Move
Moving to Hanoi
Tourists can easily get to Hanoi from all over the country and abroad by many means of transport such as plane, train, bus, car or motorbike.
Air travel is the fastest option for travelers from far away. Currently, airfares to Hanoi on September 2nd are on the rise, ranging from 1.5 million to 2.2 million VND one way for flights from Ho Chi Minh City by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air departing in the last week of August. These prices are expected to increase as the holiday approaches.
Train is also a popular option. The price of Thong Nhat train ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on express trains such as SE2 and SE4 ranges from 1 million to 2 million VND one way, depending on the type of soft seat or 4-bed compartment.
By road, high-quality sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi cost from VND800,000 to VND1.3 million one way. Some reputable bus companies for this route include Hoang Long, Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi, and Kumho.
Getting around Hanoi
Hanoi has a diverse transportation system, from public transport to experiential options, meeting all visitors' needs.
Public and popular transport
Buses, traditional taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are the most convenient and popular options.
In addition, the two elevated train lines Cat Linh – Ha Dong and Nhon – Hanoi Railway Station are also fast travel options to avoid traffic jams. Trains operate daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a frequency of 6-10 minutes per trip. In particular, during the days of practice and preliminary inspection (August 21, 24, 27, 29), the train will operate until midnight and run through the night of September 1 to serve the people.
Experience media
To leisurely enjoy the city view, visitors can walk in the central areas or choose typical means of transport such as cyclos and double-decker buses. Tours to explore Hanoi by jeep or vintage vespa are also popular experiences for many visitors.
Important notes about traffic during the holidays
During the practice days (August 21 and 24), preliminary rehearsal (August 27), final rehearsal (August 30) and the grand celebration day (September 2), many central routes will be closed or restricted. Visitors should proactively check traffic information and plan their routes early to avoid being affected.
Accommodation
Choosing the right place to stay will help visitors have the most complete experience during the 80th National Day celebration in Hanoi. Depending on the purpose of watching the parade, exploring culture or optimizing costs, visitors can refer to the areas below.
Ba Dinh area and neighboring streets
This is the ideal choice for visitors who want to directly follow the parade and march. This area is where the groups gather and pass through. Many hotels have balconies or are located right on the street, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the festival right from their rooms.
- Suggested streets: Kim Ma, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Lieu Giai, Ngoc Ha, Tran Phu, Le Duan, Trang Thi, Hang Khay.
West Lake area
Although not located on the main parade route, the area around West Lake is close to Ba Dinh Square, visitors can walk to watch the event. This place is also famous for its open space, many beautiful restaurants and cafes, and is convenient for sightseeing and experiencing the festival atmosphere.
- Suggested streets: Phan Dinh Phung, Cua Bac, Thuy Khue, Hoang Hoa Tham, Hang Bun, Dang Dung.
Hoan Kiem Old Quarter area
If you prioritize exploring culture, art and cuisine, the Old Quarter is the top choice. Even if you cannot watch the parade, visitors can still immerse themselves in the cultural and artistic activities on the sidelines and feel the typical rhythm of Hanoi.
- Suggested streets: Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, Hang Hanh, Ly Quoc Su, Cau Go.
Area near elevated train lines
To save 30-50% of the cost compared to the center, visitors can stay at hotels along the two metro lines Cat Linh - Ha Dong and Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station. Traveling by metro to the parade viewing spots will be very quick, without worrying about traffic jams. Terminal stations such as Cat Linh and Cau Giay are only a few hundred meters walk from the main streets.
- Suggested streets: Thai Ha, Lang Ha, Nguyen Trai, Cau Giay.
Activities on September 2
Parade – march
The celebration, parade and march will take place at 6:30 a.m. on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square and some central streets. Before that, the program was rehearsed at 9:00 p.m. on August 27 and the final rehearsal at 6:30 a.m. on August 30.
After leaving the square, the groups will split into 7 directions. Visitors can choose beautiful locations to observe such as the intersections of Hung Vuong - Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong - Tran Phu, Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc and Kim Ma - Lieu Giai.
