A Feast of Experiences: The 5-Day September 2nd National Day Holiday in Hanoi

The extended National Day holiday, running from August 29th to September 2nd, presents a fantastic opportunity to really dive into Hanoi. It’s the perfect time to explore the city's vibrant scene, from engaging art programs and fascinating heritage experiences to lively night tourism and unique community-crafted products that truly highlight its rich cultural identity.
Vibrant Cultural and Artistic Spaces Across the Capital
During the 5-day National Day holiday on September 2nd, Hanoi offers a wide array of experiences in both its inner city and suburban areas, catering to the sightseeing and entertainment needs of residents and tourists alike. The programs are designed to connect heritage and traditional art with new tourism products, creating a capital city rich in cultural depth yet dynamic and modern.
According to the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, from August 28th to September 2nd, dozens of programs and performances will be organized free of charge by theaters under the department. During peak days, up to four programs and performances will run concurrently, contributing to a vibrant artistic atmosphere across the city.

These attractive cultural and tourism products, programs, and activities promise to offer both domestic and international visitors many memorable experiences this National Day.
The Hoan Kiem Lake area continues to be a focal point for a series of activities. The Hanoi Cheo Theater will perform at Ba Kieu Temple Flower Garden and the 'Quyet Tu De To Quoc Quyet Sinh' (Determined to Die for the Survival of the Fatherland) Monument on September 1st and 2nd. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater will bring its artistic program to Dai Xuyen Commune on August 31st and Lac Long Quan Flower Garden on September 2nd.
Many other programs will also be held in Bat Trang Commune, Thong Nhat Park, Dan Phuong Commune, Minh Chau Commune, and Phuc Son Commune, thereby extending the artistic experience from the city center to suburban areas.
Alongside the free programs, the public can also choose from several high-quality performances such as 'Net Duyen Cheo Ha Thanh' at Dai Nam Theater, 'Chuyen Ha Noi, Mot Ngay Rat Ha Noi' at 31-33 Luong Van Can, and the Cai Luong (reformed opera) play 'Nguoi Con Gai Ha Thanh' at Chuong Vang Theater.
The journey to explore Hanoi's culture during the holiday also extends to its system of historical sites, museums, and creative spaces. At Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy), the main courtyard of Ho Van will host numerous activities from August 26th to 30th, including folk games, lively entertainment, cultural performances, exchanges, booth experiences, and a Reading Culture Festival.

In the inner sanctuary area, visitors can participate in the 'Ky Dai' activity, experience wood carving with 'Dua Nghe Ra Pho' (Bringing Crafts to the Streets), or explore the night tours 'Tinh Hoa Dao Hoc' (Essence of Confucianism) and 'Su Da Luu Danh' (Stone Records of Fame) on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
Exhibitions like 'Ngan Nam Di San' (A Thousand Years of Heritage), 'Lang Khoa Bang Dong Ngac' (Dong Ngac Village of Scholars), the 'Doi Thoai Son Mai' (Lacquer Dialogue) workshop, and design works inspired by heritage all contribute to opening new approaches to Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.
In the central area, visitors can continue their journey at Ngoc Son Temple, 5D Ham Long Relic, 90 Tho Nhuom Relic, 48 Hang Ngang Relic, and Van Phuc Relic. These are sites connected to the revolutionary history, culture, and development of the capital.
At the Hoa Lo Prison Relic, two special exhibitions, 'Tam Son, Chi Thep' (Loyal Heart, Iron Will) and 'Vung Ky Uc' (Region of Memories), recount historical stories through artifacts, images, and exhibition spaces. The Hanoi Museum presents a master plan exhibition for the capital with a 100-year vision, a seminar titled 'Lua Tren Duong Ray' (Fire on the Tracks), a photo exhibition 'Ha Noi Trong Toi' (Hanoi in Me), along with experiential educational activities such as making To He (toy figurines) from Xuan La and crafting Chang Son fans.

