Thousands Flock to Vietnam Military History Museum on National Day, Enduring Intense Heat

On the first day of the National Day holiday, the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi welcomed a massive influx of visitors as it offered free admission. Thousands of people flocked to the museum, forming long queues that stretched for over an hour under the intense midday sun. By around 9 a.m., traffic congestion of about 500 meters was observed on Thang Long Avenue leading to the museum. The free admission is part of the National Day celebrations, valid for September 1st and 2nd. The average waiting time for parking within the museum grounds was approximately one hour. With Hanoi experiencing scorching heat and outdoor temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius, many visitors opted to park their vehicles about a kilometer away and walk to avoid the prolonged wait in the oppressive weather. The museum entrance was densely packed with people, and staff repeatedly reminded visitors not to bring food and drinks into the exhibition areas. The museum, spanning 386,600 square meters, is prominently marked by its 45-meter tall Victory Tower in the front courtyard. The project, with a total investment of VND 2,500 billion (approximately USD 100 million), began construction in 2019 and is slated for completion by the end of 2024. It houses over 150,000 artifacts, including four national treasures: MiG-21 fighter jets (serial numbers 4324 and 5121), a T-54B tank (serial number 843), and the Battle Decision Map for the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, alongside numerous other military equipment. The MiG-21 fighter jet, serial number 4324, nicknamed "Én bạc" (Silver Swallow), displayed in the main building, attracted hundreds of visitors for photographs. This aircraft holds the record for shooting down 14 US aircraft during the anti-American resistance war and was recognized as a national treasure by the Prime Minister in early 2015, according to the museum. Bui Phuong Uyen, 19, who traveled over 50 kilometers from Phu Tho province, chose to wear a traditional Ao Dai and a bandana. "In this historical space, seeing these exhibits, I feel proud and grateful for the sacrifices of our ancestors," she stated. The family of Chu Van Hoa, comprising six members from Nam Dinh province, visited Hanoi during the two-day National Day holiday. Arriving right at opening time, they did not have to wait long. Areas showcasing 3D projections of the Dien Bien Phu campaign and the nation's reconstruction efforts were consistently filled to capacity. Outside, people sought shade to rest. Many sat beneath an IL-14 transport aircraft, which served as the official plane for President Ho Chi Minh and other Party and State leaders for official trips between 1960 and 1964. The Vietnam Military History Museum is one of Hanoi's major attractions. On regular days, it receives thousands to over ten thousand visitors. During peak periods or weekends, this number can surge to 30,000-40,000 visitors per day, sometimes reaching a record high of 60,000 visitors daily. In addition to the Military History Museum, Hanoi offered free admission to numerous historical sites and cultural landmarks that normally charge entrance fees on September 2nd. These included the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, the Co Loa Citadel complex, Huong Pagoda, and Duong Lam Ancient Village.