Patriotic concerts bring thousands together in Hanoi

THE HANOI TIMES — By late afternoon over the weekend in Dong Anh Commune, the streets near the Vietnam Exhibition Center were already alive, with mtorbikes lined every curb vendors handed out iced tea and banh mi to people in matching red shirts, each holding a small national flag.

Inside, 25,000 people waited for the first note. When it came, the night unfolded in waves of music, lights, and cheers. The crowd’s energy rose with every performance, blending excitement with a quiet sense of pride.

Then came the moment everyone will remember. The lights dimmed, the first notes of the national anthem began, and the entire audience rose. Voices swelled through familiar patriotic songs, filling the air before fireworks lit the night sky.

Sunday carried the same electricity. Nearly 50,000 people filled My Dinh Stadium for To Quoc Trong Tim concert, while another 25,000 returned to Dong Anh for V Fest. At My Dinh, the anthem rolled across the stands like a tide, flags swaying in time with the music.

Amid the sound and color, personal stories emerged. Le Thu Thuy, 47, had seen many shows during her years living in France, yet this one struck her differently. “Everything was well organized and professional. I left feeling patriotic and proud, entertained and moved,” she said. 

Not far away, Nuris Tran, 22, had flown from Ho Chi Minh City just for the weekend. “It's worth it,” she smiled. “Hanoi gave me beauty, pride, and joy all in one trip. Music, food, even lessons to take home.”

Some fans had queued for hours to stand close to the stage, sharing snacks and stories while they waited. The long wait didn’t dampen spirits. If anything, it built anticipation.

The demand was staggering. The Nhan Dan Newspaper reported that online registration for To Quoc Trong Tim saw about three million scans in nine minutes, briefly crashing the system. V Concert tickets, priced from VND800,000 to VND5.2 million (US$31 to US$198), sold out quickly. Even free-entry events had people searching for last-minute passes.

Hanoi’s venues proved they were ready. The newly built Vietnam Exhibition Center in Dong Anh Commune offered vast indoor and outdoor spaces, with easy access from the city and Noi Bai Airport. Inside, sound and lighting matched the ambition of the events. Crowd management was smooth, with staff guiding guests through multiple gates.

The ripple effect reached across the city. Hotels near My Dinh and Dong Anh filled up. Old Quarter restaurants served groups still buzzing from the night before. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city welcomed more than 2.4 million domestic visitors in August 2024, with major events helping drive the surge.

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the capital welcomed about 15.55 million visitors in the first half of 2025, up nearly 12% from the same period last year. This included 3.66 million international arrivals, a jump of more than 22%. By the end of July, the total had reached 18.36 million, with over 14.15 million domestic travelers and 4.21 million from overseas. Large-scale events like these concerts have played a key role in that growth.

Across the city, Hanoi felt like part of the show. Streets around Hoan Kiem Lake lit up with pop-up performances, street artists sketching portraits, and small groups singing with portable speakers.

Souvenir vendors sold flags, scarves, and glow sticks, while cafes stayed open late to welcome waves of concertgoers spilling in after midnight. For many, the city seemed to be celebrating alongside them.

Organizers also took note. “When large shows are done well, they can boost tourism and support the economy,” said Jasmine Le, who has produced many concerts in northern Vietnam. “Competition is real, but fair competition pushes quality and grows the audience.”

For visitors, the concerts became part of a bigger story, with pho in the morning, a museum in the afternoon, then the glow of stage lights at night.

The music tied the past to the present. For younger fans, songs they once learned in school felt new again, while older audiences felt the pride familiar but just as powerful.

That weekend proved something important that Hanoi can host patriotic mega-events with both precision and heart. These concerts were more than entertainment, but a promise that every year, the capital can bring people together in music, pride, and joy.