On the threshold of Vietnam’s landmark 80th National Day, Hanoi is abuzz with pride and remembrance. The capital is hosting a vibrant array of exhibitions and cultural programs, each aiming to honor the country’s journey from revolution to modernity and to inspire both residents and visitors with a renewed sense of national identity.
On August 28, 2025, Governor Nguyen Thi Hong of the State Bank of Vietnam, alongside other key leaders, officially opened a striking exhibition as part of the nationwide celebration titled “80 Years Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness.” According to Nguoi Lao Dong, the event, set in a sleek, interactive space, was designed under the theme “Vietnam Banking Sector – Proud Past, Solid Present, Creating the Future.” Its mission: to chart the remarkable evolution of Vietnam’s banking sector and underscore its vital role in the nation’s development.
Governor Nguyen Thi Hong welcomed the first visitors, personally guiding them through the exhibition’s highlights. She introduced artifacts tracing the history of Vietnamese currency and recounted pivotal moments in the banking sector’s journey. The exhibition, divided into five thematic zones, offered a panoramic view: the Party and State’s leadership in banking, the sector’s unique imprint on national history, the pride and trust it has fostered, the story of Vietnamese currency as a symbol of sovereignty, and finally, a showcase of modern, interactive banking services.
“The exhibition vividly recreates the banking sector’s development journey, from monetary policy administration and inflation control to credit growth and digital banking technology,” a State Bank representative told Nguoi Lao Dong. Visitors were treated to a living history, including a legendary depiction of the “currency road” during wartime and displays of all seven sets of banknotes issued since 1945. Documents, artifacts, and cutting-edge projection technology brought these stories to life, offering a deeply authentic experience.
But this was not just a retrospective. The exhibition also looked forward, featuring 15 prominent commercial banks. Here, guests could interact with the latest in banking technology: opening accounts, registering for loans, and making digital payments on the spot. With a simple QR code scan, visitors could watch historical films, read about Vietnamese currency, and unlock a trove of fascinating information.
Several installations stood out. The Golden Star emblem, a revered symbol of national pride, took center stage, while a model of the State Bank’s headquarters paid tribute to Vietnam’s architectural and financial heritage. A map of Vietnam, ingeniously assembled from circulating banknotes, asserted the inseparable link between finance and national sovereignty. Meanwhile, a “banking rainbow bridge” used light projections and motifs from Vietnamese currency to create a dazzling, immersive environment.
For those seeking a bit of fun, the event offered lively mini-games and the chance to win meaningful gifts from the State Bank and other credit institutions. The atmosphere was festive but also deeply reflective, inviting visitors to contemplate the sector’s enduring contributions to Vietnam’s prosperity and independence.
While the banking sector’s story unfolded at the exhibition, the city itself was preparing for an equally ambitious celebration. As reported by Tien Phong, the Hanoi Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Ba Dinh Ward People’s Committee, launched a series of cultural and historical tourism promotions under Plan No. 98/KH-SDL. The centerpiece is the program “Red Color of Ba Dinh,” running from August 30 to September 2, 2025, along Truc Bach’s bustling walking street and at nearby historical sites such as Den Quan Thanh, Den Thuy Trung Tien, Dinh An Tri, and the Dao Ngoc – Ngu Xa night food area.
The city’s streets have been transformed, festooned in the vibrant red of the national flag, as Hanoi welcomes both locals and visitors to a festival of unity. The opening ceremony, held at 7 PM on August 30, featured dazzling art performances and promotional films highlighting the capital’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
“‘Red Color of Ba Dinh’ is designed as a special symphony, not just a tourism festival but a celebration spreading national pride and affirming Hanoi’s image as a safe, friendly, and attractive destination,” the Department of Tourism stated to Tien Phong. The program’s diverse offerings include exhibitions commemorating 80 years since the August Revolution and National Day, culinary experiences with traditional dishes at Ngu Xa and Truc Bach, and interactive spaces where visitors can write or paint their thoughts on independence, freedom, and love for the homeland.
A highlight of the festivities is the “Heritage Road” series, which takes visitors on a journey through local relic sites. Here, guests can offer incense and explore cultural stalls set up across four districts, each themed to evoke different chapters of Hanoi’s storied past. There’s even a playful nod to nostalgia and daily life, with double-decker trams themed as “Pho Car,” “Subsidy Car,” “Rice Car,” and “Tea & Café Car,” immersing participants in the flavors and rhythms of the city’s history.
Street performances, traditional Ca Tru music at Dinh An Tri, and “independence stations” offering free drinking water and flag exchanges round out the experience. The program aims not only to attract tourists but to foster a deeper connection between the city’s residents and their heritage.
For many, these events are more than just commemorations—they are a living bridge between generations. The blend of culture, history, and creative engagement is expected to become a cornerstone of the anniversary, elevating Hanoi’s image as a destination and rekindling national pride among all who attend.
Both the banking exhibition and the “Red Color of Ba Dinh” festivities reflect a broader movement sweeping the country as Vietnam marks eight decades since its revolution and the establishment of the Socialist Republic. The focus is on honoring the past, celebrating the present, and—perhaps most importantly—kindling hope and ambition for the future. As Governor Nguyen Thi Hong and city leaders have emphasized, these events are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity that have shaped Vietnam’s journey thus far—and will continue to guide it forward.
In a capital alive with celebration and reflection, Vietnam’s 80th National Day stands as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit and the many hands, old and new, that continue to build its story.
