5 Historical Sites in Hanoi to Visit During the September 2nd National Day Holiday (2026)

Visit these five historical sites in Hanoi during the September 2nd National Day holiday (2026) to explore key milestones in the nation’s history and culture.

See also: Hanoi Travel. National Day (September 2nd) is a special occasion to reflect on the nation’s pivotal milestones. Hanoi, the capital, is home to many prominent landmarks associated with modern Vietnamese history. The historical sites suggested below offer an opportunity to connect with and gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s memorable stories and history across various eras.

🇻🇳1. Ba Dinh Square – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ba Dinh Square is a landmark inextricably linked to Vietnam’s National Day. At 2:00 PM on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at a mass rally in Ba Dinh Square. This event marked the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The square is also the site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is part of a complex of structures and monuments dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in the Ba Dinh area.

Visiting during the National Day holiday allows travelers to more deeply appreciate the historical significance of September 2nd. The square exudes a solemn atmosphere; visitors are encouraged to maintain order and observe all regulations during their visit.

An emotionally moving experience on Independence Day.

Visitor Information:

📍Location: Ba Dinh Square – Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi. ⭐Highlight: The site where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945.

⚠️Note: Please check official announcements regarding visiting hours and the specific schedule for September 2, 2026, prior to your trip.

🏛️2. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a relic complex associated with the history of the Thang Long – Hanoi imperial capital. Archaeological evidence here reveals a history spanning many centuries, featuring layers of ruins and artifacts from various eras.

The complex includes the 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological site. Major excavations in this area began in December 2002, uncovering numerous architectural remains and valuable artifacts. These discoveries help clarify the long historical evolution of Thang Long – Hanoi.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long attracts both domestic and international visitors.

In 2010, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The decision was adopted at 6:30 AM on August 1, 2010 (Vietnam time).

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an ideal destination for visitors wishing to explore the capital’s deep historical roots.

A meaningful visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Visitor Information:

📍Address: No. 19C Hoang Dieu (main visitor entrance), Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (the conservation area encompasses both No. 18 Hoang Dieu and the Ancient Citadel area).

⏰Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. 🎟️Ticket price: 100,000 VND/person/visit (applicable to both domestic and international visitors).

⭐Highlight: A World Cultural Heritage site featuring a rich system of monuments and cultural layers.

🪖3. Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History Museum preserves and showcases Vietnam’s military cultural heritage. Its exhibits allow visitors to explore the history of the nation’s struggles and defense across various eras.

The museum was established on July 17, 1956, originally named the “Army Museum,” and opened to the public on December 22, 1959. In 2002, it was renamed the “Vietnam Military History Museum.”

As of November 2024, the museum welcomes visitors at its new facility on Thang Long Boulevard. It is an ideal location to learn about Vietnam’s military history during the National Day holiday.

Visitor Information:

📍Address: Km 6+500, Thang Long Boulevard (CT03), Xuan Phuong Ward, Hanoi.

⏰Opening hours: Morning (8:00 AM – 11:30 AM) and afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:30 PM).

📅Opening days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

⭐Highlight: An extensive collection of artifacts and documents regarding Vietnam’s military history.

🎟️Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person/visit.

🕯️4. Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Among Hanoi’s historical sites, Hoa Lo Prison offers visitors a chance to reflect on a turbulent period in Vietnamese history. The remaining artifacts and structures here provide insight into the lives of those once imprisoned and the stories behind the site.

The prison was built by the French colonial administration starting in 1896 and opened in 1899. During the colonial era, Hoa Lo served as a place of detention for many Vietnamese patriots and revolutionaries.

This destination is closely linked to the historical upheavals of Vietnam under French colonial rule.