Le Thi Trinh (far left) and two friends traveled from Ha Dong, bringing their own stools to watch the parade on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. They didn't reserve seats, confident they'd find space. They also secured spots at the 24/8 parade, albeit further back.

From around 3 PM on 27/8, the Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line was packed as people headed to Cat Linh station to reach viewing spots around Kim Ma, Hung Vuong, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets for the parade. Volunteers and staff were stationed at ticket machines to assist first-time passengers.

Passengers were advised to purchase return tickets, valid for 24 hours, to avoid the post-parade rush. Previous parades on 21/8 and 27/8 resulted in long queues and hours-long waits for return tickets at Cat Linh station.

Nguyen Thi Hoa's group of 8 traveled from Van Dinh. Learning from their first experience, they brought plenty of food like sticky rice, bread rolls, and grilled meat to sustain them through the evening.

Ngoc Minh and Mai Anh (2nd and 3rd from the left) said their pre-purchased return tickets allowed them to enjoy the entire parade without rushing. This was their second parade experience; they managed to board a train home around 10 PM after the previous one.

The Cat Linh - Ha Dong train carries a maximum of 960 passengers, with 144 seats. Most trips were full, with many passengers resorting to sitting on the floor.

Cat Linh station exit was crowded after each train arrival.

Authorities set up barriers at the Giang Vo - Cat Linh intersection.

Ride-hailing drivers actively solicited passengers as they exited Cat Linh station. Fares from Cat Linh station to near the Temple of Literature were around 50,000 VND per person, with an extra 20,000 VND for a third passenger.

Le Tuan Duc's family, equipped with food, drinks, and gold-star-red-flag printed shirts, left Chuong My at 12 PM on 27/8. However, by 3:30 PM, upon reaching Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, they found barriers erected by authorities and had to return by train.

From Cat Linh station, people walked to surrounding areas to watch the parade.

A popular viewing spot is the intersection of Hung Vuong and Phan Dinh Phung streets, near Mai Xuan Thuong Park. This is a staging area before groups enter the square. The area gets crowded, so early arrival is recommended.

For those wanting to see military and police units, command vehicles, and the Hong Ky contingent, the Lieu Giai - Van Cao street section is ideal. Le Duan Street, near Thong Nhat Park, offers ample space for viewing the procession.

Most people opted to walk due to road closures and parking difficulties.

Upon reaching the parade route, people found open spaces or paid for spots offered by residents. On the morning of 27/8, sidewalk seats on Hung Vuong and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets cost 40,000-50,000 VND, while prime spots on upper floors could reach 300,000-500,000 VND. Despite warnings from authorities, residents continued to profit from the crowds and difficult-to-control situation.

Phan Thi Dao, a Thanh Xuan resident, boarded the train at 1:30 PM hoping to secure a good viewing spot. However, arriving at Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, she gave up due to the crowds and the continuous influx of people.

"Being my first time, I was optimistic, but the reality was different," she said, adding that even if she had found a spot, getting home afterward would have been difficult. With young children at home, she decided to prioritize their well-being and return.

Tu Nguyen