To comfortably enjoy the grand April 30 military parade in Ho Chi Minh City without the stress of crowds or intense heat, visitors can opt for several well-located cafés along the parade route.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City will host a large-scale military parade on the morning of April 30.
The event will feature thousands of officers and soldiers from the armed forces along with an impressive array of military vehicles and modern equipment.
The parade will begin at the intersection of Nguyen Binh Khiem Street and proceed past the main grandstand in front of the Independence Palace, before splitting into four directions for regrouping.
For a comfortable viewing experience, here are some cafés along the main parade routes where guests can enjoy breakfast and the spectacle without the heat or crowds:
Route 1: From Le Duan Street – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Loi – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Phu Dong Thien Vuong roundabout – Cach Mang Thang Tam – Tao Dan Park (via Cach Mang Thang Tam entrance)
Cafés along this route:
Starbucks at the ground floor of New World Hotel, located at the corner of Pham Hong Thai and Nguyen Thi Nghia streets, opens at 6:30 AM and offers a direct view of the Phu Dong Thien Vuong roundabout.
Phe La, located at the corner of Phan Chu Trinh Street, is another option, though it opens later (after 7 AM), so timing should be planned accordingly.
Trung Nguyen Legend, at 87A Cach Mang Thang Tam, is another prime location with large windows and multiple seating levels offering close or panoramic views of the parade.
Route 2: From Le Duan – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Thanh Ton – Nguyen Hue – Me Linh roundabout – Bach Dang Wharf Park
The 42 Nguyen Hue apartment building is an excellent viewing spot, with many cafés featuring balconies and wide open views. Recommended cafés include Thinker & Dreamer, Buihaus, and Partea.
Nearby, cafés like Starbucks and Koi Thé at the ground level of Saigon Garden (99 Nguyen Hue) are also ideal for watching the parade.
Route 3: From Le Duan – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Dinh Tien Hoang – Hoa Lu Stadium
On this route, Three O’clock Café at the corner of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Pham Ngoc Thach, or Highlands Coffee at the intersection of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Dinh Tien Hoang, which opens at 7 AM, are convenient options.
Route 4: From Le Duan – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Dien Bien Phu – Hai Ba Trung – Le Van Tam Park
Currently, there are no cafés with ideal viewing spots along this segment. However, visitors can observe the parade from major intersections such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Dien Bien Phu, Pasteur – Dien Bien Phu, Pham Ngoc Thach – Dien Bien Phu, and Dien Bien Phu – Hai Ba Trung, all of which have wide sidewalks.
General tips: In addition to cafés and street corners, the parade can be viewed on 20 large LED screens set up along streets like Le Duan, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Dien Bien Phu, and Nguyen Dinh Chieu.
As the parade starts early, visitors should plan to arrive hours in advance to secure good seating. Walking, public buses, or ride-hailing services are recommended as many central roads will be closed to private vehicles.
Parking is available at locations such as Le Van Tam Park, Tao Dan Park, Vincom Dong Khoi, Turtle Lake, the parking area near Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Diamond Plaza, and the Youth Cultural House.
For outdoor viewing, follow all safety guidelines, avoid climbing trees or barricades, and stay behind designated barriers. Families with children or elderly members should bring water, hats, and sun protection to prevent heatstroke or dehydration.