As National Geographic notes, 50 years after reunification Vietnam has grown into one of Southeast Asia's fastest-changing nations, but despite the rapid changes it continues to honor its past through museums and monuments.

Tourists visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City.

Many of these sites now draw history lovers, and will offer a meaningful experience during the National Day holidays from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

Ho Chi Minh City

War Remnants Museum

One of Vietnam's most visited museums, it confronts visitors with images and artifacts from the Vietnam War, including documentation of the My Lai Massacre and the long-term effects of Agent Orange. An outdoor display showcases aircraft, weapons and ordnance used during the conflict.

Independence Palace

This landmark marks the site of the war's official end. Built in 1966, it remains much as it was, with preserved state rooms and a basement leading to soundproof war rooms that retain the radios and telephones used at the time.

Cu Chi Tunnels

About 60 kilometers from the city, this underground network stretches for hundreds of kilometers at depths of up to eight meters. The Cu Chi Tunnels played a key role in resistance efforts against both French and American forces. Tours lead visitors through hidden trapdoors and passageways that once served as living quarters, supply routes and combat positions.

Quang Ngai Province

Son My Memorial Site

Home to a museum and a sculpture representing the villagers who lost their lives, including an elderly woman holding the body of a dead child of the My Lai Massacre. Today Son My is a quiet village where visitors can go on river tours, enjoy seafood by the beach or take a short trip to Ly Son Island.

Quang Tri Province

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

From 1954 to 1976 the DMZ divided what were then North Vietnam and South Vietnam. Today visitors can explore wartime sites such as Khe Sanh Combat Base, now a museum, and Ta Con Airfield, where the remains of aircraft, tanks and missile launchers still stand.

Vinh Moc Tunnels

Ninety families lived in this underground complex from 1966 to 1972 to escape U.S. bombing. With kitchens, wells and even a maternity ward where 17 babies were born, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are often visited the same day as the DMZ.

Hanoi

Vietnam Military History Museum

Visitors tour Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi.

Relocated in 2024 to a modern facility, the museum preserves 150,000 artifacts, including a Soviet-made MiG-21 fighter jet, the tank that crashed through the gates of Independence Palace in 1975, and the campaign map of the Ho Chi Minh Offensive.

Personal belongings, photographs and letters from soldiers and civilians affected by the war are also on display.

Hoa Lo Prison

Built by the French in the late 19th century, the prison once held American prisoners. Most of it was demolished in the 1990s, but part remains as a museum, showcasing items belonging to famous inmates, including the flight suit of U.S. Senator and Vietnam War veteran John McCain, who was captured in 1967 when his plane was shot down over Hanoi.

Hanoi National Day pageant becomes tourism magnet

Booking of tours to Hanoi has increased by 40% in the south for the National Day military pageant on Sept. 2 to mark 80 years of independence.

Nearly 16,000 personnel join second parade drill for 80th National Day

Nearly 16,000 officers and soldiers from units under the Ministries of National Defense and Public Security joined the second joint rehearsal for the military parade and march celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (Aug. 19, 1945 – 2025) and National Day (Sept. 2, 1945 – 2025) in Hanoi on Aug. 5.

80th National Day: Commemorative events to spotlight national remarkable achievements

Numerous commemorative activities highlighting the national remarkable achievements will be held nationwide in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – 2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).

 

Vietnamese to have four-day National Day holiday

Hanoi plans fireworks displays at five locations: Hoan Kiem Lake, Thong Nhat Park, Van Quan Lake, My Dinh National Stadium and West Lake on the evening of September 2 to mark the National Day.

 

Hanoi to host two special art performances to celebrate National Day

The performances aim to promote patriotism, revolutionary traditions, and the national development vision as Vietnam enters a new era. They will also serve as highlights within the broader national socio-economic achievements exhibition to be held at the National Exhibition Centre.

 

Ha Noi emerges as the most searched destination for National Day holiday

Ha Noi has become the most searched destination by Vietnamese travellers for the upcoming National Day holiday, jumping from seventh place last year to first place this year.