Vietnam National Day: ‘Ngay Quoc Khanh’

The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed some of the greatest explorations instigated by the then euro centric world that eventually gave rise to the British and French empires as each state attempted to explore and conquer as many states as possible. With the rapid expansion of these empires, more than one third of the globe experienced colonial rule for at least a century. However, the intervention from the United Nations and the financial setbacks experienced during the world wars resulted in many of these colonies receiving independence from their colonial rulers and the day in which this independence was received was known as their Independence Day or National Day.
Vietnam’s National Day falls on the 2nd of September which honours the Vietnam Declaration of Independence in 1945 as they celebrate their liberation from the French colonial rule. Known as ‘Ngay Quoc Khanh’ in Vietnamese, the struggle leading to independence was difficult and filled with turmoil. During the Second World War, the state was also controlled by the Japanese and the confusion between the two powers created a platform upon which a struggle for independence, termed the August Revolution, was launched. This struggle finally culminated in liberation from colonial powers as the state emerged from a subjugated rule under the new name of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.


Henceforth, the 2nd of September was declared a Public and Bank holiday and on this day, Vietnam revels in the momentous occasion of every citizen coming together and celebrating their independence. The streets are lined with the national flags and the national colours of red and yellow are seen adorning buildings, houses and streets while the Vietnamese celebrate this joyous event by lighting firecrackers and organising a National Day march in the Ba Dinh Square.

For those who are staying at a Vietnam hotel during this time, most often they would be immersed in this joyous celebration and witness the spirit of the Vietnamese first hand while those who opt to stay at a resort in Mui Ne, may have to make their way to the closest city in order to partake in the festivities. For those who wish to detach themselves from the rest of the world, make your way to Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa and enjoy absolute luxury and comfort during your stay in Vietnam.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+