Five fireworks display locations
At 9:00 p.m. on September 2, the capital's sky will light up with a 15-minute fireworks display at 5 locations:
- Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem ward)
- Thong Nhat Park (Hai Ba Trung ward)
- Van Quan Lake (Van Quan Ward)
- My Dinh National Stadium (My Dinh ward)
- Lac Long Quan flower garden area (Tay Ho ward)
Some good locations to watch fireworks: My Dinh Stadium Square; coffee shops inside Thong Nhat Park; high-rise hotels in the Old Quarter, Thuy Ta Restaurant, 73 Cau Go Building (next to the old Ham Ca Map Building), coffee shops around Van Quan Lake, coffee shops and buildings along West Lake. In addition, high-rise buildings near the fireworks locations can be easily observed.
Art program on the evening of September 2nd throughout Hanoi
From 7:30 p.m. on September 2, many large stages across Hanoi will simultaneously stage special art programs to celebrate the great ceremony.
- “80 years – Pride of Vietnam” at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (Hoan Kiem Ward): Large-scale program, gathering hundreds of actors, combining music and dance, documentary projection and modern lighting technology.
- "Immortal epic" at the outdoor stage of Lac Long Quan flower garden (Tay Ho ward).
- “Under the golden stars” at My Dinh Stadium (My Dinh ward).
- "The triumphant song echoes forever" at Van Quan lake area (Van Quan ward).
Art program – exhibition
Music Festival “8Wonder Summer 2025: Moments of Wonder”
Time: 19:45 August 23
Location: Vietnam Exhibition Center, Dong Anh
The National Day Concert on September 2nd featured a series of international stars such as DJ Snake, J Balvin, DPR IAN, The Kid Laroi, along with Vietnamese artists including Soobin and Hoa Minzy. The concert was a musical journey that evoked national pride, marking a new step forward in the journey of Vietnamese culture and arts to reach out to the world.
Music festival "Vietnam in me"
Time: 8:00 p.m., August 26
Location: North Courtyard, Vietnam Exhibition Center, Dong Anh
The program is part of the exhibition series “80 years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness Journey”, an opportunity for the young generation to look back on the 80-year journey of hardship but also pride of the country, raising awareness, national pride, and patriotism. Participating artists: Soobin Hoang Son, Hoa Minzy, Erik, Duc Phuc, Anh Tu, Quan AP, Duong Hoang Yen and the music group Chillies.
Exhibition of socio-economic achievements with the theme “80 years of the Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness”
Time: From August 28 to September 5
Location: Vietnam Exhibition Center, Dong Anh
The exhibition honors the 80-year journey of building, defending and developing the country, especially the 40-year period of renovation. The exhibition area is 260,000 m2 (indoor and outdoor).
Light mapping art show
Time: 8pm August 29 and 30
Location: Some monuments, Hoan Kiem Lake walking area, Turtle Tower and surrounding areas.
The theme is “Thang Long Convergence” and “Hanoi Sound”. The program is a combination of contemporary visual arts with lighting technology, 3D mapping, music and interactive performances, to recreate unique slices of history, culture and people of Hanoi in the journey of development with the country.
Experience program "80 years - Pride of Vietnam"
Time: 9am to 10pm from August 30 to September 2
Location: Walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
From 9am to 10pm, the space around Hoan Kiem Lake opens 3 experience stations: “Uncle Ho in the heart of the nation” – a place to remember and deeply appreciate the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh. “Memories of Truong Son” – recreating the legendary route with modern technology and “Continuing the story of peace”.
Art program "Hanoi - Forever shining Vietnamese aspiration"
Time: 8:00 p.m. August 31
Location: Vietnam Exhibition Center, Dong Anh
A unique, large-scale comprehensive art program combining music, dance, animation, 3D mapping projection, modern sound and light.
