Hunting for a spot to watch the parade during the grand celebration.

In recent days, the most talked-about keyword in Ho Chi Minh City has probably been "April 30th parade and march". Images of the marching contingents undergoing rigorous training and the first rehearsal have been shared across various platforms, making everyone even more excited and eager to "hunt" for spots to witness this historic event.

The grand celebration of national reunification: An unprecedented event.

"Are you going to see the parade on April 30th?", "Which spot is closest and offers the best view?", "I guess we'll have to leave early in the morning to get a good spot, right?"... These have been the greetings people in Ho Chi Minh City have been making to each other these days. Not only are these meetings happening in person, but for the past two weeks, these gatherings have also taken place across social media platforms. Regardless of age or gender, those born and raised in Saigon, or those who have left their hometowns to work here, are all making plans, choosing spots, and heading out on April 30th to share in the unprecedentedly spectacular atmosphere. It's clear that this unprecedented parade and march has brought people closer together than ever before.

The inaugural military parade and procession is expected to bring a spectacular celebration to Ho Chi Minh City during the April 30th holiday.

Photo: NGOC DUONG

"Every day I serve about 10 customers, mostly young people aged 18-20 who come to get their hair done and ask if I'm going anywhere for the holiday, and if I'm going to watch the parade with them. A few older customers, from the North, also shared that they're staying in the city for the holiday this year and invited me to go watch the parade with them if I'm not going back to my hometown. I don't have the day off, so I won't be able to go to District 1, but I heard the parade will pass through this street, so the staff at the salon will come to work really early that day, buy flags and flowers, and prepare some snacks to welcome the parade," said Tran Tung, an employee at a hair salon on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street (District 3).

Mr. D.S., who works in District 3, shared that his mother wants to watch the parade, so he is looking for a suitable location for elderly people. "My mother is almost 70 years old but is very excited, while my daughter is too young, so I will go with her," Mr. D.S. said.

The map outlining the four parade routes for over 35 contingents of armed forces, police, along with the participation of students and workers, has been widely shared on fan pages, allowing people to prepare their schedules and choose the most convenient viewing points. According to the plan, the parade will begin at 6:30 AM on April 30th. The contingents will start at the intersection of Le Duan and Nguyen Binh Khiem streets, proceed to the Reunification Hall, and then split into four directions towards their assembly points. The best vantage points to fully view the parade below include major intersections such as Le Duan - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Le Duan - Dong Khoi, Le Duan - Dinh Tien Hoang… or the area near the US Consulate (Le Duan street)…

People in Ho Chi Minh City are eagerly awaiting the military parade and procession on April 30th.

Photo: NHAT THINH

With the anticipation and excitement of the city's residents and tourists from all over, it is predicted that all roads will be packed with people. Therefore, many people attending this "grand event" plan to arrive as early as 3-4 AM to secure the best viewing spots. Many companies and offices located along Nguyen Hue, Le Duan, Phung Khac Khoan, Hai Ba Trung, CMT8, Nguyen Dinh Chieu streets, etc., are considered to have "won the lottery" because they won't have to jostle with the crowds to get a good, cool spot to watch the parade. Even so, they still have to arrive before 5 AM to have any chance of getting to their offices in time to enjoy the event.

The streets were packed, and restaurants and hotels offering views of the parade from above were fully booked more than two weeks ago. Booking a table now is impossible.

Contacting the Sofitel Saigon hotel, which has the "S" Pool Bar & Dining restaurant on the 18th floor with panoramic city center views, hotel staff responded that the hotel was fully booked for the April 30th - May 1st holiday and could not accept any more reservations. Rooms at the Sofitel were also fully booked for the holiday period. Similarly, a representative from the Sheraton hotel announced that they would not be offering lunch buffet service at their restaurant during the holidays, meaning guests could not book tables to watch the parade. Hotel rooms with views overlooking the parade area at the Sheraton were also fully booked.

4 parade routes

Photo: Organizing Committee

As one of the hotels with the most prime locations, guests who have booked rooms at Kim Do - Royal Hotel Saigon will be able to witness the entire parade marching along Nguyen Hue Street towards Nha Rong Wharf. However, Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Hien, Director of Royal Hotel Saigon, had to apologize to customers who contacted her to book rooms now, because: "On April 29th and 30th, the hotel is fully booked. Many guests have inquired about rooms these past few days, but we don't have any more available, which is a pity. Not only guests who have booked rooms, but the hotel staff are also planning to welcome the parade. That day will certainly be extremely joyful and meaningful," Ms. Hien shared.

"A magnet" for foreign tourists.

Not only is Ho Chi Minh City considered a hot spot for domestic tourism during the April 30th - May 1st holiday this year, but it is also expected to become a "magnet" attracting international tourists during this period.

According to Condé Nast Traveller (CNTraveller), Ho Chi Minh City has been voted the best destination to visit in 2025, as this coincides with the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the launch of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien). These events contribute to making the city named after President Ho Chi Minh a cultural hub of Southeast Asia.

The city is also considered one of the fastest-recovering and fastest-growing tourist centers in the world after the pandemic. "There's no better time to visit Ho Chi Minh City than in 2025 – exactly 50 years after the end of the Vietnam War," CNTraveller wrote.

