Vietnam Reunification Day on April 30th is one of the most important Vietnam holidays, celebrating the country’s reunification in 1975. It’s a time for locals and visitors to honor Vietnam’s history and vibrant culture. If you are interested in Vietnam’s history and culture, this day offers plenty of unique experiences. Here are eight must-do activities to help you soak up the Vietnamese victory spirit.
Top 7 Unique Experiences on Vietnam Reunification Day
1. Visit Historical Landmarks of the Reunification and Martyrs’ Cemeteries
You can start your journey by visiting key landmarks that tell the story of Vietnam’s reunification journey.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, where people gather to pay respect to the country’s founding father.
- The Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) in Ho Chi Minh City, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975, symbolizes the end of the war.
Reunification Palace.
To honor Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed their lives, you can visit martyrs’ cemeteries:
- Truong Son Martyrs’ Cemetery: A vast resting place for over 10,000 soldiers who served along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
- Ben Duoc Memorial Temple (near Cu Chi Tunnels): A tribute to fallen heroes, featuring engraved names, symbolic architecture, and serene gardens.
2. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Just outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer an eye-opening experience into the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. These tunnels stretch over 200 kilometers and were used for communication, shelter, storage, and surprise attacks.
Visitors can crawl through parts of the tunnels, view hidden trapdoors, and see preserved artifacts from the war. While visiting the Cu Chi tunnels, visitors can also experience Cu Chi Live War Performance, combining history with live theater.
Cu Chi Tunnels tour.
Interestingly, there is a gripping war movie set in the Cu Chi tunnels: “Tunnels: Sun in the Dark”, promising to offer you an authentic glimpse into this history and the resilience of Vietnamese soldiers.
3. Attend a Flag-Raising Ceremony or Public Parade
One of the most patriotic things to do on Vietnam Reunification Day is to attend a flag-raising ceremony or national parade. In major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, early morning ceremonies are held at important government or historical sites. Parades may include military displays, traditional performances, and cultural shows, creating a powerful atmosphere of national unity and remembrance.
Major 50th Vietnam Reunification Day parade rehearsal in 2025.
4. Try Traditional Ao Dai
Wearing Ao Dai during Vietnam Reunification Day is a way to show cultural pride and respect for tradition. It also makes for great photo opportunities as the streets fill with people in colorful traditional outfits, creating a festive and elegant vibe. Here are some places to get your own Ao Dai:
In Hanoi:
- Jlyl: 2nd Floor, No. 23, Alley 82, Chua Lang Street – Price: 39,000 VND per set. (from 9 April – 1 May)
- Key Costume: No. 128, Alley 25, Vu Ngoc Phan Street (discount 20% from 20 – 30 April. Free rental during 30 April)
- DIHOU: No. 4, Alley 4/1, Bui Xuong Trach Street (from 20 Apr – 1 May)
Traditional Ao Dai.
In Ho Chi Minh City:
- Shalom Closet: 107/20 Ni Su Huynh Lien, Ward 10, Tan Binh District.
- Tiem Nha Bong: 88 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District.
- Hong Hanh costume: 72/19/5 Phan Dang Luu, Ward 5, Phu Nhuan District.
In Da Nang:
- TAM Design: 98 Dong Da Street, Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District.
- Ao dai My Color: 132 Le Loi Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District.
- Ao dai Vy Vy: 317 Trung Nu Vuong Street, Hoa Thuan Dong Ward, Hai Chau District
5. Etiquette 101 with Vietnam flag
There are plenty of ways to honor Vietnam Reunification Day, but did you know that there is a flag-loving trend? Vietnamese people display their patriotism in their everyday lives, and here are some exciting activities for you to experience:
Take Photos with the Flag:
Many people like to take photos with the Vietnamese flag (bright red background and gold star) – a symbol of unity and independence to commemorate the occasion.
Try Patriotism Culinary:
- “Co do sao vang” Croissant: A limited-edition croissant featuring a red hue and a five-pointed yellow star, crafted by Vietnamese bakers to honor the national flag.
- Banh mi To Quoc (Homeland Banh Mi): A unique red-colored bread made from natural ingredients like beetroot, adorned with a yellow star crafted from turmeric-infused dough.
Vietnam flag Banh mi.
Experience Vietnamese-themed coffee:
Hanoi’s coffee is embracing the patriotic spirit with vibrant flag decorations and themed beverages. Enjoy a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee amidst the festive ambiance.
- Cong Caphe: Many addresses across Vietnam
- Ngo Co Yen Phụ: Alley 150 Yen Phu, Tay Ho District
- Toka Coffee: 38 Dang Thai Than, Hoan Kiem District
- Cafein Lounge: 19, Alley 173/75 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh District
- Ka:mon Kafe: 22, Alley 2 Doc La Pho, Tay Ho District
Patriotic coffee in Hanoi.
6. Watch Vietnamese Historical Films
You can celebrate Vietnam Reunification Day by immersing yourself in Vietnam’s rich history through films and exhibitions. Here are must-watch documentaries and films for you during the holiday season:
- The Little Girl of Hanoi: A touching story of a young girl’s journey during wartime.
- The Wild Fields: A heartfelt story of resilience and hope during the hardships of war.
- The Saigon Guerillas: A series showcasing the covert operations in Saigon.
- The Smell of Burning Grass: A film highlighting the emotional aftermath of war.
The iconic scene in “The Smell of Burning Grass”.
7. Visit war museum
Museums may also organize temporary exhibitions, photo galleries, or cultural events to commemorate the day and gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s complex history and rich cultural identity. Here are some war museums in Vietnam, with special exhibitions that you might consider visiting around April 30:
- War Remnants Museum: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum: 2 Le Duan, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Vietnam Military History Museum: Km6+500 Thang Long Boulevard, Tay Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
- Hoa Lo Prison: No. 1, Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Enjoy Fireworks Performances
In Ho Chi Minh City: On April 30, 2025, fireworks will light up the sky at 30 locations across the city, including high-altitude displays at Saigon River Tunnel (Thu Duc City) and Ben Duoc Memorial Temple (Cu Chi District), as well as 28 low-altitude sites such as Independence Palace and Landmark 81.
In Hanoi: Feature fireworks at five locations: Hoan Kiem District, Ha Dong District, Nam Tu Liem District, Son Tay Town, and Dong Anh District. The displays are scheduled from midnight to 12:15 AM on April 30, 2025.
In Da Nang: Often celebrate with the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival. The festival will feature six competition nights at Han River Port, with teams from around the world competing in a dazzling display of fireworks.
Start Planning Your Vietnam Reunification Day Exploration!
Vietnam Reunification Day is more than just a holiday – it’s a day of reflection, pride, and unity. Whether you choose to explore underground tunnels, wear an Ao Dai, or attend a patriotic ceremony, each activity brings you closer to the soul of Vietnam.
Plan your journey during Vietnam Reunification Day and enjoy an immersive experience full of culture, history, and national pride.
