Ranging from 2 AM onward, central Ho Chi Minh City streets, the parade route, filled with locals eager for prime viewing positions.
Central HCM streets, the parade route, filled with locals eager for prime viewing positions. City officials ensured a smooth flow of people early on, preparing for the 3 AM road closures to guarantee safety during the rehearsal.
Roads leading to Independence Palace, such as Võ Văn Tần, Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, and Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, saw an influx of vehicles and people, prompting officials to close the roads from 1:30 AM.
A family waits patiently on the sidewalk. (Photo: An Huy)
At 2 AM, Mr. Hải (40, from Đồng Nai) spread a mat on Lê Lợi Street, providing a makeshift bed for his wife and two young children. He stayed awake to guard their belongings, fanned his family, and kept away the mosquitoes.
Mr. Hải explained that they arrived at Suối Tiên (Thủ Đức City) in the afternoon and took the Metro to the city center. “Initially, we considered a hotel, but seeing so many people sleeping on the streets, we decided to join the crowds. The excitement is palpable even before the main event,” he said.
After the parade, the family will return home by Metro and car.
Ms. Tâm (30, Trảng Bom District, Đồng Nai) also planned this trip well in advance. At 8 PM on April 26, she and seven others (four adults and four children) drove to Ho Chi Minh City, parked their car, and slept on the sidewalk.
“It’s a rare opportunity to witness this 50th anniversary celebration. With the children off school for the weekend, we took advantage of this occasion. We watched previous events on television, but now, we wanted to experience it firsthand,” she said.
Ms. Tâm and other family and friends. (Photo: An Huy)
Fortunately, the weather remained pleasant, allowing everyone to sleep well. Thousands of others spent the night outside in central Ho Chi Minh City.
As dawn approached, the crowds in central Ho Chi Minh City swelled. By 3 AM, streets like Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Lê Lợi, and Lê Duẩn were packed.
Ms. Mỹ Hạnh (23, Tân Phú District) left her house at 1 AM, but by the time she reached Lê Duẩn Street, prime locations were already occupied. Undeterred, she and her friend walked to Lê Lợi Street, searching for a good spot.
Young people find a place on the corner of Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa and Lê Lợi at 2 AM. (Photo: An Huy)
The national-level rehearsal for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and reunification of the country took place from 7 AM to 12 PM on April 27 along Lê Duẩn Street.
The parade units started on Lê Duẩn Street, passing through the Reunification Hall, and then divided into four directions, gathering at designated locations: Bạch Đằng Wharf, Tao Đàn Park, Hoa Lư Stadium, and Lê Văn Tám Park.
