[Report Hanoi] Already Here?! Rehearsal for Vietnam’s National Day Parade

Overwhelmed by the Nation’s Enthusiastic Spirit!

The military cavalry participating in the rehearsal (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Soldiers entering Ba Dinh Square (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Military band standing by around Ba Dinh Square (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Youth Union participating in the rehearsal parade (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

HANOI — On August 21, ahead of Vietnam’s National Day on September 2, a large-scale military rehearsal took place across the city.

Starting at 8 p.m., the rehearsal began at Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence on September 2, 1945. Around 16,000 soldiers and 60 military units participated, along with international contingents from countries such as Russia and Cambodia.

Much like the 50th Anniversary of National Reunification ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, these rehearsals held weeks before the main event carry a strong sense of patriotism and respect toward the military, creating an atmosphere uniquely Vietnamese.

Citywide Strict Traffic Control in Place

Citizens entering the restricted zone through military checkpoints (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Citizen showing their ID card to the mobile police (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Foreign tourist explaining that their hotel is inside the restricted zone (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Citizens awaiting the start of the rehearsal (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

Mobile police officers requesting citizens’ cooperation through loudspeakers (Photo: KAISEIWORLD)

From 11 a.m. on rehearsal day, large-scale traffic restrictions were enforced around Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem districts, lasting until 3 a.m. the next morning. These measures inevitably affected residents’ daily lives.

Even local Japanese companies felt the impact, instructing employees to work from home—an experience that clearly demonstrated how national events in Vietnam mobilize the entire country, in ways hard to imagine in Japan.

By 5 p.m., crowds of citizens had already gathered to witness the rehearsal. Security was tight, with military and police maintaining strict control. Residents within restricted areas were required to show their national ID cards, and in some cases, disputes arose between locals and security officers.

Yet, in keeping with Vietnamese national character, the public was remarkably cooperative with instructions from the military and police. When asked to sit down so more people could see the parade, those standing in the front rows complied without hesitation.

Beyond that, citizens themselves helped direct traffic and encouraged applause for the marching Youth Union members—moments that highlighted a powerful sense of national unity.

On National Day, I plan to secure the best viewing spot by waiting overnight in the central area. I’ll also be uploading videos of the related events on YouTube and TikTok, so be sure to check them out!

Good luck!