April 30th “Back to the Roots” Travel - Remembering History

Summer is knocking with excitement, and the long holiday on April 30th – May 1st is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to hit the road with CHUS for a meaningful “back to the roots” journey.

This isn’t just a time to relax — it’s also a chance to revisit history, explore iconic landmarks, and learn more about the places that marked our nation’s path to independence.

As we celebrate 50 years since the Liberation of the South and the Reunification of Vietnam (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), let’s dive into history with CHUS and discover some inspiring destinations to visit this April 30th holiday!

Explore meaningful ‘back to the roots’ destinations this holiday season.

What Is “Back to the Roots” Tourism?

“Back to the roots” tourism is a meaningful cultural journey that takes travelers to historical and revolutionary landmarks — places that witnessed the heroic victories of past generations. It’s a time to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation.

The Meaning Behind This Type of Travel

• Honoring tradition: It allows people to relive and reflect on the proud history of their country.

• Gratitude and education: These trips help nurture patriotism, national pride, and a sense of responsibility toward the homeland.

Open to All Generations

One special thing about “back to the roots” tourism is that it suits everyone — from students to seniors and war veterans.

While veterans return to former battlefields to revisit their memories, young people are eager to experience and learn firsthand about the struggles they’ve only read about in books.

In recent years, more and more young travelers have joined these journeys. It’s a great opportunity to inspire patriotism, national pride, and revolutionary ideals in the next generation.

7 Notable “Back to the Roots” Destinations This April 30th Holiday

These destinations are located in major cities that witnessed key events in the struggle for independence and national reunification.

1. Ho Chi Minh City - The Heart of Reunification

Named after President Ho Chi Minh, this city played a key role in the anti-American resistance war, especially the historic victory on April 30, 1975. Ho Chi Minh City is where the most significant moments of the South Liberation took place, with the image of tanks crashing through the gates of the Independence Palace becoming an immortal symbol of victory and reunification.

Key attractions:

• Cu Chi Tunnels – A 250 km-long secret tunnel system that showcases the ingenuity and resilience of our military and people.

• Reunification Hall (Independence Palace) – The site where the historic moments of national reunification took place.

• War Remnants Museum – A place that preserves evidence of the atrocities of war.

Reunification Hall (Independence Palace) - The Site of Historic Moments

2. Quang Tri - The Heroic Land of Fire

Quang Tri is known as the most vivid “museum” of war relics and is the only province in Vietnam to develop the "Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)" tourism model.

It was once the fierce center of the anti-American resistance war, the site of the brutal 81-day and night battle at the Citadel, which became a historical milestone.

The sacrifices of tens of thousands of brave soldiers in this land played a crucial role in achieving the victory on April 30. Landmarks such as the Thach Han River, Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail have become key symbols in the tourism of the province.

Key attractions:

• Quang Tri Citadel – The site of the legendary 81-day-and-night battle.

• Truong Son Cemetery – The resting place of thousands of fallen heroes.

• Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River – Symbols of the country’s division and reunification.

3. Dien Bien - The Historic Victory

No “back to the roots” journey on April 30th is complete without a visit to Dien Bien, a symbol of the glorious victory of our people in the resistance against French colonialism. The battle that shook the world and marked the beginning of a new era for national liberation movements.
The Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954 laid the foundation for the complete victory on April 30, 1975, paving the way for the North’s independence and leading the nation toward full reunification.

Key attractions:

• Dien Bien Phu Relics – “A once-in-history event.”
  
  
• Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum – Home to over 1,000 original artifacts and thousands of documents and photos about the campaign.
  
  
• De Castries' Bunker – The French military headquarters, where the end of colonialism was witnessed.

Dien Bien Phu Relic Site – 'Once in history

4.Hanoi - The Revolutionary Heart

As the capital of the country, Hanoi is an essential stop on the "back to the roots" journey for April 30th, with its famous revolutionary landmarks and its role as the central hub connecting the entire region. From this land of a thousand years of culture, historic decisions were made, guiding the nation through two great resistance wars.

Key attractions:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – The resting place of President Ho Chi Minh.
  
  
• Hoa Lo Prison – A testament to the revolutionary struggle.
  
  
• Vietnam Military History Museum – Home to over 150,000 artifacts from various wars, including valuable documents about the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

Hoa Lo Prison

5. Nghe An – The Homeland of President Ho Chi Minh

As the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, Nghe An holds a deeply meaningful place in any “back to the roots” journey. Here, visitors can learn about the life and legacy of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people. Although Uncle Ho did not live to see the final victory, his thoughts and legacy guided the nation to triumph.

Key attractions:

• President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site in Sen Village
  
  
• Kim Lien Relic Site – The place where Ho Chi Minh was born and raised.

6.Ha Tinh – Tragic Yet Unyielding

Ha Tinh is known for its courageous spirit during the resistance war against the United States. One of the most iconic events is the heroic sacrifice of 10 young female volunteers at Dong Loc T-junction, which has become a symbol of revolutionary heroism.

Key attractions:

• Dong Loc T-junction Relic Site – Honoring the brave sacrifice of 10 young female volunteers.
  
  
• Thien Cam Beach – One of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam.
  
  
• Yen Lac Pagoda, Ong Hoang Muoi Temple – Popular spiritual and cultural sites.

7. Cao Bang – The Cradle of Revolution

Cao Bang is closely tied to the early days of President Ho Chi Minh’s return to Vietnam, where he led the revolution from the frontlines. This province is known as the cradle of the Vietnamese revolution, home to many key historical events in the struggle for independence.

Key attractions:

• Pac Bo Historical Site – Where President Ho Chi Minh returned to lead the revolution.
  
  
• Coc Bo Cave, Lenin Stream – Iconic locations tied to Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities.

Lenin Stream – where Uncle Ho often sat and fished

“Back to the Roots” Tours for April 30, 2025

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, many travel companies are offering special “back to the roots” tours:

• “Return to the Land of Steel” Tour – 1 day in Cu Chi, exploring the unique tunnel system and reliving heroic wartime history. (BestPrice Travel)
  
  
• “Echoes of Reunification” Tour – 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City, visiting historical landmarks linked to the day of victory. (BestPrice Travel)
  
  
• “Legends of Heroes” Tour – 4 days 3 nights from Ho Chi Minh City to iconic sites like the Independence Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Southern Central Headquarters. (Vietluxtour)
  
  
• “Tan Trao – Flamingo Heritage Onsen & Resort” Tour – 2 days, starting from 1,850,000 VND, journeying to the revolutionary capital of Tan Trao. (Flamingo Redtours)
  
  
• “Train Travel Series: Traditional Transport – New Experience” by Flamingo Redtours: Discover Central Heritage – Quang Binh (5 days – 4,990,000 VND); Quang Binh – Quang Tri (5 days – 5,420,000 VND)

Final Words

“Back to the roots” travel on April 30th is more than just a tribute — it’s a bridge between past and present, a chance for generations to come together, from grandparents to grandchildren, to share and pass down the nation’s proud heritage.

We hope this article has given you meaningful travel ideas for this April 30th holiday.

Don’t forget to explore more stories about Vietnam and discover handcrafted, culturally rich Vietnamese gifts at CHUS.VN!