On Vietnam National Day, Hanoi comes alive with flags, music, and history. Visitors can explore Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Hoa Lo Prison, or Hanoi Opera House, all sites tied to the nation’s birth. Hoan Kiem Lake turns into a festive hub with performances and light shows. Alongside history, Hanoi’s cuisine shines: pho, creamy egg coffee and even ice cream. Night streets like Ta Hien and Tong Duy Tan stay lively until midnight with endless street food.
With Travel Sense Asia’s expert guides, travelers enjoy a seamless journey-rich in history, flavors, and authentic experiences-making Independence Day in Vietnam unforgettable.
Historic landmarks to explore in Hanoi
When the calendar turns to Vietnam National Day on September 2nd, Hanoi bursts into celebration. Streets are decorated with vibrant red flags, public squares are filled with music and cultural performances, and the entire city seems to live and breathe its proud history. For travelers, this holiday is not only a chance to witness a historic anniversary but also to explore Hanoi’s most iconic sites and taste its legendary cuisine.
Whether you are tracing the footsteps of history at Ba Dinh Square, enjoying a serene walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, or savoring a steaming bowl of pho on a chilly autumn morning, Hanoi during Vietnam Independence Day promises an unforgettable journey.
Source: Internet
Walking through history: Hanoi’s iconic landmarks
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The heart of the nation
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Hanoi’s most solemn landmarks, where President Ho Chi Minh rests eternally. Located at 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, it welcomes visitors year-round who wish to pay their respects to “Uncle Ho.”
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM (until 11:00 AM in summer). Closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Visitor tips: Dress respectfully (long pants, covered shoulders) and arrive early to avoid queues.
Special note on Vietnam Independence Day: On September 2nd, the Mausoleum is part of the main celebration zone, and access might be restricted due to official parades and ceremonies.
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Source: Internet
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Ba Dinh Square: Where Vietnam’s independence was declared
Ba Dinh Square is Vietnam’s most historic square. On September 2nd, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh stood here to read the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of modern Vietnam. It remains the symbolic heart of every Independence Day in Vietnam celebration.
Nearby attractions: The Ho Chi Minh Museum and Presidential Palace are within walking distance.
Special note on Vietnam National Day: On regular September 2nd celebrations, entry to Ba Dinh Square is still allowed, with the highlight being the solemn flag-raising ceremony at 6:00 AM. On milestone anniversaries such as the 80th in 2025, Ba Dinh Square hosts the official state ceremony and military parade, and the central area is closed to the public.
Source: Internet
August Revolution Square: Echoes of 1945
Located in front of the Hanoi Opera House, August Revolution Square is a symbol of the uprising in August 1945 that led to independence. On Vietnam Independence Day, the square becomes a cultural hub where art troupes, traditional music ensembles, and modern dance groups perform for both locals and visitors.
Best time to visit: Evening of September 1st and 2nd, when performances bring the square to life.
Nearby attractions: The French-built Opera House itself, a masterpiece of colonial architecture, offers stunning backdrops for photos.
Source: Wikipedia
Hoa Lo Prison: The symbol of resilience
Hoa Lo Prison, once nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, is a powerful historical site where visitors can learn about Vietnam’s struggle for independence and the resilience of its people. Located at 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, the museum preserves artifacts, documents, and reconstructed prison cells that tell stories of both colonial resistance and the Vietnam War.
Opening hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Visitor tips: Allow at least an hour to explore, and bring an audio guide or join a guided tour for deeper insights into the prison’s layered history.
Special note on Vietnam Independence Day: Hoa Lo Prison remains open on September 2nd. In fact, visiting on this day adds meaning as you reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
Source: Hoa Lo Prison
Hoan Kiem Lake: The soul of Hanoi
At the heart of the city lies Hoan Kiem Lake, often called the soul of Hanoi. Surrounded by tree-lined boulevards, ancient temples such as Ngoc Son Temple, and the lively Old Quarter, the lake is where locals and travelers come together for morning walks, cultural activities, and weekend leisure.
Nearby attractions: Ngoc Son Temple, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, and bustling Hang Dao walking street.
