Fireworks Illuminate Vietnam’s 80th National Day Celebrations

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Vietnam marked its 80th National Day with breathtaking fireworks displays lighting up the skies of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday night. The vibrant celebrations drew massive crowds despite varied weather conditions across the cities.

In Hanoi, thousands gathered around Hoan Kiem Lake for the dazzling pyrotechnics. The capital enjoyed clear skies and mild weather, which created the perfect backdrop for the displays. Fireworks were launched from six different locations, with the main events held in front of the Hanoi Moi Newspaper headquarters and the Hanoi Post Office. Each display utilised a stunning array of 3,600 high-altitude shells and 540 low-altitude sets, at the cost of approximately 19.4 million Thai Baht.

Earlier in the day, a grand parade unfolded at Ba Dinh Square, featuring over 16,000 soldiers and various military units. Simultaneously, naval forces participated from Cam Ranh Bay, offering a robust display of national pride and unity.

The excitement extended to My Dinh Stadium, where tens of thousands thronged Le Duc Tho Street to witness the spectacle. The fireworks were coupled with a dramatic 21-gun salute that resonated across the area, providing a thrilling prelude to the main event.

In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City battled heavy rains around Bach Dang Wharf Park. Despite the weather, thousands eagerly crowded the area, armed with raincoats and umbrellas, determined to enjoy the show. The rain blurred some of the fireworks, yet spirits remained high as communities celebrated together.

Key locations in the city for high-altitude fireworks included An Khanh, Binh Duong, and Vung Tau wards, with a low-level display at Dam Sen Cultural Park. In Vung Tau, more than 100 km from the city centre, festivities at Back Beach Square went ahead despite rain, enlivening the newly renovated space.

The weather couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of people like Nguyen Thi Tinh, who travelled with her daughter for the occasion. “Seeing so many people braving the rain to watch fireworks on this special day made me forget the inconvenience,” she shared, reflecting the resilient spirit felt by many.

Meanwhile, the scenic coastal region of Vung Tau offered its own array of festivities amid recent renovations. The revamped Back Beach, reopened with a modern touch, hosted countless spectators who marvelled at the vibrant displays.

Notably, some regions, such as Nghe An and Ha Tinh, had to cancel their events to focus on post-Typhoon Kajiki recovery efforts. The typhoon had recently struck, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.

Vietnam’s 80th National Day was a vivid celebration of heritage and unity, undaunted by challenges. As both locals and visitors marvelled at the skyward displays, the day underscored a shared sense of identity and national pride.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-03