From late afternoon, Thanh Nien Street was already packed as it served as a staging area for military vehicles and equipment. German tourist Mali Boehme, visiting Vietnam for the first time, said she had not expected such a large-scale event when she booked her trip. After learning about it from her hotel, she adjusted her plans to join the crowd.
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Foreign visitors given clear directions to locations where they could view the parade rehearsal |
“I’m truly amazed by the atmosphere here. It feels like a rare festival. Everyone is so nicely dressed and almost all of them carries the national flag, showing their love for the country,” she said. Boehme was especially fascinated to see locals enthusiastically taking photos with soldiers and military hardware, something she had never witnessed in Germany. Her month-long journey in Vietnam will take her from Hanoi to Ha Long, Sa Pa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
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Mr. and Mrs. Pascal and Candi |
Pascal and Candi, a French couple, also said they had chosen the perfect time to visit Hanoi. Following Vietnamese news in English and French, they learned about the rehearsal and headed to the West Lake early to secure a spot. A sea of people, many dressed in red shirts with yellow stars, stood in orderly crowds waving flags along Thanh Nien, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Hoa Tham streets, and Mai Xuan Thuong Garden.
The couple recalled that they were warmly welcomed by locals, who greeted them with smiles and handshakes. They were particularly impressed when the crowd sang along with the marching units and applauded thunderously as formations practiced their steps.
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Crowds of people line on both sides of the streets where the marching units passed. |
Also among the spectators was Nguyen Anh Minh, a social media creator of Vietnamese–Russian heritage who has lived in Vietnam since childhood. Known online for videos about Vietnamese culture and lifestyle, Minh described the evening as “like Tet,” filled with shared pride and joy. He and his friends came not only to enjoy the parade but also to capture footage for a video project highlighting Vietnam’s national celebrations.
“Seeing this in person is far more powerful than on TV or social media. We witnessed modern military equipment and strong, disciplined steps of soldiers,” Minh said.
Recently, he officially adopted the Vietnamese name Nguyen Anh Minh, a decision he said made him feel even prouder to take part in the 80th National Day celebrations as a “true Vietnamese.”
Translated by Chung Anh