According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters' observations, by late Tuesday afternoon, large crowds had already gathered along sections of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Ton Duc Thang Street, and near Bach Dang Wharf Park in District 1.

Many brought sun umbrellas, food, and other supplies as they settled in to wait for the historic morning of April 30.

Many told Tuoi Tre that they were excited to witness the military parade and procession.

Some arrived early in the afternoon to secure the best viewing spots.

Next to a newly pitched tent on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Pham Thanh Vu, 68, from Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands, said his group of seven – including his wife, children, and grandchildren – were gathered to mark the historic milestone together.

"This moment is very emotional for me, and I was determined to be here," Vu said.

Pham Quoc Duy said he and a friend traveled from Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, with chairs, blankets, tarps, and umbrellas, arriving at around 1:00 pm on Tuesday.

They chose a location near the intersection of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Le Thanh Ton Streets.

"I'm really excited and ready to spend the night here to welcome the parade. I picked a great spot to capture the moment," Duy said.

As evening approached, more and more people poured into the city center, hoping to find good vantage points for the parade on Wednesday morning.