The two parade rehearsals at Ba Dinh Square (21/8 and 24/8) were unforgettable experiences for thousands of Hanoi residents and visitors. Before the official parade on 2/9, there will be a rehearsal and a dress rehearsal on 27/8 and 30/8. Based on the experiences of those who attended the rehearsals, here are some tips for travel and viewing spots to enhance your experience.

The Nguyen Tri Phuong - Dien Bien Phu intersection, one of the final points of the parade route, where many people waited since morning for a view. Photo: Quy Luu

The Nguyen Tri Phuong - Dien Bien Phu intersection, one of the final points of the parade route, where many people waited since morning for a view. Photo: Quy Luu

To see the entire parade, many spectators arrive early, prioritizing elevated, open locations that offer easy access and clear views.

During the first rehearsal on the evening of 21/8, many people arrived as early as morning to secure good spots. Those arriving around 3 PM were unable to get close due to tightened security checkpoints.

Hanh Hanh, a resident of Lieu Giai, said she left home at 9 AM, almost 12 hours before the rehearsal. She advises checking road closures and traffic restrictions carefully. If traveling by motorbike, find parking further away and walk. Traveling by car or ride-hailing services can be inconvenient as vehicles cannot approach the viewing areas closely.

Choosing a viewing spot

The parade formations start from three different directions, converge at Ba Dinh Square, then disperse along six different routes. Therefore, spectators should choose their viewing spot beforehand based on which formations they want to see.

Two-story cafes overlooking the street are ideal, offering an open view, easy observation, and a way to avoid crowds. However, the view from inside a cafe is often slightly angled, not directly facing the parade. On the other hand, being inside provides access to restrooms, food and beverages, and shelter from sun or rain.

Hanh Hanh chose a two-story cafe on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, overlooking the main road, to watch the second route (domestic and international military units, militia and self-defense forces, and police). These units move along Nguyen Thai Hoc - Trang Thi - Trang Tien streets. For the upcoming rehearsals, she plans to try Le Duan or Kim Ma streets for different perspectives.

Chemical warfare soldiers, a unit that participates in the parade every 10 years. Photo: Hanh Hanh

Chemical warfare soldiers, a unit that participates in the parade every 10 years. Photo: Hanh Hanh

Pham The Hien, 29, from Ho Chi Minh City, captured many beautiful moments of the parade. He chose the Hang Chao intersection as his viewing spot and found satisfactory angles for photography. To secure this prime location, Hien arrived at 11 AM, had coffee and lunch, and then waited to secure his spot.

"Only the Ba Dinh Square area and Le Hong Phong Street offer a view of all the parade units and equipment," Hien said, noting that this area is usually blocked off early.

Quang Anh, 23, from Hanoi, positioned himself near the second route, capturing photos from various angles that were widely shared on social media. Quang Anh arrived at Nguyen Thai Hoc Street at 6 PM, navigated through the dense crowd, and reached the upper floor of a building for an advantageous shooting position.

The intersection of Hung Vuong and Phan Dinh Phung streets, near Mai Xuan Thuong Park, is another highly recommended spot. From here, most of the parade units and military equipment are visible, except for the marching units of the Vietnamese and international military. As a staging area before entering Ba Dinh Square, this area is usually crowded, so spectators should arrive early.

Upgraded T-54B, T-55, T-90SK, and T-62 tanks on Hung Vuong Street. Photo: Giang Huy

Upgraded T-54B, T-55, T-90SK, and T-62 tanks on Hung Vuong Street. Photo: Giang Huy

Based on his experience from the two rehearsals, Hoang Anh from Hanoi suggests choosing a viewing location based on the units you want to see and the characteristics of each area.

For those who want to see the army, police, command vehicles, and the Hong Ky unit, Lieu Giai - Van Cao Street is ideal, as it's less crowded and doesn't require arriving too early. Le Duan Street near Thong Nhat Park also offers ample space to view the army and police units.

To see motorized units, choose Tran Phu - Nguyen Tri Phuong Street. This area has wide sidewalks and is less crowded, as it's mainly surrounded by government offices.

Conversely, central areas like Trang Thi - Trang Tien Street, where the militia and self-defense forces pass, are expected to be very crowded, making viewing difficult. Those arriving late can choose Hang Khay - Trang Tien Street, but avoid the area in front of the Hanoi Opera House to avoid crowds.

After the parade, families with children or tourists can go to the Hoan Kiem Lake area to relax and dine at various restaurants.

Parking

Hanoi has arranged numerous convenient parking areas, including 12 university campuses and 68 designated on-street locations.

Visitors and residents can park at major universities such as Hanoi University of Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Hanoi National University. For those driving from afar, the two parking lots under Chuong Duong Bridge (Tran Nhat Duat Street) are suitable options, costing around 300,000 VND.

Another convenient option is parking at Xanh Pon Hospital, then walking to nearby viewing locations on Nguyen Thai Hoc or Tran Phu Street. This area also offers the advantage of resting and dining at the hospital canteen.

Hanoi has arranged 100 parking locations in four main areas for people to park and then use public transport to the city center.

Safety and order

To ensure safety and order during the National Day parades, authorities advise residents and visitors to strictly follow traffic instructions, avoid crossing the street or entering restricted areas.

Spectators should also avoid dangerous and unsightly behaviors such as climbing on electrical stations, fences, or standing on other people's vehicles to take photos.

Regarding sanitation, organizers urge people to maintain public spaces and avoid littering. The national flag should also be treated with respect and disposed of properly, not discarded after use.

People cleaning up trash after watching the parade rehearsal on the evening of 24/8. Photo: Quy Luu

People cleaning up trash after watching the parade rehearsal on the evening of 24/8. Photo: Quy Luu

Those planning to watch the parade should plan their itinerary and choose their viewing spot in advance, as many central streets like Nguyen Thai Hoc, Kim Ma, Le Duan, Trang Thi, Hang Khay will have traffic restrictions, and restaurants may close early.

Essential personal items include snacks, drinks, a light jacket, or a raincoat. To embrace the festive atmosphere, many people also bring hand fans, headbands, and red and yellow star flags.

Transportation after the event is an important consideration. Traffic congestion and difficulty hailing ride-hailing services are inevitable. Walking to the nearest metro stations is considered a more convenient and proactive transportation option.

Parade rehearsal and dress rehearsal schedule (A80):

- Rehearsal: 8 PM on 27/8

- Dress rehearsal: 6:30 AM on 30/8

Bich Phuong - Tuan Anh