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Vietnam National Day is celebrated on September 2nd each year, commemorating the day President Ho Chi Minh announced the Declaration of Independence in 1945. From Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi), a sovereign Vietnam was born.
An independent and modern Vietnam was born on September 2nd, 1945. Photo: Chinh phu
National Day is a public holiday. People take a break from schools and businesses. If you are going on a trip to Vietnam on this day, join in the fun and participate in activities and events. Asia King Travel will help you find the best ways to celebrate through this article.
In early 1945, Japan seized control of Indochina from the French. When World War II ended, Japan was forced to relinquish all occupied territories as a defeated nation. Recognizing this opportune moment, President Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh initiated a nationwide revolution to reclaim independence.
August Revolution took place at the Hanoi Opera House. Photo: Quan doi Nhan dan
The uprising broke out on August 19th in Hanoi and spread to other provinces. In less than 2 weeks, Vietnamese people shattered the chains of slavery from French colonialists for nearly a century and managed to get freedom for the nation. The feudal state also came to an end, marking the beginning of a new era.
On the afternoon of September 2nd, 1945, thousands gathered at Ba Dinh Square. On behalf of the entire government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence. In the declaration, he stated:
"Vietnam is now a free and independent country. The entire Vietnamese are determined to dedicate all their mind and strength, lives and property to preserve this freedom and independence!"
Ho Chi Minh's interactions with the masses were legendary by a simple question "Can you all hear me clearly?" The crowd responded in unison "Yes!" He created a connection with the people in a way that no other leader in Vietnamese history had done.
Thousands of people in Ba Dinh Square attended the Declaration of Independence announcement. Photo: Nhan dan
September 2nd became even more meaningful when President Ho Chi Minh passed away on this day in 1969. His body was solemnly placed in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the historic Ba Dinh Square. From far and wide, Vietnamese people come here to pay their respects to the great leader.
The flag-raising ceremony at 6 AM on National Day is conducted with special protocols. 34 honor guards symbolizing the first 34 Vietnamese Army soldiers to operate the ceremony. Three soldiers are responsible for raising the flag. The flag is slowly raised to the top to the tune of the Vietnamese national anthem. After the flag is raised, the team marches in front of the mausoleum, concluding the ceremony.
The flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square on National Day. Photo: Thanh Nien
You will pass through Ba Dinh Square to begin your visit. Inside the mausoleum, please walk gently in line and turn off all recording devices. After paying your respects to President Ho Chi Minh, a path leads you to the Presidential stilt house and fish pond. This is where he worked during his time in the capital. Feel free to explore and take photos here, but please do not enter prohibited areas.
Following the stilt house is the Ho Chi Minh Museum. This large museum displays valuable artifacts and documents about the President's life. Finally, you will stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural marvel recognized by the Asia Book of Records.
President Ho Chi Minh's modest office in the stilt house. Photo: Dan Viet
In addition to the President's mausoleum, people also visit many historical sites associated with President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese Revolution. On the second floor of 48 Hang Ngang Street, Hanoi, the Declaration of Independence was written in just four days. Currently, it still preserves the original interior and the typewriter used to type the declaration.
Declaration of Independence is displayed at 48 Hang Ngang Street. Photo: Cong An Nhan Dan
Hoa Lo Prison also receives many visitors to pay their respects to the patriots. French colonialists subjected thousands of patriots to brutal physical and psychological torture. The realistic depiction of torture has moved many people. But living in harsh confinement, the soldiers still maintained their integrity, turning the prison into a propaganda school.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is everyone’s attraction. You will see firsthand the devastating impact of aggression wars against Vietnam. Countless lives were lost on both sides due to these meaningless conflicts. The museum calls on behalf of Vietnam for peace and friendship among nations worldwide.
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Many Vietnam War veterans visit the museum to alive their historical memories. Photo: Thanh Nien
From August 19th, many provinces and cities have decorated the streets with flags and banners to celebrate the August Revolution. In response, people have proudly hung the most beautiful national flags in front of their houses. The atmosphere everywhere is filled with a vibrant red color to welcome National Day. A small act by each individual has shown the unity of a nation.
Vietnamese people are trending towards turning every rooftop into a national flag. Photo: Kenh14
Fireworks light up the sky across the nation on Vietnam National Day! Larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have larger-scale displays. The spectacular artistic fireworks create a wonderful festive atmosphere. The fireworks usually start at 9 PM and last for 15 minutes. Along with the fireworks, the streets are decorated with colorful lights.
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People usually get 2-4 days off on holidays. Try to invite your Vietnamese friends to amusement parks to relieve stress after working days. They will also happily agree to take advantage of the last long holiday of the year. You can also plan an excursion with them. Relaxing moments on holidays will help them recharge and give you memorable memories.
Amusement parks also organize activities to celebrate National Day. Photo: Vietnam News Agency
Besides Lunar New Year (Tet), Vietnamese people call National Day "Independence Tet" as a traditional holiday. They invite family and friends for a cozy meal to create a bonding atmosphere and strengthen family ties. If you are honored to be invited, it means a lot, so try to make time and share in the joy.
Ethnic minorities also join in the celebration of Vietnam National Day. Photo: People and Development Newspapers
September 2nd is a meaningful day for Vietnam. On this occasion, many people look back to history, to not forget the sacrifices for today's freedom. But it is also a time to hold hands with international friends towards a peaceful future.
Create a travel plan with Asia King Travel to visit Vietnam to share their joy, or to tell the stories of the past you once had in this beautiful country.
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