Hang Ma Street bursts with color ahead of Vietnam’s National Day
As Vietnam prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), Hanoi’s Old Quarter is glowing with patriotic pride, and no street captures this spirit better than Hang Ma Street in the city’s downtown.
THE HANOI TIMES — Couple of weeks ahead of the giant celebration of Vietnam’s National Day that falls on September 2, Hanoi has transformed into a vibrant scene.
Throughout the city, public spaces are adorned with red flags, billboards, and celebratory slogans.
Yet it’s Hang Ma that wears this national pride most vividly - its shopfronts and stalls dyed in brilliant hues of red, reflecting the iconic Vietnamese flag and the jubilant mood in the air.
Hang Ma Street comes alive just weeks ahead of the 80th National Day celebration.
Typically known for its Mid-Autumn Festival decorations, Hang Ma has taken on a different kind of festivity this year: the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day celebrations.
Dozens of vendors now line the street, offering everything from T-shirts printed with the national flag to yellow-starred hats, hanging ornaments, and handheld flags.
According to some merchants, the best sellers are the mini red flags with yellow stars, which are simple yet powerful symbols of unity and patriotism.
Tran Phuong Oanh, a longtime vendor, said that she restocks her stall daily to meet rising demand.
“Everyone wants something to decorate their homes, schools, and businesses,” she said.
“The most loved items are the small flags, which cost between VN10,000 (US$0.3) and VND30,000 ($1.2). Young people are also buying T-shirts for VND150,000 ($5) to wear during the celebration.”
Indeed, the festive scene has also become a magnet for young people eager to capture the moment.
Against a backdrop of fluttering flags and glowing lanterns, locals and tourists gather to snap photos, creating souvenirs that capture a moment in time.
“I've always wanted to take beautiful photos to remember this occasion,” said Phuong Dung, a student visiting the area from Nhan Chinh Ward.
“Hang Ma never disappoints. It’s colorful and carries the unmistakable charm of the old Hanoi.”
From early morning until evening, Hang Ma Street pulses with energy as locals and tourists come together to prepare for one of the country’s most significant milestones.
The street becomes lively with ribbons of red and gold.
Decorative stalls overflow with colorful banners, miniature flags, patriotic headbands, and bright apparel.
Adding to the street’s unique character are hand-painted bamboo blinds featuring slogans such as “Independence - Freedom - Happiness”.
These conical hats are decorated with red and yellow, reimagining with patriotic flair.
Souvenir hunters can discover small yet meaningful items such as flag-themed bracelets, enamel pins, hair-bands, and tote bags - a perfect way to take home a piece of Vietnam’s pride.
At every turn, the street buzzes with anticipation, as laughter, lively chatter, and the hum of celebration fill the air.
A Hanoi student poses happily in front of a stall draped in red and yellow, perfectly capturing the joy that defines this special season.
As the anniversary draws near, Hang Ma stands ready. The street becomes a vibrant canvas of national pride, cultural expression, and the joyful spirit of a community united in celebration.
