Vietnam’s National Day: more than just fireworks

Every year, when September 2nd arrives, I can feel the shift in the air before I even step outside. The city dresses itself in red and yellow — flags hanging proudly from balconies, children clutching paper stars, the streets humming with anticipation. It’s a day when families gather around shared meals, when friends plan to meet under the night sky, and when we all seem to pause, together, to honor something larger than ourselves.

For us Vietnamese, this date is deeply personal. It carries the weight of history, of sacrifices remembered, but also the joy of freedom celebrated. And though the world may notice the fireworks first, what lies beneath the spectacle is a story of resilience, pride, and connection that continues to shape who we are.

Photo credit: Vietnam Airlines

A day etched in history

On this day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh stood before thousands of people in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square and declared Vietnam’s independence. Those words marked a turning point — one that gave our parents and grandparents the courage to look forward, to rebuild, and to dream.

For Vietnamese people, September 2nd is not just a date in the history books. It’s a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that gave us our freedom. My grandparents often told me how much this day meant to them, and now, when I see children waving flags with wide smiles, I feel that connection across generations.

How we celebrate today

On the morning of September 2nd, you’ll see flags on every street. In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, there are parades, concerts, and the kind of fireworks that make you stop and simply look up in awe.

Photo credit: VietNamNet

But for many of us, National Day is celebrated in smaller, warmer ways.

Families come together for a big meal, sometimes with traditional dishes passed down for generations. Parks fill with children running around, couples wander hand in hand, and groups of friends laugh as they share sugarcane juice or grilled corn from street vendors.

It’s festive, but it’s also personal — about spending time with the people we love.

The cultural heartbeat of the holiday

For me, what makes National Day so special is how it brings our culture to life. The smell of bánh mì and roasted peanuts on the street, the sound of patriotic songs playing from radios, the sight of children with painted red stars on their cheeks — it all blends into one tapestry of memory and meaning.

It’s a bridge between past and present. My parents remember the struggles and sacrifices that came before independence, while my generation enjoys the peace and progress that followed. This holiday connects us, reminding us that freedom is not just something we read about — it’s something we feel together every year.

Experiencing 2/9 as a visitor

If you happen to be in Vietnam during National Day, you’ll quickly notice the crowds and the energy. Yes, the streets are busier, the landmarks more crowded — but that’s part of the beauty. You’re not just watching us celebrate; you’re sharing in it.

Photo credit: Nadova Tours

In Hanoi, there’s a special magic in Ba Dinh Square, where our story of independence began. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon River becomes the stage for fireworks, and the reflections on the water are unforgettable. In Da Nang or Nha Trang, families might celebrate with a picnic on the beach, laughter mixing with the sound of waves.

The best way to experience it is to join in. Try a snack from a street vendor, wave a little flag, or simply smile at the person standing next to you during the fireworks. Even if you don’t speak the language, you’ll feel the connection — we all do, in that moment.

Where to watch the fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City

Living in Ho Chi Minh City, I’ve found my favorite place to see the fireworks is always from above. The riverside is beautiful, but nothing compares to a rooftop view of the skyline bursting into red and gold. One special spot is the rooftop bar at Kin Hotel Thi Sach Edition. From there, you can sip a cocktail, feel the breeze, and watch the entire city light up around you.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

It’s not just about the fireworks — it’s about being part of a shared moment. Strangers become neighbors, and the spirit of National Day feels both grand and intimate at once. Every time I’m up there, looking out over the Saigon River as the night sky blooms with color, I’m reminded of how proud I am to call this country home.

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Closing Thoughts

When the final firework fades and the crowd slowly disperses, the feeling lingers. September 2nd isn’t just a date or a holiday — it’s a piece of who we are. It’s a celebration of history, of culture, and of the simple joy of being together.

Whether you’re Vietnamese, like me, or just passing through, I hope you get to feel what I feel every year on this day — that sense of belonging to something greater, something that lasts far beyond one night of fireworks.

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