On the morning of April 30, HCM City will host a major parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day. This is one of the rare occasions the city will hold such a large-scale parade in the downtown area. The parade will feature thousands of armed forces personnel, police officers, and militia members, along with a wide array of specialised military vehicles and modern equipment.
According to the city’s plan, the parade will begin at 6.30 am on April 30 at the intersection of Le Duan and Nguyen Binh Khiem streets. It will move past the main stage in front of the Independence Palace.
From there, participants will split into four key routes, marching along major city centre roads and concluding at various landmarks, including Tao Dan Park, Bach Dang Wharf, Le Van Tam Park and Hoa Lu Stadium.
As the event draws near, many residents and visitors actively seek cafes along the parade routes to enjoy a morning coffee while getting a clear view of the passing formations.
Here are some recommended cafes by route:
Route 1: Tao Dan Park
After passing the Reunification Palace, Route 1 continues along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Loi – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Phu Dong Roundabout – Cach Mang Thang Tam, with the endpoint at Tao Dan Park.
Starbucks at New World Hotel (corner of Pham Hong Thai and Nguyen Thi Nghia streets) opens at 6.30 am and offers a direct view of the Phu Dong Roundabout, a key junction along the parade route. (Photo by Starbucks)
Trung Nguyen Legend Cafe (87A Cach Mang Thang Tam Street) features large windows facing the street and is ideal for watching the parade. The ground floor provides a close-up view, while the mezzanine offers a broader vantage point. (Photo by Ai Vy)
Phe La Cafe (corner of Phan Chu Trinh Street) has a modern design, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a wide street view. However, it opens at 7 am, so visitors should plan their timing accordingly. (Photo by Phe La)
Route 2: Bach Dang Wharf
This route proceeds from the Reunification Palace down Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Thanh Ton – Nguyen Hue – Me Linh Roundabout, ending at Bach Dang Wharf.
42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building is a popular destination for parade watchers. On the upper floors of this old apartment block are cafes like Thinker & Dreamer, Buihaus, and Partea, which offer panoramic views of the pedestrian boulevard below. However, these venues are typically packed during national holidays, so arriving early or reserving in advance is advisable. (Photo by Samsara Tran).
Saigon Garden (99 Nguyen Hue Street) houses well-known brands like Starbucks and Koi Thé. Situated directly on the pedestrian street, it’s a convenient spot to enjoy drinks while watching the parade go by. (Photo by Saigon Garden)
Route 3: Hoa Lu Stadium
Route 3 continues from the Reunification Palace down Le Duan – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Dinh Tien Hoang, ending at Hoa Lu Stadium.
Highlands Coffee (corner of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Dinh Tien Hoang streets) sits at a key intersection on the parade route. Opening at 7 am, the shop features glass-fronted walls for an unobstructed view of the proceedings. (Photo by Ai Vy)
Route 4: Le Van Tam Park
This final route moves from the Reunification Palace along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Hai Ba Trung, concluding at Le Van Tam Park.There are no cafes with ideal views along this route. However, spectators can still watch from the pavement or stop by local eateries and refreshment stalls along the way.
Important note: Many central roads will be closed early in the morning, so accessing the city centre by car or motorbike may be difficult. Spectators are advised to arrive early, park their vehicles outside restricted zones, and walk into the viewing areas.
