinh

Hang Chao Street, O Cho Dua District

Residents have hung 600 strings of flags along this 300-meter street. Each string holds 20 small flags, totaling 12,000, alongside 50 larger Party and national flags. Three large flags measuring 3x2 meters are positioned at the center and both ends of the street, adding a vibrant touch. Photo: Tung Dinh

Historic Ba Dinh Square

As the center of the celebratory activities, Ba Dinh Square features a large sign with the inscription "1945-2025" in red against a lotus flower background, erected in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This main decorative element for the parade has drawn thousands of residents and visitors for photos from dawn till dusk. For the best shot, try a low angle to capture the entire sign against the blue sky. Photo: Truong Minh Bao

Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ba Dinh District

For a spacious and historic setting, visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Various areas within the site are decorated with national flags, creating picturesque backdrops. This location is less crowded than the central streets, but requires an entrance fee. Popular photo spots include areas near Doan Mon Gate or the exit towards Hoang Dieu Street. Photo: Truong Minh Bao

Former Shark Jaw Building, Hoan Kiem District

The fence surrounding the demolition site of the former Shark Jaw Building is decorated with dozens of large national flags. Completed on 19/8, it immediately became a new photo spot. Its prime location next to Hoan Kiem Lake makes it easy to combine sightseeing with photography. Photo: Blog of Rot

Beyond these panoramic views, there are also opportunities for close-up shots.

On city buses

Many city bus routes are also immersed in the National Day spirit. Pictured is bus route 86 from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi's center, adorned with national and Party flags. Photo: Phong Kieu

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ba Dinh District

The large "80" symbol outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Ton That Dam Street is a new attraction. Commemorating both 80 years of National Day and 80 years of Vietnam's diplomatic service, its spacious setting allows for panoramic photos, combining the "80" with Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the distance. Photo: Truong Minh Bao

Cheka Cafe, Ha Dong District

This popular cafe has been decorated with a National Day theme since mid-July, offering various styles. Customers can rent "ao dai" for 60,000 VND per set. Special drinks include "Red Flag of Freedom" (strawberry tea) and "Proud Gold Star" (lotus oolong tea). Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Photo: Tung Dinh

Laika Cafe Chain

With locations in districts like Cau Giay, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, Ha Dong, and Thanh Xuan, Laika Cafe offers indoor and outdoor photo opportunities. A special 2/9 drink for 29,000 VND is served in red cups. Photo: Laika

Bia Oi Chain

This year's popular National Day accessories – red and gold starred fans, scarves, hand flags, string flags, and red walls – are all available at Bia Oi. Locations in Hai Ba Trung, Long Bien, Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, and Ba Dinh districts each have uniquely designed photo spots. Photo: Kun Bong

Hang Ma Souvenir Street

Hang Ma Street is ideal for close-up shots against a backdrop of countless red and gold National Day souvenirs. Visitors can take photos and purchase meaningful items. Photo: Blog of Rot

For perfect holiday photos, consider these tips:

Choose the "golden hour": Visit early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best natural light.

Be flexible with equipment: Cameras offer the best quality for wide shots of flag-lined streets, while smartphones suffice for close-ups.

Highlight your subject: Use a lens with a wide aperture (f/1.8, f/2.8) to blur the background and make your subject stand out against the vibrant flags.

Vary your angles: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the streets, or a telephoto lens to focus on distant flags for depth.

Tam Anh