The "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" exhibition, running from 28/8 to 5/9 at the National Exhibition Construction Center (NECC) in Dong Anh district, is considered the largest exhibition of its kind to date.

The exhibition features over 230 booths from 28 central ministries and sectors, 34 provinces and cities, and more than 110 businesses and economic groups. The event is free to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Here are some tips for a smooth visit.

Transportation

Nearly 20 bus routes connect the exhibition to various points within the city and Noi Bai International Airport. These include routes 96TC, 31TC1, 31TC2, 23TC, 32TC1, 32TC2, 24TC, 02TC, 15TC, 93TC, 90TC, 43TC, E08TC, E02TC, 122TC, and E09TC. The buses operate from 28/8 to 5/9, starting at 5 a.m. and ending at 10:15 p.m., with a frequency of 40-65 minutes per trip. All buses will have a "Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center Service" sign displayed in the front.

Details of bus routes to the exhibition. Photo: Organizing Committee

For those without personal vehicles, ride-hailing services are recommended for easy access, fixed pricing, and avoiding driver cancellations.

If traveling by personal vehicle (motorcycle or car), note the parking lot location corresponding to the entrance gate (hall number) or take a photo to avoid confusion. The parking lots are located on all four sides of the exhibition center and look similar. The lots are unnamed, so pre-determining the location will save time.

Visitors traveling from Chuong Duong bridge will have a longer detour to reach the exhibition entrance, while those coming from Nhat Tan bridge will have a more direct route.

Visiting the exhibition

Children experience robots at the Science and Technology exhibition area. Photo: Nguyen Dong

The exhibition is divided into indoor and outdoor areas. The indoor area is concentrated in the Kim Quy exhibition building. The main hall is located at the turtle's head, surrounded by eight sub-halls (simulating the turtle's legs) in a circular arrangement, numbered 1 to 8. The outdoor area is located in the open spaces and courtyards surrounding the main building: East, West, South, and North yards.

The exhibition is expansive with numerous experiences; visitors can spend an entire day if they have the time.

Scan the QR code in the main hall to download a map to pinpoint desired attractions. Maps are also available throughout the exhibition.

The technology experience zones are scattered, so plan your itinerary in advance to avoid backtracking. Most "check-in" spots have long queues, so choose your favorites wisely.

Don't hesitate to ask military personnel about the equipment if the information on the display boards is unclear. They are helpful and approachable. Visitors may be allowed to climb onto some equipment, such as tanks, with prior permission.

QR code for the exhibition map is available in the main hall. Photo: Tam Anh

Dining

The exhibition center offers indoor and outdoor dining areas. The indoor dining area is on the second floor of the main hall (note the small entrance on the right). An outdoor food court features regional dishes from across the country.

Bring a water bottle to take advantage of the free water stations throughout the exhibition, saving money and reducing waste.

Visitors can bring their own food and use the public seating areas.

Entrance to the indoor dining area on the 2nd floor. Photo: Tam Anh

Attire

Due to the exhibition's large area, comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended for easy walking.

Those who enjoy taking photos should consider appropriate attire. Many photo spots have a red background, so single-color outfits like white, black, or blue will stand out.

Bring an umbrella as Hanoi's weather can be unpredictable. The military equipment, aircraft, automobile exhibition areas, and several provincial booths are outdoors.

Conferences and art programs

August 31: Art program "Hanoi - Forever Vietnam's Aspiration" (Hanoi People's Committee).

September 1: Art exchange between provinces and cities.

September 2: Art program (Hue People's Committee).

September 3: Performances and exchanges between localities.

September 4: Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City Business Forum.

September 5: Closing ceremony with the art program "80 Years - The Road to Glory".

Tu Nguyen - Tam Anh