Where to Celebrate Vietnam’s 50th Southern Liberation Day on April 30th, 2025

If you’re in Vietnam in April 2025, you’ve picked the perfect time to be here. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification—one of the most significant milestones in Vietnam’s modern history.

This golden jubilee will be celebrated with grand parades, dazzling fireworks, cultural performances, and heartfelt tributes across the country. Whether you're a traveler, an expat, or simply curious to learn more, here’s your guide to the must-see events and destinations that will bring this historic occasion to life.

Vietnam marks 50 years of reunification with nationwide celebrations on April 30th, 2025.

1. National Tribute Ceremonies – April 29th

As part of the celebrations, flower and incense tribute ceremonies will be held simultaneously in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on April 29th, 2025. These events aim to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and express gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, President Ton Duc Thang, and the heroic martyrs who gave their lives for the country’s independence.

• Hanoi: The tribute is expected to take place at the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, with flower offerings and incense ceremonies at the Martyrs’ Monument on Bac Son Street.

• Ho Chi Minh City: The ceremony will include tributes to President Ho Chi Minh and President Ton Duc Thang at the Ho Chi Minh Museum – HCMC branch, Ton Duc Thang Museum, President Ho Chi Minh Statue Park, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh paying tribute to President Ho Chi Minh

2. 21-Gun Salute at Bach Dang Wharf

On the morning of April 30th, a formal artillery salute will be held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation (April 30th, 1975 – April 30th, 2025). The ceremony will take place at Bach Dang Wharf Park of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by the Vietnamese national anthem and 21 ceremonial cannon rounds.

Artillery units practicing at Bach Dang Wharf

The battery will include 15 main cannons and 3 reserves, all coordinated for this sacred and symbolic event in the nationwide celebration.

3. Military Air Display Over Ho Chi Minh City

Also on the morning of April 30th, Ho Chi Minh City’s skies will feature a grand aerial performance by the Vietnamese Air Force. This highly anticipated event includes impressive heat-flare techniques performed by Su-30MK2 fighter jets, offering a spectacular display above the heart of the city.

Vietnamese Air Force conducting training flights for flag display

4.National Military Parade Through Ho Chi Minh City

Among the highlights of the 50th anniversary celebration is the national-level military parade, set to begin at 6:30 AM on April 30th in Ho Chi Minh City. The march will start at the intersection of Le Duan and Nguyen Binh Khiem and proceed past the ceremonial platform in front of the Reunification Palace.

The commemorative parade begins at 6:30 AM on April 30th

After the main ceremony, participating forces will disperse along four designated routes to pre-arranged assembly points. Notably, 20 large LED screens will be placed throughout central Ho Chi Minh City so the public can watch the ceremony live.

5. Fireworks Display at 7 Locations in Ho Chi Minh City

To celebrate this landmark event, Ho Chi Minh City will host firework shows at seven major locations. This is one of the most awaited activities for locals and visitors alike. The fireworks are scheduled for the evening of April 30th at the following locations:

• Saigon River Tunnel Entrance (Thu Duc City)

• Ben Duoc Temple (Cu Chi District)

• Nga Ba Giong (Hoc Mon District)

• Lang Le – Bau Co Area (Binh Chanh District)

• Can Gio District Football Field

• Vietnam History and Culture Park

• Dam Sen Cultural Park

Fireworks will take place at 7 key locations in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30th

6. Drone Light Show with Over 10,000 Drones

As a standout activity of the 50th anniversary, Ho Chi Minh City will host a record-breaking drone light show on the night of April 30th. With 10,500 drones participating, this will be the largest drone show ever conducted in Vietnam, aiming to set a new national record for the number of simultaneously operated drones.

Drone light show featuring a Ly Dynasty dragon image in Hanoi, early 2024

Previous shows have featured around 4,000 drones, making this year’s display an unprecedented visual experience for residents and tourists alike.

7. “Reunification Train” from Hanoi – Saigon – Da Nang

As part of the 50th anniversary activities, Vietnam Railways will operate a special journey called the “Reunification Train.” Train SE1 (from Hanoi) and SE4 (from Saigon) will both depart on the evening of April 29th and meet in Da Nang at 12:00 PM on April 30th.

The symbolic “Reunification Train” event begins on the evening of April 29th

These trains will be decorated with powerful historical themes representing national unity. Passengers will receive souvenirs, and war veterans or contributors will receive a 40% discount on tickets.

8. Exhibitions, Film Screenings, and Commemorative Seminars

Ho Chi Minh City will host the exhibition “Echoes of the 1975 Spring Victory Through Cinema,” showcasing 300 rare archival images. The exhibition focuses on two themes: “Cinema and Historic Moments” and “Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City Through the Lens of Film.”

The film "Saigon Rangers" will be featured in the commemorative exhibition

In parallel, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will screen films and documentaries to the public, showcasing works that reflect Vietnam’s struggle for independence. These visual archives not only document history but also spark national pride and patriotism.

9. Live TV Broadcast “Epic of Peace” at the Reunification Palace

“Epic of Peace” is a deeply emotional commemorative program to be broadcast from the Independence Palace. The event will recreate Vietnam’s 21-year resistance, culminating in the historic Spring Offensive of 1975.

The program “Epic of Peace” vividly recreates Vietnam’s most iconic historical moments

The program will combine documentaries with creative performances, including chamber music, contemporary dance, immersive live-action scenes, 3D mapping, laser projections, fireworks, and graphic animations. It will also feature performances from many well-known artists and singers.

10. Cultural Performances in Hanoi

To support the nationwide celebrations for the 50th anniversary of April 30th, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports has planned a series of artistic performances across multiple districts.

• The Thang Long Music and Dance Theater will perform at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square on April 29th and at Ba Kieu Temple on May 4th.
• The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater will present shows at Hoan Kiem Lake on April 30th and in Cau Giay District on May 7th.

Hanoi hosts artistic performances in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation

Theaters specializing in circus, cải lương (folk opera), chèo (traditional opera), and drama will also bring their performances to suburban districts such as Ung Hoa, Dong Anh, Me Linh, and Phu Xuyen. All performances aim to honor the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and Vietnam’s enduring patriotic spirit.

11. Mass Dance Event “Spring on Ho Chi Minh City”

One of Hanoi’s most unique 50th anniversary celebrations will be a mass folk dance on April 26th at 8:00 AM. The event will take place simultaneously in 526 communes, wards, and towns across the city, set to a medley of patriotic songs: “Reunited Homeland” and “Spring on Ho Chi Minh City.”

Mass dance on the medley “Reunited Homeland – Spring on Ho Chi Minh City”

The initiative, organized by the Hanoi Women’s Union, seeks to spread historical awareness and national pride in a joyful and energetic way.

12. Special Publications and Propaganda Campaigns

To amplify the significance of reunification, media outlets across Vietnam will run special editions, feature sections, and commemorative content as part of the 50th anniversary events.

Official Vietnamese-language logo for the 50th Anniversary of Southern Liberation

Online and social media campaigns will also be launched, featuring vibrant video content, infographics, and articles. Local authorities will decorate cities with Party and national flags, banners, and posters to create a festive atmosphere nationwide.

Final Thoughts

The blog above highlights the full schedule of national and local events celebrating the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation – April 30th, 2025. Whether you’re a local or an international guest, this is a powerful moment to remember Vietnam’s resilient past.

It’s a time to honor those who sacrificed for independence, reflect on the nation’s journey, and take part in one of the most significant commemorations of modern Vietnam. Make sure you join in—because this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.