Travel companies are also clearly noticing the trend of foreign tourists flocking to Ho Chi Minh City during the holiday. Mr. Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Viet Travel Company, said that the number of tourists participating in tours and staying in Ho Chi Minh City through Viet Travel during the April 30th holiday recorded a significant increase, nearly 30% compared to the same period last year. Currently, the company has finalized the number of groups with a total of nearly 700 customers. Among them, the majority are from China, South Korea, the US, and Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Philippines), with stays ranging from 5 to 7 days. Popular itineraries in Ho Chi Minh City chosen by foreign tourists include: City tours (Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum), Cu Chi sightseeing, and Saigon River tours, with nighttime experiences. Longer tour itineraries often combine with other destinations such as the Mekong Delta, Nha Trang beach, or Da Lat...

Mr. Pham Anh Vu informed: For most tour groups staying in Ho Chi Minh City, the main experiences will be city tours exploring the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing local cuisine , and participating in unique cultural activities such as watching water puppetry or enjoying characteristic shows like Chào Show, À ố … Especially this year, most itineraries are linked to experiences related to major events such as the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification and related activities…

"We have also communicated information about the parade to international partners and domestic tour groups, including the time and route, along with recommendations and guidelines to ensure safety and a pleasant experience for tourists participating in this large and crowded event, the April 30th holiday this year. Tour guides will direct tour groups to waiting areas near the event or reschedule visits to nearby attractions (such as the Independence Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum). Although they are foreigners visiting Vietnam for tourism, we still emphasize that this is a major historical event, so tourists need to show respect and reverence for the atmosphere of the ceremony. All tour groups expressed great enthusiasm and anticipation to participate in this event," a leader of Vietnam Tourism added.

At Vietravel, tourism products related to the 50th anniversary of national reunification and tours within Ho Chi Minh City are currently the focus of bookings. Half-day and full-day city tours have seen a surge in bookings since the first week of April. Although it is the last month of the peak inbound tourism season, Vietravel is still experiencing quite brisk business. Previously, Vietravel collaborated with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism to develop many tourism products associated with the April 30th celebration, most notably the "50th Anniversary Train Journey: Connecting Cultural Regions" tour. "The tour lasts 18 days and 17 nights, taking guests through historical landmarks such as Quang Tri and Hue, experiencing 5 of the most beautiful train routes in Vietnam, and cruising on Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang. In particular, tourists will be at the Independence Palace at exactly 11:30 AM on April 30th – the moment the palace gates open, symbolizing the historic moment of reunification. Foreign tourists are extremely excited about this tour program," a representative from Vietravel said.

Leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism affirmed that the city's tourism industry has completed its plan to serve the surge in visitors during the 5-day holiday from April 30th to May 1st, expecting to generate "huge" revenue, continuing the achievement of 7,690 billion VND during the Lunar New Year 2025, the highest in the country.

By now, the streets where the parade will pass are undoubtedly packed, and even the most beautiful meeting points are already full. Even so, this hasn't diminished the determination of the people of Ho Chi Minh City, and the entire country, to go out and share in the joy of the city and the nation on this momentous day. Appointments are still being made, spread, and amplified. An unprecedented grand celebration is fast approaching for the people of Ho Chi Minh City. Everyone is excited and eagerly anticipating it, because most people share the same thought: when will they ever experience such a proud moment again in their lives?

Recommended clothing and items to bring.

- Dress appropriately and respectfully for the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony.

- Bring drinking water (especially electrolyte water), candy, tissues, a wide-brimmed hat, and a hand fan to protect yourself from the sun.

- Don't forget to bring a flag to join in the fun with everyone.

- Follow the instructions of the authorities; do not push or shove.

- Maintain general cleanliness and do not litter.

- Free up phone storage to have enough space for filming and taking photos.

- Bring a power bank to avoid running out of battery halfway through your trip.

In addition to watching from the streets, residents and tourists can watch the parade live on 22 large screens installed on Le Duan, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Dien Bien Phu, and Nguyen Dinh Chieu streets.

People should prioritize walking, metro, buses, and ride-hailing services because private vehicles will be banned in the city center. Parking locations: Le Van Tam Park, Tao Dan Park, Vincom Dong Khoi, Turtle Lake, parking lot next to Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Diamond Plaza, Youth Cultural Center.

Metro Line 1 and buses will increase their services simultaneously during the April 30th - May 1st holiday.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, in order to serve the increased travel demand of people during the April 30th - May 1st holiday, metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) will adjust its operating frequency and extend its service hours.

Specifically, Metro Line 1 is expected to increase the number of trips from 200 to 240 per day, serving approximately 120,000 passengers daily. On April 30th alone, Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 will operate an additional 40 trains compared to normal. Operating hours will be extended from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM on the same day, facilitating travel for people during the extended holiday period.

In parallel with the metro system, the bus system is also adjusting its routes and operating hours, as well as increasing the number of trips on some key routes depending on the actual situation, in order to ensure convenience, safety, and reduce congestion in crowded areas.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/san-cho-xem-dieu-binh-dip-dai-le-185250412230121339.htm