Top 8 ideal tourist destinations in Hanoi for the 2/9 holiday for the whole family

National Day September 2 is not only a sacred moment for the Vietnamese people but also an opportunity for many families and young people to enjoy a short vacation together. Hanoi - the capital of a thousand years of culture, is a destination with a strong historical, cultural and festive imprint, especially on the occasion of the country's independence day. The streets are full of red flags, the solemn Ba Dinh Square, or the bustling atmosphere at entertainment venues... all create a brilliant and emotional Hanoi. If you are wondering where to go in Hanoi on September 2, this article will suggest attractive tourist destinations in Hanoi, suitable for families, groups of friends or first-time visitors to the capital.

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square: The heart of the capital, witness to heroic history (Photo source: Collected)

As one of the must-see tourist destinations in Hanoi on September 2nd, Ba Dinh Square - where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - always attracts thousands of visitors on National Day.

On September 2, 2025, a large-scale National Day parade will take place here, marking the 80-year history (1945-2025). The event brings together armed forces, police, and organizations in a solemn atmosphere, expressing deep national pride.

Joining the crowd pouring into the Square, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the sacred moment, and can also combine a visit to Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, learning more about the nation's revolutionary journey through the historical relics located nearby. This is a meaningful experience, especially for those who love history and want to clearly feel Hanoi on National Day.
2. Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy

Temple of Literature: The center of Vietnamese culture and education (Photo source: Collected)

As one of the tourist destinations in Hanoi on September 2nd holiday with a strong cultural and historical imprint, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam not only attracts tourists by its ancient architecture but also by its meaningful experiences during the National Day.

From August 31 to September 25, the exhibition “The Ink Pen Still Fragrant” will take place here, vividly recreating the tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers of the Vietnamese people. This is an ideal destination for those who love cultural tourism in Hanoi, wishing to learn the depth of history through precious artifacts.

In addition, visitors should not miss the Temple of Literature Night Tour with the 3D Mapping performance “The Essence of Dao Hoc” from 19:45 to 21:45 – where modern technology breathes life into the ancient space, creating a different National Day experience. Through vivid light and sound, the image of ancient scholars and their journey of studying and taking exams is recreated emotionally, taking viewers back in time to the golden age of ancient education.

3. West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Located in the northwest of the city, West Lake is one of the tourist destinations in Hanoi on September 2nd that attracts a large number of visitors. With a large, cool space and charming scenery, this place brings a feeling of absolute relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.

On National Day, the West Lake area becomes more vibrant than ever with outdoor activities such as cycling around the lake, SUP rowing or relaxing at lakeside cafes with extremely chill views. In particular, on the evening of September 2, the brilliant fireworks display at West Lake is a highlight not to be missed.

Visitors should arrive in the afternoon to have time to walk around the lake, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda - an ancient pagoda by the lake - and choose a good location to enjoy the fireworks.

On the occasion of September 2, Tran Quoc Pagoda is also a destination visited by many people and tourists to burn incense and pray for peace. On major holidays, the pagoda often organizes solemn rituals to pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather. Note that the pagoda is only open to visitors until about 4:00 p.m. every day, so you should visit in the morning or early afternoon to worship and enjoy the peaceful space here.

4. Hoan Kiem Lake and walking street

Hoan Kiem Lake is beautiful and poetic in autumn weather (Photo source: Collected)

On the occasion of September 2 this year, Hoan Kiem Lake and the walking street are expected to continue to be one of the attractive entertainment centers for the capital's residents and tourists. With its location right in the heart of the capital, this place not only bears a strong cultural and historical mark but is also an ideal place to immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere on the occasion of National Day.

You can stroll around the lake, visit famous structures such as The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower, Inkstone Platform or stop at Thang Long Puppet Theater to enjoy unique folk art. The space here is brightly decorated with flags, historical models and sparkling lights, creating a beautiful scene for Hanoi check-in enthusiasts on September 2.

In particular, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the 5 locations for Hanoi fireworks to celebrate the 80th National Day, attracting a large number of people and tourists. If you want to choose a good location to fully enjoy the brilliant moment in the sky, you should come early in the afternoon!

5. Hanoi Old Quarter

A familiar corner of the old town (Photo source: Collected)

Every National Day, September 2nd, Hanoi's Old Quarter becomes bustling and colorful. Familiar streets such as Hang Dao, Hang Ma, Hang Gai... are decorated with red flags with yellow stars, lanterns and many traditional items, creating a cultural space imbued with the essence of old Hanoi. The festive atmosphere permeates every small alley and every window, making this place one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hanoi on September 2nd.

Strolling around the Old Quarter these days, visitors can choose to walk to feel the slow pace of life, or try the cyclo - a means of transport associated with the image of ancient Hanoi. In addition, the open-top double-decker bus is also an interesting suggestion to see the whole city from above, from ancient houses to iconic structures such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Great Church or the Opera House area.

6. Hoa Lo Prison Relic

As one of the meaningful tourist destinations in Hanoi on September 2nd, Hoa Lo Prison Relic offers visitors an emotional journey of discovery about Vietnamese history. On the occasion of National Day, this place not only opens its doors to visitors with an automatic commentary system of more than 30 vivid historical stories, but also displays many valuable artifacts associated with the stages of the nation's struggle. The realistic reenactments on the occasion of the holiday further highlight the resilient spirit of revolutionary soldiers. This is a must-see tourist destination in Hanoi if you want to deeply learn about the heroic history and relive historical memories on September 2nd.

7. Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Thang Long Imperial Citadel - symbol of the history and culture of the Capital (Photo source: Collected)

On September 2, 2025, Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the 13 centuries of continuous history of the capital of Vietnam. Visitors will be able to admire unique archaeological relics, visit Kinh Thien Palace, Hau Lau and the iconic Hanoi flagpole.

On this special anniversary, the Imperial Citadel often organizes cultural education programs, thematic exhibitions on the history of feudal dynasties, along with interesting "I am an archaeologist" experience activities for children. The quiet and sacred space of the heritage will give visitors the feeling of being immersed in the flow of thousands of years of civilization.

8. Vietnam Ethnic Culture Village

40km from Hanoi, the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture in Dong Mo, Son Tay is a place that fully recreates the cultural beauty of 54 ethnic groups on a total area of up to 1,500 hectares. This is the perfect place to experience diverse ethnic cultures during National Day.

Visitors will explore ethnic villages with traditional stilt houses and communal houses, participate in handicraft activities such as brocade weaving, pottery making, and enjoy unique cuisine from all regions. Especially in September, this place often organizes folk dance performances, traditional festivals and community cultural experience spaces, giving visitors the feeling of traveling around the country in one day.

Traveling to Hanoi on the occasion of September 2nd is not only an opportunity to immerse yourself in the special festival atmosphere of the capital, but also a journey to discover the beauty of history, culture and typical cuisine. Whether you love the solemnity of historical sites, the vibrant pace of life in the Old Quarter or simply want to capture beautiful moments at famous check-in spots, Hanoi can please you. Hopefully, the suggestions about tourist destinations in Hanoi on September 2nd in the article will help you have a complete and meaningful vacation with relatives and friends.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/top-8-dia-diem-du-lich-ha-noi-dip-le-29-ly-tuong-cho-ca-gia-dinh-v17666.aspx