Special art program
Time: 8:00 p.m., September 1
Location: My Dinh National Stadium
The program is divided into three chapters, with themes imbued with epic and national spirit: Chapter 1: The path to independence and unification; Chapter 2: Aspiration for the Fatherland; Chapter 3: My Fatherland, has never been so beautiful. Participating artists include Thanh Lam, Dang Duong, Trong Tan, My Tam, Tung Duong, and contemporary artists loved by young people such as Den, Lam Bao Ngoc, Anh Tu. The participation of the bands OPlus, Ngu Cung, Dong Thoi Gian...
Screening of feature films and historical documents
The film series includes 80 mobile screenings to serve people in wards and communes, workers in industrial parks, export processing zones, students of universities, colleges, high schools, vocational schools; and prisoners in re-education camps in Hanoi. Audiences will enjoy many valuable revolutionary films such as Sao thang 8, Hanoi mua dong 1946, Hanoi 12 days and nights, Nga ba Dong Loc, Dao, pho va piano, Canh dong hoang . In addition, there will be 40 screenings at Kim Dong cinema (Cua Nam ward) and 2/9 cinema (Son Tay ward) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from August 1 to September 15.
Tour for September 2nd
In addition to familiar tour programs, many new experiences were announced for the first time on the occasion of National Day, September 2, to serve the people and tourists.
Five-gate train
The Hanoi Train consists of 10 carriages, designed with two floors, including 5 passenger carriages with 5 themes inspired by 5 famous gates: Quan Chuong Gate, Cau Den Gate, Dong Mac Gate, Cau Giay Gate and Cho Dua Gate. Each carriage has large windows for passengers to enjoy the scenery.
Every day, the train operates 3 trips, at 8:00, 14:00 and 20:30, departing from Hanoi station, passing through Long Bien, Gia Lam, Yen Vien stations and Tu Son station (Bac Ninh) and then returning. The train has been in operation since August 19.
Visit the Secret Citadel in Thang Long Imperial Citadel
For the first time, the revolutionary relic of the Co Ci Tunnel in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage opened to visitors on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, September 2. The tunnel was started on February 10, 1966 and completed on June 30, 1966, with a total area of 37.2 m2. The time the tunnel was most used was December 1972. This place is part of the Hanoi ancient citadel tunnel system, playing an important role in helping the headquarters of the Vietnam Army direct, operate, and command the combat arms when the US air force attacked the capital.
Many museums are free to enter.
From September 1 to 3, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, National History Museum, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (including the facility in Ho Chi Minh City), and the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Cultures will open free of charge to residents and visitors (including international visitors).
Ho Chi Minh Museum exhibits the 80th anniversary of “The People’s Public Security bears in mind Uncle Ho’s words”; the “Autumn of Independence”; large-scale oil painting “Spring of Independence”. National Museum of History exhibits Popular Education – Lighting up the Future; Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts exhibits “Children of the Fatherland”; exhibition of Artificial Intelligence in Applied Fine Arts. Vietnam Ethnic Culture Village has a highland market and cultural and artistic activities to celebrate National Day of the ethnic communities living in the village.
In addition, from Hanoi, visitors can still book or organize tours to tourist attractions in Hanoi and neighboring localities, as suggested by the Department of Tourism. Popular tours include:
Day tour: Ban Men (Ba Vi, Hanoi); The path of learning (O Dien commune, Hanoi); The story of silk - Discover Van Phuc silk village by sky train (Ha Dong, Hanoi); Hoa Lo night tour; Quintessence of the North live show; Tong Duy Tan cuisine - Hang Bong alley.
Multi-day tour: Hanoi – Hai Phong (Cat Ba); Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Quang Ninh (Bai Dinh – Ha Long – Yen Tu); Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Tuyen Quang “Following Uncle Ho’s footsteps”; Hanoi – Tuyen Quang “Remembering August autumn”.
Check-in points for young people
Coffee shops and restaurants decorated with red flags with yellow stars, public destinations with many banners and slogans celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2 are attracting young people and tourists to take photos and check in. Some suggested locations: Ba Dinh Square, Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, places in the Old Quarter such as Hang Ma - Hang Luoc, Phung Hung, Au Trieu, Hang Chao.
