These days, Hanoi seems to be wearing a brightly colored coat. Throughout the roads and streets, the colors of red flags with yellow stars flutter.
Joining the bustling atmosphere of celebrating National Day September 2nd, the flow of people flocking to historical sites and scenic spots in the Capital is as crowded as a festival. It is not difficult to see images of people wearing graceful traditional ao dai or bright red-star yellow flag shirts.
In particular, many foreign tourists when setting foot in Vietnam on this occasion are also excited to put on shirts printed with the red flag and yellow star, as a way to express their sincere feelings for the S-shaped land.
The couple Laura Szymczak (23 years old, Polish) and Nick Braaksma (22 years old, Dutch) chose to close their month-long journey to explore Vietnam right on National Day. The love story and connection with Vietnam of both are lovelyly expressed through a special gift for each other: Nick gives his girlfriend a shirt printed with the words "I love Vietnam", while Laura prepares for her boyfriend a red Vietnamese football jersey.
Although the weather is quite hot and the number of people flocking to the attractions is very large, the atmosphere is really fun and bustling. It's wonderful to witness the national spirit of the people here," Laura shared.
After a month of a long journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the couple was deeply impressed with the kindness and hospitality of Vietnamese people. According to Nick's sharing, Northerners are somewhat straightforward and direct, besides, Southerners are more gentle, but the common point is that everyone is extremely kind and hospitable.
Overcoming a journey of more than 24 hours, female tourist Carlotta Ciatti (40 years old) shared that the trip was completely worthy when it gave her the opportunity to deeply understand the culture and customs of your country.
She spent her first day in Hanoi, visiting the Vietnam Women's Museum, Hoa Lo prison, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam and some art galleries. After that, she continued her journey to Ha Long Bay before returning to the Capital on September 2nd.
I think there is no better time than today to be present at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This is an opportunity for me to learn more about the traditions and feel the national pride of Vietnamese people," she confided.
The Italian female tourist also shared a very realistic perspective on the big holiday.
On important occasions like this, you need to prepare yourself mentally for the very crowded flow of people. The bustle is present throughout the streets, flooded with motorbikes and cars, creating an extremely vibrant rhythm of life," Carlotta shared.
Not only European tourists, many visitors from Southeast Asia also have special feelings for Vietnam. Strolling in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel area, two young people from the Philippines, Roj Elizaga (24 years old) and Jack (25 years old), could not hide their excitement when immersed in the space filled with red. Roj shared that the group of friends had learned about the history of Vietnamese National Day in advance and proactively wore a shirt printed with the red flag and yellow star with the words "I love Vietnam" to fully feel the festive atmosphere with local people.
I think the Thang Long Imperial Citadel has enormous historical value. Wearing this shirt is a great way for foreigners like us to learn more about Vietnamese culture and history, and feel like we have become a part of life here," Jack expressed.
Besides the cultural and historical space, what surprised and moved the two young Filipinos the most was the passionate national spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Flags and flowers are hung all over the streets, people joyfully celebrate Independence Day together. Witnessing this wonderful atmosphere is a priceless experience. Intense patriotism is the identity that creates the unique attraction of Vietnamese people, making tourists love Vietnam even more," Jack confided.
On the September 2nd holiday, the image of international friends in red flag and yellow star costumes or traditional ao dai left many unforgettable impressions. For tourists, it is a memorable experience; for the people, it is the pride of living in a city with a thousand-year-old civilization, a city for peace.
