Each year, when April arrives, the entire country shines with pride and memories of Vietnamese Reunification Day on April 30th - a historic milestone of national unification. Not only is it an occasion to reflect on the glorious past, but this holiday is also an excellent opportunity for tourists to explore destinations that bear the historical imprints and beauty of Vietnam.

In this article, join Traveloka as we revisit the meaning, history, and embark on a meaningful journey where past and present intertwine, telling stories of the nation's courage and aspiration for peace.

Vietnamese Reunification Day on April 30th marks the event when our military and people completely liberated Saigon, reunifying the country in 1975. The Saigon government officially collapsed, ushering in an era of peace and independence for the nation from this day forward.

Therefore, April 30th is annually recognized by the Vietnamese State as a national holiday, when students and workers have a day off to commemorate and honor the historic victory according to the Labor Code of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Vietnamese people throughout the country celebrate the liberation of South Vietnam in 1975 with profound national pride.

In late 1974 and early 1975, the Politburo recognized that the balance of forces in South Vietnam was rapidly changing in favor of the revolution. Consequently, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign with the objective of liberating Saigon - Gia Dinh was decided by the Politburo and officially launched on April 26, 1975.

By April 30, the Liberation Army's tanks breached the gates of Independence Palace, capturing the entire Saigon cabinet at that time. President Duong Van Minh, who had just taken office on April 28, was forced to announce unconditional surrender. On the same day, the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam officially flew over Independence Palace, marking the historic milestone of the complete victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

April 30th, Vietnamese Reunification Day, holds profound significance for the Vietnamese people. This day symbolizes the aspirations for peace, independence, and unity. The victory of April 30th ended the domination of both new and old colonialism that had existed for centuries in the southern region. From this point, our country officially entered a new era of autonomy and development.

April 30th also stands as a testament to the spirit of national unity. The entire population overcame difficulties and made sacrifices to achieve victory. This holiday reminds younger generations about the value of freedom. Heroes and martyrs are commemorated as those who paved the way for peace.

Each year, commemorative activities are held solemnly throughout the country. Citizens participate to express gratitude and pride. April 30th continues to inspire national development movements. The significance of this day lies not only in victory but also in lessons about perseverance. Today's Vietnam continues to promote the spirit of April 30th to rise strongly.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025, and the 139th International Labor Day (May 1, 1886 - May 1, 2025), civil servants and government employees will have 5 consecutive days off, from Wednesday (April 30, 2025) through Sunday (May 4, 2025).

This extended holiday is made possible by exchanging the working day from Friday (May 2, 2025) of this week with Saturday (April 26, 2025) of the previous week. For organizations that do not apply a fixed Saturday-Sunday weekend schedule, appropriate arrangements should be made in accordance with current plans and legal regulations.

The April 30, 2025 holiday marks a time when the entire country of Vietnam is vibrant with numerous special events and festivals, from grand parades to artistic performances, attracting citizens from across the nation.

In the days approaching April 30, 2025, touring Saigon is chosen by many as this location will host a major commemorative ceremony on Le Duan Street and the central areas of Ho Chi Minh City on a grand scale.

The national commemoration ceremony will be held in the morning

On the morning of April 30, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will begin the 50th anniversary celebration of Vietnamese Reunification Day with an April 30th military parade starting at 6:30 AM on Le Duan Street and central boulevards, broadcast live on VTV and Ho Chi Minh City Television.

Spectators will be captivated by 30 minutes of spirited brass band performances and rifle demonstrations. This will be followed by a solemn flag-raising ceremony with 21 ceremonial cannon salvos resonating against the backdrop of the majestic National Anthem. From the intersection of Nguyen Binh Khiem and Le Duan streets, the impressive parade formations will march past the main grandstand in front of Reunification Hall, concluding with a release of doves and balloons symbolizing peace.

Afterward, the parade units will split into four directions, moving through streets such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, and Dien Bien Phu, assembling at Tao Dan Park, Bach Dang Wharf, Hoa Lu Stadium, and Le Van Tam Park, ensuring that citizens can easily view the parade without causing congestion.

To enjoy this special program, don't forget to book flights to Saigon now on Traveloka. Not only will you receive preferential rates, but travelers can also select flight times and airlines according to their most suitable schedule.

