Red flags bring the National Day spirit to life

From seaside streets awash in the colours of the national flag and Kiss Bridge draped in red at sunset to heart-shaped fireworks carrying the message “The Homeland in Our Hearts” and the illuminated “2/9” symbol across high-rise buildings, southern Phu Quoc is ready to welcome Vietnam’s National Day with pride and emotion.

As Vietnam’s National Day on September 2 approaches, southern Phu Quoc appears to be dressed in new colours. The red of the national flag adorns sea-facing balconies, streets, squares and landmark attractions, creating a setting that is both vibrant and solemn against the blue sea and sky of the Pearl Island.

At Sunset Town, the festive atmosphere begins along roads winding around the hillside. Thousands of red flags bearing a yellow star stretch past rows of Mediterranean-style buildings, accompanying visitors to squares, the harbour and popular sunset-viewing spots.

Kiss Bridge has become one of the most striking stops. National flags flutter along both sides of the bridge, standing out against the open sky and vast sea. The sweep of red follows the structure’s graceful curve, giving Phu Quoc’s familiar architectural icon a fresh appearance.

The sight of the national flag flying against Phu Quoc’s sea and sky evokes joy and national pride among many Vietnamese visitors.

International travellers, too, have been eager to stop for photographs on streets lined with flags, preserving a special memory of their trip to Phu Quoc.

“I was deeply impressed to see Phu Quoc decorated with flags and flowers for Vietnamese National Day. I was genuinely moved by the love Vietnamese people have for their flag and their country,” said Lina, a visitor from Germany.

The festive spirit can also be found at Sunset Town’s popular dining venues. Apollo, a cafe known for its distinctive “upside-down Sunset Town” design, and the French bakery outlets Eric Kayser and Maison Kayser have introduced special decorations and experiences for the September 2 holiday.

Images of the national flag on individual cakes have delighted many visitors.

From Sunset Town, the journey continues aboard the cable car across the sea to Hon Thom Island. From the cable car station to the amusement areas, numerous spaces have been decorated with flags and flowers, becoming popular photo spots for visitors.

Among the highlights is a photo frame named “The Pride Ticket”, where the red flag with its yellow star provides a striking backdrop for commemorative photographs.

Beyond the major check-in spots, individual kiosks and rest areas across Sun World Hon Thom have also been adorned with small flags, allowing the festive atmosphere to accompany visitors throughout their exploration of the island.

When Phu Quoc’s night sky speaks of national pride

While southern Phu Quoc glows in the red of the national flag by day, the National Day celebrations continue after sunset with lights, music and fireworks from Symphony of the Sea and Kiss of the Sea.

At Symphony of the Sea, bursts of high-altitude fireworks unexpectedly form a heart in the night sky. Carrying the message “The Homeland in Our Hearts”, the moment is both visually captivating and evocative of national pride.

Meanwhile, at the end of Kiss of the Sea, the world record-holding water screen is illuminated with a golden star and the message “Touching Pride”, creating an emotional and striking scene against Phu Quoc’s sea and sky.

At the same time, the Hillside Residences towers light up in unison to form a prominent “2/9” symbol against the night sky.

From flags fluttering in the sunshine and cakes bearing the red and yellow colours of the national flag to a heart formed by fireworks and the “2/9” symbol shining after dark, the National Day atmosphere in southern Phu Quoc is expressed in many different ways, all united by the same current of emotion.

It is more than the vibrant appearance of a destination during the festive season; it is also a natural expression of national pride within an international tourism setting. Whether Vietnamese visitors are reconnecting with familiar emotions or foreign travellers are witnessing Vietnam’s major national celebration for the first time, each can take home a special memory of Phu Quoc in the opening days of September.