Cuisine
Hanoi is considered one of the most diverse culinary destinations in the country, especially street food. The “must-try” dishes in Hanoi include pho, xoi xeo, bun thang, cha ca, bun dau mam tom, banh cuon, bun cha.
Noodle soup
This is a dish not to be missed when coming to Hanoi. Pho has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and is the most searched keyword on social media platforms when it comes to the capital's cuisine. In addition to traditional beef pho, Hanoi also has chicken pho and other variations of pho such as stir-fried pho, mixed pho, and rolled pho. Famous addresses in Hanoi include:
– Beef noodle soup: Khoi Hoi, Lam Hang Vai, Tu Lun, Ly Quoc Su, Au Trieu, Bat Dan, Hang Dong, Hang Muoi, Ba Tuu Hang Da.
– Chicken pho: Van Mieu, Cham chicken pho, Nguyet, Do Gia, Bao Khanh, Lam Nam Ngu, Ma May mixed chicken pho, Hanh Lan Ong chicken pho, Ha Hang Hom chicken pho,
– Stir-fried Pho: Bat Dan, Hang Buom
– Pho rolls: Hung Ben, Huong Mai, Thanh Hang on Ngu Xa street, Chinh Thang.
Rice noodle
Besides pho, many bun dishes have their own unique flavors, reflecting the rich culinary culture of the capital. Each type of bun has its own flavor, ingredients, and history, from traditional dishes to variations. Bun dishes are often sold in small shops, street vendors, or in the old quarter, imbued with the culture of popular cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients, especially raw vegetables and spices. Some famous types of bun: bun thang, bun cha, bun rieu, oc, bun dau mam tom.
– Snail/sourd vermicelli soup: Ms. Them's snail vermicelli soup, Ms. Hue's snail vermicelli soup, Huyen Thu's snail vermicelli soup, Kim Ma Thuong's snail vermicelli soup, Bui Thi Xuan's cold snail vermicelli soup, O Quan Chuong's cold snail vermicelli soup, Ms. Uyen's crab vermicelli soup.
– Bun thang: Mrs. Am, Old Street, Mrs. Duc,
– Bun cha: Hang Quat, Hang Manh, Hang Than, Le Van Huu, Mai Hac De.
– Vermicelli with fermented shrimp paste: Hang Khay alley, Phat Loc alley
There are also some other noodle dishes such as: duck/goose noodles, meatball noodles.
Fish cake
Cha ca is a traditional dish of Hanoi, associated with a long history. The dish originated from the Doan family on Cha Ca street, and is now being created and developed, especially at Cha Ca La Vong restaurant. The name "cha ca" comes from the way the fish is processed into cha (fish balls or fried fish pieces), but the dish is actually pan-fried fish, served with vermicelli and spices, herbs. In particular, cha ca cannot lack shrimp paste.
Reference address: Lao Ngu fish cake, Anh Vu, Thang Long.
Shrimp cake
Shrimp cake is a famous traditional dish, closely associated with the culinary culture of the capital. Shrimp cake appeared in the early 20th century, associated with the West Lake area, where there is an abundant source of freshwater shrimp. This is a rustic dish but shows the ingenuity in the preparation. Shrimp cake is best when just fried, still crispy and fragrant, dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, served with raw vegetables and pickles.
Reference address: Ho Tay shrimp cake on Thanh Nien street, shrimp cake shops around Phu Tay Ho, Ba Nga Thuy Khue, Ms. Am in Dong Xuan alley.
Rice rolls
Banh cuon is a traditional dish of Northern cuisine in general and Hanoi in particular. The cake is made from soaked, finely ground rice flour, diluted with water. The cake crust is thin, soft, slightly chewy, but not mushy. The filling usually includes ground pork (or minced), shredded wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots. The filling is stir-fried before rolling. Hanoi also has Thanh Tri banh cuon, which does not have meat filling and is often served with ham.
Reference address: Thanh Van rice rolls, Mrs. Xuan, Mrs. Hoanh.