According to Phung Quang Thang, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, cultural tourism is a unique product line for Hanoi. In addition to visiting historical sites, many experiential routes are continuously being upgraded. Among these, the 'Thang Long Tu Tran' (Four Guarding Temples of Thang Long) route has added new activities, helping visitors connect their exploration of Bach Ma Temple with the Old Quarter.
As the city lights up, visitors can choose a night tour at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Hoa Lo Prison Relic, or experience the culinary and cultural spaces of the West Lake area.
On the evening of September 2nd, residents and visitors can enjoy fireworks displays at five locations: in front of the Hanoi Moi Newspaper headquarters, in front of the Hanoi Post Office, Coconut Island in Thong Nhat Park, the F1 Racetrack in the National Sports Complex, and Lac Long Quan Flower Garden.
Modern entertainment venues have also prepared numerous programs for the holiday. At Ho Tay Water Park, a series of activities will take place on August 30th, September 1st, and September 2nd, combining artistic performances, music, and audience interaction. Fire stunts, hand strength acrobatics, and performances by bands, DJs, and dance troupes are expected to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Families can choose to explore the aquariums at Times City, Lotte Mall West Lake, or enjoy ice skating and bowling at Royal City. These indoor entertainment options within shopping malls allow visitors to flexibly combine fun, shopping, and dining, with minimal impact from the weather.

Notably, on National Day, September 2nd, Hanoi will offer free admission to scenic spots, historical relics, and cultural sites that normally charge an entrance fee across the city, in line with the policy approved by the Hanoi People's Committee.
Suburban Areas Expand Experiential Spaces
Leaving the city center, visitors can explore ancient villages, hamlets, and community-based tourism destinations that are continuously improving their offerings, providing more options for extended holidays.
Approximately 40 km from central Hanoi, the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is hosting the 'Vui Tet Doc Lap' (Celebrating Independence Day) program with numerous activities showcasing the life and culture of ethnic communities, notably the Northern Highland Market Space and the 'Cao Nguyen Mo Hoi' (Highland Festival) program.
Ngo Thi Hong Tham, Director of the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, stated that the unit has launched two all-inclusive experiential packages, 'Dau Chan Ban Lang' (Footprints in the Village) and 'Ve Voi Dai Ngan Tay Nguyen' (Returning to the Central Highlands Wilderness), designed for students.
The 'Nhip Song Ban Lang' (Rhythm of Village Life) product, a 2-day, 1-night experience, was launched before the National Day holiday, targeting families and adult groups. The itinerary combines relaxation with activities such as wearing ethnic costumes, cycling to explore the Village, relaxing foot soaks, staying at a creative camp, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing the village's cultural space in the evening.
Along the western route, Duong Lam Ancient Village continues to attract those who appreciate the culture of Northern Vietnamese villages. Besides exploring ancient architecture, visitors can try making peanut candy, Banh Te (rice cakes), or take a buffalo cart ride around the village.

According to Mr. Ha Ke Dung, who operates the buffalo cart service in Duong Lam, visitors, especially families with young children, often enjoy feeding, petting, and directly interacting with the animals. These rustic experiences create a sense of closeness, distinct from urban entertainment options.
In Ba Vi, the Ban Mien community-based tourism destination offers an opportunity to learn about the culture of the Dao Quan Det (Dao with tight trousers) ethnic group. Visitors can explore traditional Vietnamese medicine, experience the Dao herbal bath, savor local cuisine, and engage with indigenous cultural life.
In the southwest of the capital, Muong Coc community-based tourism destination is attracting interest from many international tour groups. Local households involved in tourism are preparing activities such as cycling, enjoying local dishes, and engaging in cultural exchanges with the Muong ethnic people.
Muong Coc currently offers 18 itineraries for various customer segments, including 8 cycling routes to explore Muong identity, 2 trekking routes to learn about nature and medicinal plants, and 8 experiential programs. Among these, 4 tours are designed with regional linkages in mind.
Bao Son Paradise Park in Hoai Duc Commune is also hosting the 'Mien Hoa Co Tich' (Fairytale Flower Land) Festival from August 29th to September 2nd. Inspired by fairytale gardens overflowing with colorful flowers, the program combines scenic beauty, performing arts, and a family-friendly entertainment system.

Visitors can explore the semi-wild Safari, Aquarium, Happy Farm, Traditional Craft Village, or experience indoor and outdoor games such as the Acceleration Race, Dark Mansion, and Cosmos Theater, a glasses-free 3D cinema utilizing modern projection technology. During the festival, the park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
To ensure service quality during the holiday, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has requested localities to proactively prepare conditions for serving visitors during the peak National Day period and the final months of the year.
The Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also urged tourism areas, attractions, businesses, and service providers to develop suitable programs, strengthen linkages, publicly list service prices, and ensure a civilized and friendly tourism environment.
The combination of heritage, art, modern entertainment, and community-based tourism is helping Hanoi develop an increasingly diverse product ecosystem. This forms the basis for the capital to continue strengthening its image as a 'Safe - Friendly - Quality - Attractive' destination during the National Day holiday and the final months of 2026.
Hanoi 18 view
Update day : 26/08/2026
Source : Báo Tài chính - Đầu tư Affiliate links
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