Hanoi will be the most vibrant place to celebrate Vietnam National Day 2025, with parades, 3D mapping shows, cultural performances, and fireworks lighting up the sky. As the nation marks the 80th anniversary of independence, the capital offers travelers a festive mix of history and modern energy. Yet the best part of planning your vacation in Hanoi is that you can easily combine the celebrations with short trips to nearby destinations: Halong, Ninh Binh, or Sapa.
In this article, we at Travel Sense Asia will suggest some of our best tours from Hanoi, perfect for travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond who want to enjoy both festival highlights and scenic adventures.
Why is Vietnam National Day special in 2025?
Vietnam National Day on 2 September is more than just a public holiday: it is a celebration of freedom and national pride. In 2025, the country marks the 80th anniversary of independence, making this year especially meaningful. Streets in Hanoi are decorated with red flags and golden stars, while Ba Dinh Square becomes the center of attention with solemn ceremonies, military parades, and cultural performances.
For travelers from Singapore and Malaysia, a vacation in Hanoi during this time is a chance to experience both Vietnamese patriotism and the beauty of Northern Vietnam. Hanoi serves as the gateway, offering historical depth, vibrant street food, and festival highlights. From here, short tours to Sapa, Ninh Binh, or Halong allow you to see breathtaking landscapes, cultural traditions, and welcoming locals.
Source: Internet
Suggested 4-day tours from Hanoi for Vietnam National Day 2025
4 Days 3 Nights: Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Day 1 (30 Aug): Arrive in Hanoi, check into a hotel in central Hanoi. Enjoy your first bowl of pho or banh mi to fill your empty belly. Then you can have a stroll through the Old Quarter and enjoy the festive atmosphere about to come.
Day 2 (31 Aug): Enjoy your Hanoi city tour. Explore: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, etc. Recharge your energy with a delicious lunch before having a cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake. End your day with a water puppet show.
Day 3 (1 Sep): Transfer to Ninh Binh for 2 hours. Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, followed by a trek atop Mua Cave for panoramic valley views. Savor lunch at a local restaurant. Then enjoy a serene Tam Coc boat ride through limestone peaks. Return to Hanoi with time to relax or explore further.
Day 4 (2 Sep): Wake up early for the parade at Ba Dinh Square. Spend the afternoon visiting Hoa Lo Prison or shopping in Dong Xuan Market. Have a local dinner before watching the fireworks show at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Source: Internet
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Source: Travel Sense Asia
4 Days 3 Nights: Hanoi to Sapa
Day 1 (30 Aug): Arrive in Hanoi, check into a hotel in central Hanoi. Enjoy your first bowl of pho or banh mi to fill your empty belly. Then you can have a stroll through the Old Quarter and enjoy the festive atmosphere about to come.
Day 2 (31 Aug): Depart Hanoi by a limousine bus (approx. 6 hours) to Sapa. On arrival, check into your hotel or homestay with stunning mountain views. Then begin a guided trek to Cat Cat Village, where H’Mong families showcase weaving, indigo dyeing, and traditional dance. Continue to Lao Phin, passing golden rice terraces at harvest time. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 (1 Sep): This morning, ride the Fansipan cable car to the “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143m. Enjoy panoramic views of valleys, cloud seas, and terraced fields. In the afternoon, spend some free time in Sapa before heading back to Hanoi.
Day 4 (2 Sep): Wake up early for the parade at Ba Dinh Square. Spend the afternoon visiting Hoa Lo Prison or shopping in Dong Xuan Market. Have a local dinner before watching the fireworks show at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Source: Travel Sense Asia
4 Days 3 Nights: Hanoi to Halong
Day 1 (30 Aug): Arrive in Hanoi, check into a hotel in central Hanoi. Enjoy your first bowl of pho or banh mi to fill your empty belly. Then you can have a stroll through the Old Quarter and enjoy the festive atmosphere about to come.
Day 2 (31 Aug): After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong (approx. 2.5 hours). Board your overnight cruise and begin your journey through the breathtaking seascape of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Activities include (depending on your cruise)
- Lunch on board with panoramic views of limestone karsts.
- Afternoon visit to a peaceful beach or hidden lagoon for swimming or kayaking.
- Return to the cruise to relax, join a cooking demonstration, or enjoy the sundeck with cocktails during sunset.
- Dinner is served on board, followed by squid fishing.
Day 3 (1 Sep): Wake up early for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, explore Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat or kayak. Cruise back while brunch is served on board. Disembark late morning and return by road to Hanoi. Enjoy leisure time exploring the Old Quarter.
Day 4 (2 Sep): Wake up early for the parade at Ba Dinh Square. Spend the afternoon visiting the Temple of Literature or shopping in Dong Xuan Market. Have a local dinner before watching the fireworks show at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Source: Ambassador Cruise Lan Ha Bay
Practical travel tips in Northern Vietnam during the National Day
Currency: Vietnamese Dong is the main currency; carry cash for street food and small vendors. Payments by credit card are available in larger shops.
Weather: Early autumn in Northern Vietnam offers pleasant weather (20–30°C). Days are generally mild, but in Sapa, the air can turn cooler and breezier. Heavy showers may also occur, so it’s best to pack accordingly. Bring lightweight clothing for exploration, along with a jacket for nights in the mountains. An umbrella or light raincoat will also come in handy for sudden showers.
Transport: The Grab app is convenient for taxis in Hanoi. For longer trips, book private cars or trains.
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Why choose Travel Sense Asia for your tours from Hanoi?
With over 15 years of experience designing customized journeys, Travel Sense Asia has been trusted by thousands of international travelers. On Tripadvisor and Trustpilot, travelers consistently highlight our professional services and seamless arrangements. During the busy Vietnam Independence Day holiday, we ensure:
- Reservations for hotels, transport, and tour guides
- Balanced itineraries combining culture, history, and relaxation
- 24/7 support for international travelers
Source: Travel Sense Asia
Plan your tours from Hanoi with Travel Sense Asia
Vietnam’s National Day is more than fireworks and parades: it is a window into the country’s spirit, where history and modern life come together. For travelers from Singapore and Malaysia, this is the perfect time to experience Northern Vietnam at its most festive and beautiful. Whether you choose a short escape to Ninh Binh and Halong or a mountain adventure in Sapa, your journey will be filled with history, flavors, and unforgettable landscapes.
With Travel Sense Asia, you benefit from guides who know how to navigate the Vietnam National Day crowds, the best spots to enjoy local food without long waits, and the quiet corners where history speaks the loudest. Plan your tour from Hanoi with us right here and capture the essence of this lovely city.
