These days, Ba Dinh Square area attracts a large number of people and tourists to visit and take souvenir photos before National Day September 2nd. Many people choose to wear traditional ao dai, bring national flags and some accessories to record moments with family and friends.
One of the crowded places is the sidewalk on the side of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, where the view is towards President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Although Hanoi is entering the late summer with erratic sunshine and rain, this area is still crowded with people.
Most tourists go with groups of friends or family. Many people hire professional photographers to get neat, sharp photos to keep as souvenirs.
Ms. Hue (35 years old, Hanoi) said that she had planned to take photos more than a week ago. She hired makeup and photographer services with a total cost of nearly 1 million VND.
Although I had to wake up early to prepare, I didn't feel tired. For me, taking beautiful photos and expressing love and national pride is a very meaningful experience. The atmosphere here is also extremely bustling and joyful because there are many people coming to take photos," Ms. Hue shared.
The area of the south fence of Ba Dinh Square is also a "hot" check-in point no less. Crowds patiently jostle, waiting to capture the most satisfactory camera angle.
Mr. Hoang Hai Nam and his wife Dinh Thi Quynh Chi (Ha Dong, Hanoi) said that he and his wife had planned to take photos at President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum for a long time. After many delays, his family had the opportunity to take photos this year.
I feel very proud to wear traditional ao dai and take photos with my family next to the national flag. Unfortunately, last year, I missed the opportunity to attend the A80 event. Perhaps, I will have to wait another 20 years to witness a similar event," Ms. Chi shared.
From Thanh Hoa to Hanoi, Ms. Mai (31 years old) wanted to take a photo set at the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of National Day. Her national costume attracted the attention of many tourists present in the area.
On the occasion of National Day September 2nd, I want to take a commemorative photo set here, and at the same time introduce the beauty of the Muong people in my mountainous homeland of Thanh Hoa. I hope the photo set will become a meaningful milestone in the great holiday of the nation," Ms. Mai shared.
Not only young people, but also many elderly tourists also came to President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum on this occasion. Mr. Hoang Van Dong and his wife, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Khanh (Da Nang), took advantage of a trip to Hanoi to visit and save memories. The two tourists did not prepare elaborate costumes or props but chose to take natural photos.
According to Mr. Hoang Duc Vuong (Dai Mo, Hanoi), a photographer, the demand for taking photos at historical sites has increased in the past three years, especially during National Day September 2nd.
“I mainly take outdoor photos at locations such as President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake or historical museums. A photoshoot usually lasts from 6:30 am to 8:30 am if shooting in the morning or from about 4 pm to 5 pm, when the sunlight is softer,” Mr. Vuong said.
According to research, the price of photography services ranges from 1.5-2 million VND/session, depending on the time, location and number of visitors. To serve the needs of tourists, some photographers prepare cameras, specialized lenses, reflectors and provide additional makeup and hair services.
Some photographers said that the number of visitors to this area is quite crowded even on weekdays, concentrated more around after 5 pm, when the weather is mild and the light is favorable for taking photos.
Familiar accessories such as conical hats, white lilies, plaid scarves or small water bottles have become "indispensable objects" for tourists when posing here.
Many international visitors stopped, excitedly raising their cameras to record images of graceful Vietnamese girls in traditional ao dai or moments filled with flags and flowers.
