Pham The Hien, living in Ho Chi Minh City, said that in previous years, he usually returned to his hometown for the September 2nd holiday, but this year he decided on a change of pace, traveling alone to Hanoi to experience the atmosphere of the historic event. He chose to take the Thong Nhat train on 27/8, a journey lasting two days and one night.

Pham The Hien on the Thong Nhat train to Hanoi to watch the parade. Photo: NVCC

Pham The Hien on the Thong Nhat train to Hanoi to watch the parade. Photo: NVCC

"Sitting on the train connecting the north and south, watching the country's scenery through the window, the feeling was truly special," he shared. On the trip, Hien met many Vietnamese and international visitors on the same journey.

After attending the rehearsal on the morning of 30/8, he planned to visit many historical sites in Hanoi, such as the Military Museum and Hoa Lo Prison. The total cost for the 5-day trip, including train tickets and accommodation in Hanoi, was around 12 million VND.

To save time and prepare to "camp out" for the parade, Bui Nam Thanh, from Ho Chi Minh City, flew to Hanoi on 28/8. She described the experience of sitting among tens of thousands of people, singing the national anthem, feeling goosebumps while listening to the roar of fighter jets, the resounding military music, and the rhythmic marching footsteps, as a mixture of pride and happiness.

Nam Anh checks in at the 80th-anniversary national achievement exhibition on the afternoon of 30/8. Photo: NVCC

Nam Anh checks in at the 80th-anniversary national achievement exhibition on the afternoon of 30/8. Photo: NVCC

Thanh was impressed by the hospitality of Hanoi's residents. Before arriving, she had some concerns, but during the first three days, everyone from ride-hailing drivers and hotel owners to people she met while waiting for the rehearsal were incredibly helpful. The trip became even more special thanks to their kindness. "I'm grateful, I love Hanoi, and I'm proud to be Vietnamese," Thanh said, describing this Hanoi trip as the most memorable of her life.

Having planned the trip 5 months prior, after watching the April 30th parade in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Ba Hiep booked tickets for his mother and aunt to Hanoi two days before the rehearsal to ensure their well-being. "Everyone was eagerly counting down the days to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this special event in Hanoi," Hiep said.

Hiep's family is currently visiting famous tourist attractions in Hanoi and plans to "camp out" early from midday tomorrow, 1/9, to join the flow of history with the locals during the official parade. The young man from the south said that from the first days in the capital, he felt the warmth of the people, as residents offered food, drinks, free accommodation, and restroom access to visitors from afar. However, there were still some less positive aspects, such as increased prices for food and drinks and people selling seats for profit.

Bui Ba Hiep's family checks in at Hanoi station on the afternoon of 30/8. Photo: NVCC

Que Anh at Ba Dinh Square on the morning of 30/8. Photo: NVCC

On the morning of 30/8, Que Anh's father, a veteran of the American War, woke up early, dressed in his uniform adorned with medals, to go to Ba Dinh Square to watch the parade rehearsal. As the troops marched past, he teared up, holding his daughter's hand tightly. "My father is usually strict and rarely shows emotion, but on this occasion, he was often moved, remembering the sacrifices of his comrades and family," Que Anh said, adding that her grandfather was a martyr and her grandmother a Vietnamese Heroic Mother.

According to Vietluxtour, the number of southern tourists booking tours to Hanoi for the September 2nd holiday increased by nearly 65% compared to the same period last year, especially among individual families and corporate groups. Unlike previous years, when Hanoi was often the final destination in a multi-province itinerary, this year, most visitors chose to stay in Hanoi for several nights and participate in tours to historical sites like Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnam Military Museum.

Data from the online booking platform Agoda shows that domestic tourist interest in Hanoi quadrupled compared to the same period last year. International searches also saw an 84% increase, indicating that Hanoi is not only attracting domestic tourists but also standing out on the international tourism map this holiday season.

The parade commemorating the 80th National Day will take place at 6:30 am at Ba Dinh Square. The event will feature a full complement of forces, including ground, mechanized, air, and naval units. The parade will involve approximately 16,000 people, comprising 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military and special police vehicles and artillery. After passing through Ba Dinh Square and Hung Vuong Street, the parade will split into eight directions along Hanoi's streets for the public to enjoy.

Tuan Anh