Coffee
Coffee is a characteristic of Hanoi cuisine, with many shops that are decades old in the Old Quarter. Besides traditional coffee and modern machine-brewed coffee, egg coffee is one of Hanoi's specialties. Egg coffee is said to have appeared in Hanoi more than 70 years ago. This drink combines coffee with whipped egg yolks, slightly yellow in color, served in a small cup.
Reference addresses: Giang, Dinh, Old Quarter, All Day Coffee, Luk Lak. Price for each cup of egg coffee from 35,000 VND.
Lemon tea
Lemon tea is a popular refreshing drink made from tea and lemon juice. This drink is usually sweet and sour, refreshing and can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on personal preference. The Cathedral area is one of many famous places selling lemon tea in Hanoi.
Food tour 24h
Some other dishes according to the 24-hour food tour in the old town, suggested by travel and food blogger Ninh Tito.
Morning
– Ms. May's sticky rice: 31 Ly Thuong Kiet
– Bun Moc Thuy: No. 10 Dao Duy Tu
– Mrs. Thu – Traditional sticky rice: 57 Tho Nhuom
– Lam Coffee: 60 Nguyen Huu Huan
Noon
– Bun cha: 41 Cua Dong
– Tuan Troc's vermicelli with tofu: 23 Phan Huy Ich
– Bun Dau Alley Dong Thai: 14 Dong Thai Street
– Chinh Thang Pho rolls: 7 Mac Dinh Chi
Afternoon
– Mrs. Thin's sticky rice and sweet soup: No. 1 Bat Dan
– Mute Lady Snail: No. 5 Tong Duy Tan
– Mr. Hoi's Snail: 34 Tran Phu
– Grilled Skewers: 56 Nguyen Van To
– Four seasons tea: No. 4 Hang Can
Evening
– Nhat Quan fried intestines: 23 Nguyen Sieu
– Thuy Ngan: 51 rows of Comb
– Grilled tripe Tin Beo: 41 Cua Nam
Night
– Train Street Pho: 3 Tran Phu
– Pho stall: 56A Nguyen Sieu
– Night: 3 Hoe Nhai
– Rib porridge: 14 Dong Xuan
– Nguyet Chicken Pho: No. 5 Phu Doan
– Pho Hang: 58 Yen Phu
Hanoi Gifts
In addition to enjoying the cuisine and experiencing the culture in Hanoi, visitors also have many options to buy as gifts.
Green rice
Com has long been a representative of the capital's cuisine. Hanoi's Com season usually begins at the end of July and lasts until the end of the 10th lunar month, when the weather turns to autumn with cool air. Types of Com that can be bought as gifts include fresh Com, stir-fried Com, Com cake, Com sausage, and Com sticky rice.
Apricot
With a variety of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, dried apricots are a popular snack in Hanoi. Famous addresses for this snack are Hang Duong, Hang Da, and Ly Quoc Su streets with popular varieties such as apricots, plums, sour plums, star fruit, lemons, kumquats, persimmons, peaches, green plums, and tamarinds. Depending on the type, dried apricots cost around 100,000 - 150,000 VND per kilogram.
Lotus tea
West Lake lotus tea is a precious gift for relatives and friends when visiting Hanoi. Lotus-infused tea takes a lot of time and effort. After being selected from the best types, the dried tea leaves will be infused 5-7 times with lotus rice (white seeds on the lotus stamen) or wrapped in lotus flowers to absorb the scent. The lotus used to be infused must be grown in the ponds of West Lake and picked early in the morning.
Bat Trang pottery
Bat Trang is a destination in the suburbs of Hanoi that attracts tourists. In addition to the usual types of cups, bowls, glasses, and mugs, this place also has products specifically designed for gifts such as wind chimes and statues. With characteristic glaze colors and skillful craftsmanship, Bat Trang ceramic products have a very unique beauty. Visitors can also make their own products, which are both meaningful and an interesting experience.
Source: Vnexpress Newspaper
Source: http://sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn/cam-nang-du-lich-ha-noi-dip-dai-le-2-9.html
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