A wide array of compelling and large-scale programs will unfold in Ho Chi Minh City for the 30 April commemorations, including a national-level military parade, ceremonial procession, special arts performances, and fireworks displays. This is a time when citizens and visitors alike are drawn to retrace the past, visiting sites that played a pivotal role in the historic Spring Victory of 1975.
Located just over 80 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh is a must-visit “red address” with revolutionary heritage sites and meaningful activities, offering a memorable journey “back in time” during the extended five-day anniversary.
A large number of visitors attend the flag-raising ceremony at the summit of Ba Den Mountain (Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain)
At Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, the commemorative activities for the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day commenced as early as the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, with a flag-raising ceremony attended by thousands of staff from Sun World Ba Den Mountain and visiting guests.
Leading up to the grand celebration on 30 April, the flag-raising ceremony will continue every Monday morning throughout the anniversary period (specifically on 7, 14, 21, and 30 April). Beginning at 6:00 a.m. each Monday, visitors to the summit of Southern Viet Nam’s highest mountain will receive red-and-yellow star shirts and take part in the solemn flag-raising. Thousands of Sun World Ba Den Mountain staff and visitors will gather at the foot of the Tay Bo Da Son Guanyin statue, turning toward the national flag fluttering atop the mountain in a deeply moving moment of patriotic reverence.
Flag-raising ceremony atop Ba Den Mountain (Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain)
Ms. Dao Thi Viet, Deputy Director of Sun World Ba Den Mountain, shared: “We are honored to bring this sacred ceremony to our guests. It serves as a bridge between a glorious past and the present, where generations come together to pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.”
Tracing history’s footsteps, Ba Den Mountain, with an elevation of 986 meters, is not only a legendary spiritual site but also a former strategic outpost once occupied by American forces, who built a communications base on its summit. Every cave, rock, and forest path here bears witness to the courage and sacrifice of the country’s martyrs.
The liberation flag flying atop Ba Den Mountain on 6 January 1975 (Documentary photo)
On 6 January 1975, Ba Den Mountain was officially liberated—an important milestone that contributed to the historic victory on 30 April 1975. Fifty years later, this mountain has become a symbolic pilgrimage site, where war veterans return to former battlegrounds and visitors light incense in remembrance of fallen heroes at sites such as Kim Quang Cave, Hang Pagoda, and Son Than Shrine…
On Saturday evenings, a candle-offering ceremony in tribute to the heroic martyrs will be solemnly held at Tay Bo Da Son Square. On this sacred mountain, under the gentle light of thousands of candles, visitors will offer heartfelt prayers for peace and harmony, creating a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience.
Candle-offering ceremony held on Saturday evenings at the summit of Ba Den Mountain (Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain)
During this time, Ba Den Mountain will also host a range of unique accompanying activities to celebrate the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. These include a Buddhist art exhibition by artist Hoang Phong and cultural performances reenacting intangible heritage traditions.
To mark Vesak, the traditional Buddha Bathing Ceremony, a sacred ritual for devotees and visitors to express gratitude to the Buddha, will take place throughout the Vesak month at Tay Bo Da Son Square. Especially on 8 May, thousands of Vesak delegates from over 80 countries will gather at Ba Den Mountain to witness a series of historic rituals, including the Shakyamuni Buddha’s Relics Procession from the National Museum of India, the 108 Bodhi Trees Planting ceremony, and the Candlelight ceremony for world peace.
From a historical witness to a sacred site of remembrance, Ba Den Mountain today stands as not only a revolutionary “red address” but also a national and international pilgrimage destination.
The summit of Ba Den Mountain with the majestic Tay Bo Da Son Guanyin statue (Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain)
Not far from Ba Den Mountain are other revolutionary landmarks for visitors to reflect on the country’s proud history—such as the Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) in Tay Ninh, which served as the revolutionary headquarters for years, and the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, an underground maze that sheltered and empowered resistance forces during the war. These are among the unmissable destinations in Southern Vietnam this 30 April, offering a profound and meaningful historical journey.
