Among the crowds on Kim Ma Street heading towards Quan Ngua Sports Palace, 25-year-old Cameron Alexander Keith Sinclair from the UK, remarked that the atmosphere in Hanoi reminded him of similar large-scale royal events back home.

During his trip through Vietnam, Keith Sinclair has visited several locations and is currently in Hanoi. He witnessed the first rehearsal on 21/8 and returned to experience the excitement and anticipation of the crowds awaiting the parade formations during the second rehearsal on 27/8. He was particularly impressed by the vibrant street decorations and the people’s evident patriotism and national pride.

Sinclair and his friend watch the parade rehearsal on the afternoon of 27/8. Photo: Linh Tam

Sinclair and his friend watch the parade rehearsal on the afternoon of 27/8. Photo: Linh Tam

Yelena Popova, originally from near Moscow, Russia, and currently living in Poland, said this was her third visit to Vietnam in 10 years. The first time was as a student, the second in 2019, and this year marks her third visit. She had never seen a parade in Vietnam before.

Having learned from the news that the Russian military would also be participating, Yelena wanted to see her compatriots. However, upon reaching Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, she found herself stuck in the crowd, unsure of the Russian contingent’s route, and decided to stay put. "Russia and Vietnam are friends, so watching either country's military parade is equally exciting," Yelena shared. She plans to leave Vietnam on 30/8 and won't see the Russian troops march on 2/9, "but I will watch it online," she affirmed.

Yelena Popova tries to find a good spot to watch the parade on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Photo: Phuong Anh

Yelena Popova tries to find a good spot to watch the parade on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Photo: Phuong Anh

Sebastian, 29, from France, was also experiencing a Vietnamese parade for the first time. He and his family left their hotel near the parade route. Initially planning to go to Hoan Kiem Lake, they ended up on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. He was impressed by the sight of people waving flags, sporting gold-star stickers on their cheeks, and wearing celebratory banners, reminiscent of the fervent atmosphere in France during World Cup matches or the Ligue 1 final. "The atmosphere here is as excited and lively as in the Stade de France," Sebastian commented.

Sebastian compared the lively atmosphere on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to the excitement of football fans at the French national stadium. Photo: Quynh Tran

Sebastian compared the lively atmosphere on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to the excitement of football fans at the French national stadium. Photo: Quynh Tran

Rhianon Browne, from London, UK, and a Vietnamese friend arrived at 3 PM on 27/8 to watch the rehearsal. They chose a viewing spot near Trang Tien Street and the Hanoi Opera House. She said she’d never experienced anything like it, not even in the UK. The sight of people carrying national flags, wearing clothes and scarves printed with the gold star, filled her with awe, creating a vibrant and proud atmosphere. "Being part of the crowd and witnessing the Vietnamese people's unity and national pride is a great honor," Rhianon said, adding that it was a valuable opportunity for international visitors to learn more about Vietnamese history and culture. She plans to watch the official parade on 2/9.

Rhianon Browne queues up in the afternoon on Trang Tien Street near the Hanoi Opera House, waiting for the parade. Photo: Bich Phuong

Also present on Trang Tien Street, Alexander from Italy, mentioned he had been traveling around Vietnam for 30 days. Arriving in Hanoi just in time for the rehearsal, Alexander was impressed by the enthusiasm of the capital's residents. "I knew Vietnam's National Day was on 2/9, but I didn't expect the preparations to be so grand and vibrant," he said, explaining that his decision to watch the rehearsal stemmed partly from curiosity, but mostly from the excitement of being immersed in this special atmosphere. He believes this is not only a major celebration for the Vietnamese people but also carries deep historical significance. "Visiting Vietnam at this time is fortunate as I get to witness this special event. If I'm still here on 2/9, I will definitely watch the official ceremony." Alexander shared.

The parade commemorating 80 years of National Day features a full complement of forces, including ground, mechanized, air, and naval units. The parade involves approximately 16,000 people, comprising 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military artillery and special forces vehicles from the Army and Police.

Reporting team