Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square is the largest square in Vietnam; located on Hung Vuong Street and in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This place has kept the hallmarks of many important events in the Vietnamese nation. In particular, on September 2, 1945, in this Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence that gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

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The history

Ba Dinh Square was originally a western gate of Thang Long Citadel; a busy trading place with many craft villages. By the early 20th century, the square was built by the French and named for the square by a French priest named Puginier.

After 2 more renaming times, Hong Bang Square and Independence Square, it was finally renamed as it is now. It is a fact that few people know that the name Ba Dinh Square was not given by Uncle Ho but by Dr. Tran Van Lai – the mayor of Hanoi of the Tran Trong Kim government.

On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Photo: TTXVN.

Not only is this the place where Uncle Ho read the declaration of independence, but this is also the place where many important events of the country’s history take place. Since the liberation of the capital; from 1954 to 1969; this is still the place where Uncle Ho lived and worked; and is the venue for important meetings of the Party Central Committee, the Government, and the National Assembly.

Explore the complex of Ba Dinh Square

It is a tourist destination not to be missed once you have arrived in Hanoi. Not only attracts Vietnamese tourists, but also foreign tourists are very interested in this destination.

Located right in front of the majestic Uncle Ho’s mausoleum, the large stretching square makes any Vietnamese people standing here unable to help but waver. Another very wonderful experience is waking up early to admire the scene of raising the flag in the middle of historic Ba Dinh Square; watching the flag flutter, everyone is filled with emotions.

Another highlight that tourists love is nearly 200 squares of green grass, thousands of square meters wide. This area can accommodate 200,000 people, showing the vastness of Ba Dinh Square. If you are lucky, you can admire the parade of the mausoleum guards in majestic white clothes.

Coming to Ba Dinh Square, you can not ignore the unique architectural works in the relic complex of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum; such as:

For the capital Hanoi in particular and the country of Vietnam in general, Ba Dinh Square is not only a destination to visit but also a symbol and pride of the Vietnamese people. Coming here is a definite desire to be achieved by all Vietnamese people.

Ba Dinh Square at night

At night.

How to get to Ba Dinh Square from the city center of Hanoi?

Ba Dinh Square is located in the center of Ba Dinh district, so you can travel by public car, which is very convenient.
If traveling by private car, remember to note the two parking spots:

  • Ong Ich Khiem Street, opposite the Mausoleum Guard Command
  • Ngoc Ha Street, the entrance to Ho Chi Minh Museum

If you choose to take the bus, you can refer to some routes that pass through Ba Dinh Square as follows:

  • Bus No.09: Hoan Kiem Lake – Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Bus No.33: Yen Nghia bus station – Xuan Dinh
  • Bus No.22: Gia Lam – Kim Ma bus station
  • Bus No.45: Times City – Nam Thang Long Bus Station
  • Bus No. 50: Long Bien – National Stadium

Alternatively, you can also try taking the double-decker Hanoi City Tour bus departing from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to Cach Mang Thang Tam Square. In each turn, you will visit 30 scenic spots of Hanoi’s capital, including Ba Dinh Square. Traveling in this form is very popular because it is not only fun and safe, but you can also see the streets of Hanoi slowly and comfortably.

A flag raising ceremony was held at Ba Dinh Square at 6am

A flag raising ceremony was held at Ba Dinh Square at 6 am

In addition, Ba Dinh Square also holds the ceremony of raising the flag every day at exactly 6 am in summer and 6:30 am in winter and lowering the flag at 9 pm on the same day. This ceremony is performed by the Honor Guard in front of the Presidential Mausoleum.

In the event of national mourning, to pay respects; and when a great accident occurs, agencies, offices, and even will fly the flag at half-staff for 2 days, starting at 12 noon.