If you enjoy these central streets of Saigon, travelers can purchase Saigon Hop-on Hop-off Bus tickets at the best prices on Traveloka. Not only will you travel through routes rich in historical significance, but visitors can also listen to presentations in multiple languages available on the vibrant red open-top bus that embodies the heroic spirit of this grand celebration.

And certainly, hotels near Independence Palace will be the perfect accommodation allowing you to easily travel to parade routes and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of this once-in-50-years celebration in Saigon.

In addition to watching in person, visitors can also view the parade through 20 large LED screens with modern technology installed on major streets; 22 LED screens in districts, and commercial advertising displays. Virtual reality technology, video art, and 3D graphics are also being applied to deliver a more vibrant celebration experience than ever before.

Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup Bicycle Race in the afternoon

In the afternoon, the 37th Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup bicycle race with the theme "A Unified Country" will continue. This activity demonstrates the spirit of sports solidarity, continuing the journey of national pride. Visitors who enjoy physical activities will have another sightseeing option when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Horse-mounted brass band performance on the evening of April 30, 2025

At 8:00 PM on April 30, 2025, Nguyen Hue and Le Loi Streets will become vibrant focal points with spirited brass band performances combined with skillful equestrian demonstrations.

Fireworks display program

From 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM on the same day, Ho Chi Minh City's sky will be illuminated with artistic fireworks displays at 30 locations throughout the city. 28 low-altitude display points will be distributed across districts and Thu Duc City, providing an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors.

In particular, the high-altitude display point at the Saigon River Tunnel area (Thu Duc City) promises to create spectacular moments. To secure the best and most open position for viewing fireworks without crowding concerns, visitors can purchase Saigon WaterGo tickets for sightseeing on the Saigon River.

This vantage point allows you to admire Ho Chi Minh City's brilliant nighttime beauty from a fresh perspective while viewing the fireworks at close range. To save travel time after the performance ends, you can stay at hotels near the Saigon Riverbank.

Additionally, high-altitude fireworks will also be displayed at Ben Duoc Temple (Cu Chi District) - a landmark associated with the resistance against American aggression. Visitors can combine the Cu Chi Tunnels and Ben Duoc One-Day Tour, which offers convenient transportation while helping you better understand the nation's glorious history.

After participating in the tour and admiring the fireworks, resting at hotels near Ben Duoc Memorial Temple will help you quickly recover energy for your next journey.

"Reunification Spring" art program

Taking place on April 29, 2025, in front of Reunification Hall, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Below is the schedule of prominent activities commemorating Vietnamese Reunification Day on April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City:

From April 30 to May 4, 2025, the sky over Vinh Yen city will light up with dozens of colorful hot air balloons, under the theme "Vinh Phuc Rising with the Nation." The festival is not only an outstanding entertainment venue but also a symbol of Vinh Phuc's strong development on its journey of renovation and growth.

The 2025 Hot Air Balloon Festival in Vinh Phuc is not merely a cultural-entertainment event, but also a bold message: the country, now independent and unified, is rising strongly in the sky of development and integration. This event is an energetic celebration, Vinh Phuc's way of contributing its resonant voice to the nation's heroic anthem during this historic April 30th celebration.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification, people can also participate in many large-scale programs organized by artistic units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aimed at portraying the great significance and immortal spirit of the Spring Victory of 1975, such as:

1. Special Concert Commemorating 50 Years of National Reunification – Vietnam Symphony Orchestra: Taking place at 8:00 PM on April 21, 2025, at the Hanoi Opera House, under the baton of Conductor Honna Tetsuji (Japan) and pianist Nguyen Viet Trung. The program will perform notable works such as "Bringing Joy on Return Day" (Trong Bang), Chopin, Schumann, Wagner, combining historical grandeur with contemporary cultural exchange.

2. Art Program "May with the People" – Vietnam Drama Theater: Including performances of "The Man in Rubber Sandals" on April 27 and May 17, 2025, and "White Night" on May 18, 19, and 24, 2025.

