Ride HCMC Metro to Watch April 30 Parade in HCMC

During the April 30, 2025 holiday, Ho Chi Minh City will host a large-scale military parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation. Instead of squeezing through traffic on motorbikes or in cars, why not try taking Metro Line 1 to the parade viewing points?

This is not only a fast and convenient mode of transport, but also a perfect opportunity to snap some Instagram-worthy photos and discover a different side of Saigon. This guide from CHUS will walk you through the best way to reach the parade by taking Metro Line 1.

Can I Take the Metro to Watch the Parade?

Yes, you can absolutely take the metro to attend the parade. Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) is now operational and runs through several central districts. Stations like Ben Thanh, City Opera House, and Ba Son are all located in District 1, very close to the parade route along Le Duan Street – right in front of Independence Palace.

Metro stations in relation to the parade route

Will the Metro Operate on April 30?

If you're wondering whether Ho Chi Minh City MRT Line 1 will be operating during the holiday, no worries!

During the April 30 and May 1 holidays this year, HCMC Metro Line 1 will increase service to meet public demand. The number of daily trips will be boosted from 200 to 240, with train intervals of 8–10–12 minutes. Operating hours will also be extended from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, instead of ending at 10:00 PM like usual.

Moreover, a special day pass priced at 40,000 VND/person is being promoted during the holidays. This pass allows unlimited rides for the entire day—perfect for those planning multiple trips such as attending the parade, sightseeing downtown, or checking out metro stations.

So this year, Metro Line 1's extended schedule will make it easier than ever to attend the parade and even catch the fireworks later, without worrying about traffic jams or vehicle restrictions.

Taking the metro toward Ben Thanh direction (Photo: CHUS)

>>> Also see: Metro Line 1 Bến Thành - Suối Tiên Fare and Tet Holiday Operating Hours

Recommended Metro Stations for Watching the Parade

To accommodate the parade on April 30, several central roads in HCMC will be temporarily closed, limiting personal vehicle access. This makes the metro the smart choice to avoid traffic and conveniently reach parade viewing points.

If you're looking for the easiest metro route to the parade, here are three stations on Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) that are closest to the parade route, allowing for quick walking access to the stands:

1. Ben Thanh Station

This is the central station, located right at the Ham Nghi – Le Loi intersection.

Advantages:

• Close to Notre Dame Cathedral, 30/4 Park, and the Independence Palace.

• Ideal for following Parade Route 2: Le Duan → Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Le Loi → Nguyen Thi Nghia → Tao Dan Park, as it’s just a 5-minute walk to Le Loi and Nguyen Thi Nghia.

• If you plan to catch Parade Route 3 at Tao Dan Park, you can enjoy a 15-minute stroll from Ben Thanh Station. Go early in the morning when it’s cool, take a walk in the park, and wait for the parade to pass by.

Ben Thanh Metro Station at Ham Nghi - Le Loi intersection (Photo: Source)

2. City Opera House Station

This station lies directly under Vincom Dong Khoi shopping mall, opposite the Rex Hotel and close to Diamond Plaza.

Advantages:

• Easy walking access to locations right next to the parade viewing stands.

• Multiple exits, all near Parade Route 3: Le Duan → Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Le Thanh Ton → Nguyen Hue → Bach Dang Wharf.

• Just a few steps to Nguyen Hue Street – a vibrant area with rooftop cafés, 42 Nguyen Hue apartment, and tall buildings perfect for panoramic views. 

City Opera House Station near Nguyen Hue walking street (Photo: Source)

3. Ba Son Station

Ba Son Station is near Bach Dang Wharf, located at the end of Parade Route 3.

Advantages:

• From here, it's about a 10-minute walk to Bach Dang Wharf, the final stop of one parade route.

• The best of the three stations for viewing jet flyovers and fireworks along the Saigon River.

• Great for checking in on Ba Son Bridge—one of the most Instagrammable spots for young people. Especially at night, the bridge lights up beautifully and is perfect for a post-parade visit.

• Bach Dang Street is often congested during rush hour, so combining metro travel with walking from Ba Son Station will help you avoid traffic jams effectively.

Cannon setup for April 30 celebration (Photo: Tuoi Tre Online)

Parade Route and Best Time to Arrive

Time: Starts at 6:30 AM on April 30, 2025
Main Location: Le Duan Street – in front of Independence Palace

After passing the grandstand, the parade will split into four main routes:

• Le Duan → Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Dien Bien Phu → Hai Ba Trung → Le Van Tam Park

• Le Duan → Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Le Loi → Nguyen Thi Nghia → Tao Dan Park

• Le Duan → Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Le Thanh Ton → Nguyen Hue → Bach Dang Wharf

• Le Duan → Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Nguyen Dinh Chieu → Dinh Tien Hoang → Hoa Lu Stadium

Tip: Arrive between 5:30–6:00 AM to grab a good viewing spot. If taking the metro, aim to board earlier to avoid crowds at peak time near the stands.

Watch the Parade via Giant LED Screens with the Metro

This April 30th 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will install 20 large LED screens along key roads so the public can watch the parade live. Below is a list of roads with screens and their nearest metro stations for easy access:

LED Screen Locations:

• Le Duan (6 screens)

• Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Le Loi (3 screens)

• Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (2 screens per road)

LED screen setup for the parade and matching metro stations

Which Metro Stations Are Closest to the LED Screens?

City Opera House Station is the most convenient if you plan to watch the parade via LED screens. From this one stop, you can easily reach three roads with LED displays: Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, and the Le Loi segment near Rex – Vincom. Each of these roads has two LED screens, offering multiple vantage points to enjoy the parade.

Ben Thanh Station is close to the beginning of Le Loi Street. Just a short walk gets you to the LED screens in that area. While it’s not as close to other roads like Nguyen Hue or Dong Khoi, it’s still a solid option if you're commuting from outlying districts via metro. Its central location makes it easy to connect and walk to the main viewing zones.

City Opera House Metro Station has multiple exits ideal for watching the parade and LED screens (Photo: Source)

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps you better understand how to take the metro to watch the April 30 parade in Ho Chi Minh City in the most convenient and comfortable way.

Don’t forget to visit Chus.vn to discover more interesting local info and pick up meaningful, handcrafted Vietnamese souvenirs for your loved ones after the event!