Arriving in Hanoi and blending into the crowd watching the rehearsal for the September 2 National Day parade, a mother and her twin sons from Dien Bien burst into tears of joy after completing their extraordinary journey.

A ‘historic journey’

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The mother and her two sons traveled from Dien Bien to Hanoi to watch the September 2 parade.

On the morning of August 24, Nguyen Thu Hang, 48, from Dien Bien, and her 13-year-old twin sons, Binh An and Bao An, arrived at Ba Dinh Square to witness the second parade rehearsal marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

Hang shared: “We spent seven days walking, occasionally hitching rides, covering more than 500 kilometers from Dien Bien to Hanoi to see the parade on September 2. It was truly worth it.”

Her decision was inspired by her own emotions from attending the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory in 2024, as well as watching the 50th anniversary of reunification earlier this year. The story of two young men who walked from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi to see the parade in June 2025 strengthened her resolve.

Initially, her husband and children were worried about her health, but after hearing her plan and determination, they agreed. “I explained that this would be both an adventure and a living history lesson. My sons happily accepted,” she recalled.

The journey full of challenges
The twins walked with excitement throughout the journey.

On August 15, the three set off with only light packs - clothes, medicine, umbrellas, raincoats, and a little food. Each carried their own belongings, promising not to give up.

They followed National Highway 6, passing through Dien Bien, Son La, and Hoa Binh before reaching Hanoi. On average, they walked 25–30 kilometers a day, starting at 5 a.m., resting at noon, and stopping at roadside inns overnight.

At dangerous mountain passes such as Tang Quái (Dien Bien), Chieng Pac and Na Bo (Son La), and Lung Lo (Hoa Binh), they accepted rides for safety. On the final stretch from Doc Cun (Hoa Binh) to My Dinh, they also caught a ride to make it in time for the rehearsal.

The three faced foot pain, aching knees, and heavy backpacks, but the twins encouraged each other by marching “one-two-one” like soldiers. They conquered tough passes such as Na Loi, Pha Din, Moc Chau, and Da Trang, experiencing both scorching sun and chilly winds.

Along the way, Hang introduced her sons to historic “red addresses” tied to Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle. They visited cemeteries of fallen soldiers and Son La Prison to learn about the sacrifices that brought them peace today.

Welcomed with warmth
The family posed with Tran Van Thanh, an 80-year-old veteran who rode his motorbike from Nghe An to Hanoi for the parade.

On August 21, the family reached My Dinh Bus Station and went straight to Ba Dinh Square for the parade rehearsal. Immersed in the festive atmosphere, red flags fluttering everywhere, the twins shouted, “We made it, Mom!” and all exhaustion faded.

That evening, after the rehearsal ended at 10:30 p.m., Hang worried about where they would sleep. Asking directions from an elderly street vendor named Hau, she was moved by the woman’s invitation: “Come sleep at my place.”

Hau’s modest home on Hoang Hoa Tham Street had a small loft. She offered her bed to Hang while the boys slept on mats on the floor. “That night, we all slept soundly,” Hang recalled.

The family stayed with the vendor until the parade on September 2, exploring Hanoi by day and returning to the tiny home each night. “Despite the hardships, Hanoi welcomed us with open arms. We are eagerly awaiting the official parade before heading back to Dien Bien so the boys can return to school,” Hang said.

Thanh Minh