3. Folk Symphony and Chamber Concert "Victory Song" – Vietnam Music, Dance and Song Theater: Taking place at 8:00 PM on April 25, 2025, at the Au Co Arts Center, Hanoi, under the direction of Conductor Le Phi Phi. The program aims to honor the spirit of victory and the aspiration for national unity, with the participation of artists such as Meritorious Artist To Nga, Ha Le, Dao To Loan, and Truong Bac.

4. Circus Program "Unified Nation Day" – Vietnam Circus Federation: To be broadcast live at 8:00 PM on April 26, 2025. The program combines circus arts with imagery of soldiers and the spring victory, creating a unique artistic impression.

5. Program "Heroic Spirit of Lac Hong" – Vietnam Cai Luong Theater: Rich in Southern cultural identity, the program celebrates patriotism through classic cai luong excerpts. Veteran artists participating in the performances bring profound resonance and pride.

6. Program "Eternal Faith" – Vietnam Circus Federation: Integrating circus arts with revolutionary and unification themes, creating risky, emotional performances. This is a fresh, attractive highlight for audiences of all ages.

Visitors can book flights to Hanoi and Hanoi hotels now to enjoy these artistic programs.

Organized for the first time in Ninh Binh and Ha Nam from April 30 to May 3, the Conical Hat Festival features a magnificent cavalry parade, opening a journey of immersion in Vietnamese cultural heritage through unique activities.

Visitors can combine a visit to the Hoa Lu, Trang An, Mua Cave - Private 1-Day Tour during their festival participation. Don't forget to book a Ninh Binh hotel in advance for convenient travel to this magnificent festival.

Additionally, visitors can explore April 30th Holiday Tours in Vietnam at the best prices on Traveloka to discover prominent destinations and enjoy a complete vacation.

The 50th anniversary of Vietnamese Reunification Day is also an occasion to send meaningful wishes, spreading the spirit of unity and national pride to everyone,

Below are some songs associated with Vietnamese Reunification Day on April 30, expressing the heroic spirit and national pride:

It can be affirmed that Vietnamese Reunification Day remains an immortal epic, engraving the courageous spirit and unification aspirations of the Vietnamese people. Today, as the country enjoys peace, people nationwide participate in military parades and artistic programs not only to revisit history but also to remind younger generations to continue contributing to building a strong Vietnam.

Don't forget to book hotels, flights, and attraction tickets on Traveloka to turn this holiday into beautiful memories, enjoying the peaceful and joyful atmosphere throughout the country.

1. What is Vietnamese Reunification Day - April 30?

April 30, 1975, is a golden milestone in national history, marking the glorious victory of Vietnamese military and people in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, ending American imperial domination, completely liberating the South, unifying the country, and ushering in an era of independence and peace.

2. Why is Vietnamese Reunification Day celebrated on April 30?

April 30 was chosen because at 11:30 AM on this day in 1975, the revolutionary flag flew over Independence Palace, signaling the collapse of the Saigon government, completing the mission of national reunification after decades of division. This historic moment deeply embodies the indomitable spirit of the nation.

3. What is the origin of April 30?

The event originated from the resistance against American aggression, culminating in the 1975 Ho Chi Minh Campaign. After victories in the Central Highlands and Hue - Da Nang, the Politburo recognized the strategic opportunity and decided to launch a general offensive to liberate Saigon, ending the protracted struggle for independence.

4. What is the significance of Vietnamese Reunification Day for the Vietnamese people?

April 30 symbolizes the aspirations for peace, independence, and unity, affirming the strength of national solidarity. This victory not only ended the war but also inspired liberation movements worldwide, honoring the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

5. Is April 30 an official holiday in Vietnam?

Yes, April 30 is a national holiday when everyone has a day off to commemorate and honor the historic victory. However, some sectors such as healthcare, transportation, or public services may still operate depending on their duty requirements.

6. How is the April 30, 2025 holiday schedule regulated in Vietnam?

April 30, 2025, falls on a Wednesday, and workers are entitled to at least one day off according to regulations. Civil servants and government employees may receive additional days off if weekend compensation is scheduled, creating conditions for people to participate in commemorative activities and travel.

7. How does Vietnamese Reunification Day impact business activities?

April 30 is an occasion that boosts tourism, culture, and service industries with festivals, exhibitions, and vibrant commemorative programs. It's a perfect opportunity for tourists from all over the country to travel, relax, and reunite with their families.