8 things to note when watching a parade A80

Event parade, parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day September 2 2025 is one of the largest and most spectacular activities ever. This is not only an opportunity for people across the country to review history and pay tribute to their ancestors, but also an opportunity for international friends to feel the spirit of independence, love of freedom and the development of modern Vietnam.

According to the Organizing Committee, the parade will have the participation of about 30,000 people (not including the main parade and marching forces), with dozens of armed forces, police, militia, students, workers, farmers, and the special presence of parade delegations from several guest countries.

After passing through the stage at Ba Dinh Square - the place associated with the sacred historical moment when Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence, the parade groups will divide into 7 main directions, passing through many central streets of Hanoi . The atmosphere of flags and flowers, bustling with music will spread throughout the capital.

To have a complete experience when participating in watching this important event, people need to prepare carefully from means, time to mindset. The article below summarizes useful experiences to help you have a safe, memorable and meaningful National Day.

Know your time and schedule

As planned, the parade and march to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day will be held from 6:30 a.m. on September 2, 2025 at Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi). This is an official event, broadcast live on many domestic and foreign media channels.

Before the main ceremony, many practice sessions, preliminary and final rehearsals will also be held, creating conditions for people to observe in advance:

- 8:00 p.m. on August 21 and 24: Armed forces training at Ba Dinh Square and some central streets.

- 9:00 p.m. August 27 (backup August 28): State-level preliminary review

- 6:30 a.m. August 30 (backup August 31): Official rehearsal.

- Morning of September 2: Official parade and march program

If you want to avoid the crowds on September 2nd, you can definitely watch the preliminary or final rehearsal. The atmosphere may not be as grand as the official day, but it is still enough to feel the heroic atmosphere.

Research locations to watch parades and marches

The starting point of the parade is Ba Dinh Square. After passing the stage, the troops will spread out in 7 directions through major streets. People can choose suitable location to follow:

- Route 1 (ceremony block): Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Trang Thi - Hang Khay - Trang Tien - August Revolution Square (Opera House).

- Line 2 (military, police, militia, foreign military): Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Le Duan - Thong Nhat Park.

- Line 3 (red flag block): Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Kim Ma - Lieu Giai - Van Cao - Quan Ngua Sports Palace.

- Route 4 (mobile police - cavalry): Le Hong Phong - Ngoc Ha - Bach Thao Park.

- Line 5 (mass, culture - sports): Hung Vuong - Hang Day Stadium.

- Route 6 (tire-wheeled vehicle block): Hung Vuong - Tran Phu - Nguyen Tri Phuong - Ministry of National Defense Headquarters.

- Route 7 (tire-wheeled vehicle block): Hung Vuong – Tran Phu – Cua Bac – Nghi Tam – Au Co – Vo Chi Cong – Lang – Giang Vo – Lang Ha – Tran Duy Hung – My Dinh.

If you cannot come in person, you can watch the parade at 284 LED screens installed throughout the city, including many at the parade routes and 7 LED screens at 6 gateways to the capital. In addition, a loudspeaker system of about 10 km long is also arranged to broadcast marching music, commands and commentary, synchronized throughout the route.

Go early to choose a good location

Experience from major parades such as the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (2024) or the 50th anniversary of National Reunification (2025) shows that Ba Dinh Square and surrounding streets are always packed with people.

If you want a good viewing spot, you should arrive the evening before. Many families and groups of young people even spread out tarps to sleep overnight on the sidewalk to reserve a spot. In addition, some people choose cafes or high-rise buildings with a view of the parade streets. This is both comfortable and safe, but often requires reservations and is expensive.

Clothing and necessary items

Everyone should choose cool clothes, sports shoes for easy movement, don't forget hats, sunglasses, sunscreen. Personal items include drinking water, snacks, wet tissues, large handheld fans, raincoats, umbrellas. In addition to phones, everyone should bring a camera or at least 2-3 chargers to have enough battery to take photos and communicate for a long time.

You can bring a folding chair or cardboard to rest while waiting. Do not bring bulky items, avoid bringing suitcases, trolleys or sharp objects because it will be difficult to control and easily violate security regulations.

Crowds are always a potential source of pickpockets. You should carry essential items, wear a backpack or handbag in front of your chest. You should keep your phone and wallet in a locked compartment. If you are traveling with children, hold their hands often. You can write down your contact phone number on a small piece of paper and put it in your pocket to prevent your child from getting lost.

Take public transport to avoid traffic jams

On September 2, many central streets will be closed to private vehicles. Therefore, the safest and most convenient options are buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, or parking in lots outside the center and walking in.

The city will also arrange additional bus routes specifically for the event. People are advised to check the map and schedule in advance to avoid getting lost or stuck in the crowd.

Maintain order and civilized behavior

The parade is an important political and cultural event, so do not jostle, push, climb trees or cross barriers. Follow the instructions of the authorities and volunteers. Give priority to children, veterans and the elderly, this is a way to show respect for the previous generation. A little tolerance, sharing of sitting or standing positions will help make the festival atmosphere more civilized and warm.

Prepare good physical condition

Waiting for hours in hot weather can be exhausting. You should exercise first with light exercises such as jogging or brisk walking. While waiting, do some light exercise every hour to avoid numbness. Families with young children or the elderly should consider carefully because long waiting times can affect their health.

Many people have the habit of limiting their water intake to avoid going to the bathroom, but this can easily cause dehydration and low blood pressure. The solution is to drink small sips frequently. Eat light, easy-to-digest, energy-rich foods, and avoid greasy, hard-to-digest foods. A reasonable diet will help you stay healthy for many hours.

Reasonable reservation

Instead of taking up too much space with a large tarp, keep enough space for yourself and your companions. You can use cardboard or folding chairs to rest, but when the group passes, fold them up so they don't block the view of the person behind. Share the space to enjoy the festival instead of fighting for space and causing stress.

Prepare to be comfortable and proud

Finally, besides the material preparations, it is important to keep yourself in a relaxed, excited and proud state of mind. Whether you are present in Ba Dinh Square, standing along the streets or sitting in front of the TV screen, every moment watching the troops marching in unison to the majestic music will become an unforgettable memory.

A fully charged camera or smartphone will help you capture impressive images of the heroic military parade, the red flags with yellow stars fluttering, and the emotional moment when the national anthem resounds in Ba Dinh Square.

The parade and march to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2nd is not only a magnificent performance of the armed forces and the people, but also an opportunity for the entire nation to relive historical pride. With careful preparation from costumes, items to mentality, every citizen can contribute to making a complete, civilized and meaningful holiday.