Special note during Vietnam National Day: From late August to early September, the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake turns into a festive hub. Visitors can enjoy:
- Outdoor concerts and cultural performances featuring traditional music, contemporary dance, and youth art shows.
- Street activities for families: folk games, calligraphy booths, and toy markets, attracting both children and adults.
- In the evenings of Independence Day in Vietnam, the area becomes especially lively with fireworks visible from nearby rooftops and lakeside cafés, making it one of the best places to soak in the celebratory atmosphere.
Source: Internet
Tasting Hanoi: A culinary journey on Vietnam National Day
Pho: Vietnam’s National Dish
Among all Vietnamese foods, pho is the most iconic and internationally recognized. Originating in northern Vietnam over a century ago, pho is more than just a noodle soup: it is the essence of Hanoi in a bowl. For many visitors, tasting pho in the capital, especially around Vietnam National Day, feels like a cultural ritual.
At its heart, pho consists of three main elements: a steaming, aromatic broth; flat rice noodles; and tender slices of beef or chicken. The broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and onions, creating a fragrance that is both comforting and complex. It is then garnished with fresh herbs like coriander and spring onions, served with a squeeze of lime and a touch of chili for those who enjoy spice.
Where to eat pho in Hanoi:
- Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street): Known for its smoky “pho tai lan” where beef is quickly stir-fried before being added to the soup, giving a bold, rich flavor.
- Pho Khoi (50 Hang Vai Street): Offers a lighter broth with a clean, refreshing taste. This style suits those who prefer subtle flavors without too much fat.
- Pho Lam (48 Hang Vai Street): A traditional style with soft, tender beef slices and chewy rice noodles – a simple, classic choice that many first-time visitors enjoy.
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Egg Coffee: Hanoi’s unique beverage
For many travelers, egg coffee becomes the memory that defines Hanoi-warm, sweet, and utterly unique. Invented in 1946, this coffee has become an icon of Hanoi’s café culture. At Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan), the birthplace of this drink, a rich espresso base is topped with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, resulting in a creamy, custard-like beverage.
Pro tip: Stir gently before sipping to balance the bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of the egg foam.
Source: Internet
Hanoi snacks: The famous street food of Hanoi
Beyond the signature dishes, the streets of Hanoi themselves become open-air dining rooms, especially around Vietnam National Day.
On a hot day of Vietnam National Day, nothing beats a cold stick of Trang Tien ice cream. Established in 1958, this brand is a symbol of Hanoi’s culinary heritage.
In the evenings, entire neighborhoods light up with the scent of grilled meat, sizzling woks, and sweet desserts. Around Ta Hien Street, often called the “beer corner,” young travelers and locals gather over cold beer, fried spring rolls, and simple snacks. Tong Duy Tan Street is nicknamed “the food street that never sleeps,” with chicken pho, bun thang (vermicelli with chicken, egg, and herbs), and sticky rice served until midnight.
Source: Dan Tri News
Why choose Travel Sense Asia for your journey to Vietnam?
To explore historic sites and indulge in culinary treasures, having a reliable partner makes the journey seamless. That is where Travel Sense Asia comes in.
Expertise: With over a decade of experience, we specialize in tailor-made tours across Vietnam, serving travelers from around the world.
Local knowledge: Our guides are not just interpreters-they are storytellers who bring history and culture to life.
Recognition: Travel Sense Asia is highly rated on TripAdvisor, with consistent positive reviews praising their professionalism and personalized service.
Commitment: From arranging accommodations for easy access during Vietnam Independence Day to recommending the best local eateries, we ensure every detail is taken care of.
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Plan your tours in Hanoi with Travel Sense Asia
Hanoi during Vietnam National Day is a rare blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. You can stand at Ba Dinh Square where independence was declared, taste pho that has been perfected over generations, sip egg coffee that exists nowhere else, and join the joyful crowds at Hoan Kiem Lake.
With Travel Sense Asia by your side, your journey becomes more than a trip-it is a deeply personal story woven into Vietnam’s proud narrative of independence. This National Day in Vietnam, let us guide you through Hanoi’s most memorable experiences.
