Foreign Visitors Captivated by Vietnam’s National Day Celebrations
	How To Get Around And The Best Spots To View The 80th National Day Parade Rehearsal

For over seven years living in Hanoi, Vietnamese-French director François Bibonne has developed a special affection for his second homeland. Over the years, he has witnessed Hanoi’s continuous growth and transformation, yet the capital still preserves its thousand-year-old cultural heritage.

Director François Bibonne is impressed by the atmosphere of the capital these days. (Photo: Provided by the character)

To him, Hanoi is the most beautiful city in Southeast Asia - a place where he feels a strong sense of community and deep national pride in every Vietnamese person.

Sharing his feelings, François Bibonne said he was overwhelmed by the patriotism and national pride of the Vietnamese people. During this grand celebration, the streets are adorned with countless red flags bearing yellow stars, making the national flag appear more sacred than ever, stirring strong emotions in the hearts of visitors arriving in Hanoi.

Director François Bibonne (Photo: Provided by the character)

“From these emotions, I feel even more grateful to Vietnam - the land that has given me the opportunity to connect, to belong, and to truly embrace the sacred value of the Fatherland,” François Bibonne shared.

Not only François Bibonne, but also Guham from Sweden and his girlfriend from Greece shared similar feelings. Although they had only been in Hanoi for three days, they seemed to have adapted quickly to the city’s vibrant rhythm.

Guham and his girlfriend on the streets of Hanoi. (Photo: Van Thinh/Nhan Dan Newspaper)

For them, Hanoi feels truly special these days, and the atmosphere of welcoming National Day is “astonishing.” Guham wondered if this was what everyday life in Hanoi looks like, as everywhere he went, he encountered smiles and friendliness from locals.

“I feel completely safe here. People even offered us free beer while watching the parade and warmly welcomed us. I am so happy and have already prepared some flags for the upcoming celebration,” said Guham.

Similarly, Sema from Thailand found Hanoi during this period very fascinating. She shared: “Everything is wonderful for me - the streets are always bustling with tourists, and the street food and atmosphere are amazing.”

Meanwhile, Alex from the United Kingdom was deeply impressed by the sight of locals waving flags to greet parade units during the grand rehearsal on the evening of August 21.

Alex expressed his excitement: “It truly felt like a festival, like Christmas in London. I saw Hanoi glowing with lights and red flags with yellow stars everywhere. Every time I looked up, I saw rows of flags fluttering in the sky - it was absolutely beautiful.”

Guham and his girlfriend on the streets of Hanoi. (Photo: Van Thinh/People's Newspaper)

During this time, in addition to attending cultural and artistic programs and visiting museums and historical sites in Hanoi, international tourists also spend time strolling along the streets to enjoy the lively atmosphere ahead of National Day, while shopping for gifts and souvenirs.

According to data from digital travel platform Agoda, during this year’s National Day holiday, international searches for “Hanoi” have increased by 84%, while domestic interest has surged by a record 370% compared to the same period last year.

This not only demonstrates the strong appeal of activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 in the eyes of international friends but also reaffirms Vietnam’s growing position as an unmissable cultural destination in the region.

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