Hanoi (VNA) – The National Day holiday is always a special occasion for both local people and visitors to immerse themselves in cultural and historical spaces. In Hanoi, in addition to the newly-inaugurated Vietnam Exposition Centre, there are numerous iconic sites that promise meaningful experiences, blending sightseeing with a journey back into the nation’s proud past.
1. Vietnam Exposition Centre – Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition complex
Address: Truong Sa street, Dong Anh Commune
Set to become the hottest new destination this holiday, the Vietnam Exposition Centre (VEC) was inaugurated on August 19 to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution. Even for Hanoi residents, this vast complex remains a fresh attraction.
Spanning more than 304,000 sq.m indoors and 200,000 sq.m outdoors, the VEC is Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition hub. Its highlight is the Kim Quy exhibition hall – a 13-hectare, 56-metre-high structure with nine grand entrances and nine multifunctional halls, inspired by the legendary Golden Turtle God, symbolising longevity and prosperity.
The centre has already hosted concerts attracting tens of thousands, followed by a major exhibition titled “80 Years – Journey of Independence, Freedom, Happiness” (August 28 – September 5), showcasing Vietnam’s outstanding achievements in many fields including industry, agriculture, science, and culture.
2. Hoa Lo Prison – From “Hell on Earth” to a popular heritage site
Address: 1 Hoa Lo street, Cua Nam ward
Opening hours: 8:00–17:00; evening tours 19:00–21:00
Once dubbed “Hell on Earth” under French colonial rule, the Hoa Lo Prison held and tortured countless Vietnamese patriots.
Today, the site has become one of Hanoi’s most visited heritage attractions, presenting stories of resilience and sacrifice in engaging and modern ways.
Visitors can choose between daytime tours, which highlight artifacts and prison settings, and nighttime experiences designed to heighten emotions with dramatic storytelling.
On TripAdvisor, Hoa Lo is rated 4.2/5 from nearly 11,000 reviews, reflecting its lasting impact on both domestic and international audiences.
3. Ho Chi Minh Museum – A “library” of a national hero
Address: 19 Ngoc Ha street, Ngoc Ha ward
Opening hours: 8:00–12:00, 14:00–16:30. Closed Mondays.
One of Hanoi’s most important cultural sites, the Ho Chi Minh Museum houses tens of thousands of documents and artifacts about the life of President Ho Chi Minh, vividly recreating milestones of his journey intertwined with Vietnam’s history.
For this National Day, the museum features two special exhibitions: “80 Years of the People’s Public Security Force – Following Uncle Ho’s Teachings” and the unveiling of a monumental oil painting titled “Spring of Independence”. The museum will open continuously and free of charge from September 1–3.
International visitors often rank it among the city’s “must-visit” destinations thanks to its educational value and solemn atmosphere.
4. Vietnam Military History Museum – Immersive and State-of-the-Art
Address: Thang Long avenue, Tay Mo ward
Opening hours: 8:00–11:30, 13:00–16:30. Closed Mondays and Fridays.
As one of six national museums and the leading facility in the military museum system, the Vietnam Military History Museum has been newly constructed with modern architecture and cutting-edge display technology.
Through interactive models, digital screens, and electronic maps, visitors can gain a vivid understanding of Vietnam’s centuries-long struggle to defend the homeland. The museum not only preserves valuable military relics but also affirms the stature and role of the People’s Army of Vietnam in world history.
5. Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Echoes of Five Dynasties
Address: 19C Hoang Dieu street, Ba Dinh ward
Opening hours: 8:00–17:00 (day), 19:00–21:00 (night tours)
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, the 20-hectare Thang Long Imperial Citadel preserves traces of five dynasties: Ly, Tran, Le, Mac, and Le Trung Hung. Its layered remains reveal more than 1,300 years of history, from the Thang Long Royal Citadel to the later Hanoi Citadel.
Key sites include Bac Mon Gate, Doan Mon Gate, Hau Lau Pavilion, the Kinh Thien stone dragons, and the wartime D67 House. Archaeological digs at 18 Hoang Dieu Street further showcase palace foundations from earlier dynasties.
To mark the National Day, the site is hosting major exhibitions such as “House and Bunker D67 – The Journey to Final Victory” and “Hanoi Flag Tower – Homeland and Aspiration for Peace”.
6. National Museum of History – French Colonial Architecture and Priceless Treasures
Addresses: 1 Trang Tien street & 216 Tran Quang Khai street, Cua Nam ward
Opening hours: 8:00–12:00, 13:30–17:00
Often called Vietnam’s “living history archive,” the National Museum of History holds over 200,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era. It is also home to more than 20 recognised national treasures, including the Ngoc Lu bronze drum and the Amitābha statue.
The museum operates two sites: Trang Tien (covering history from prehistory to 1945) and Tran Quang Khai (covering history from the mid-20th century to today). The 95-year-old colonial building itself has become a cultural landmark and popular photo spot for young visitors.
This holiday, a thematic exhibition “Mass Education Campaign – Lighting the Future” runs from August 22 until December 2025.
7. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum – A Treasury of Nine National Artworks
Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, Ba Dinh ward
Opening hours: 8:30–17:00
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum celebrates the nation’s artistic heritage from prehistoric artifacts to modern masterpieces. Built during the French colonial period, it houses an exceptional collection including nine officially recognised national treasures.
These treasures include the wooden statue of Quan Am Bo Tat, the lacquer painting “Party Admission at Dien Bien Phu”, the oil painting “Little Thuy”, and the portrait “Uncle Ho at Viet Bac War Zone”.
The museum also organises educational art programs for children, such as drawing classes and contests, while hosting exhibitions like “Children of the Homeland” (until September 10). Weekend visitors may also enjoy free outdoor symphony performances./.
