1. Overview

Ba Dinh Square is a public square located in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is a historic and culturally significant site known for its political significance and association with the country’s struggle for independence in Vietnam. Ba Dinh Square is 320 meters long and 100 meters wide, accommodating 200,000 people. The square is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike and hosts events such as flag-raising ceremonies, political rallies, and national holiday celebrations, providing tourists with a unique opportunity to witness Vietnamese culture and tradition.

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2. Explore Ba Dinh Square

2.1. General information of Ba Dinh Square

  • Location: Hung Vuong street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Open time: From 5 AM to 10 PM/ everyday
  • Ticket price: Free

2.2. Transportation to Ba Dinh Square

If you want to visit Ba Dinh Square, there are many ways:

  • Public buses: you can catch buses number 09, 34, 22,  and the closest bus stop is located just a short walk from the square.
  • Taxi or Grab:  widely available in Hanoi, convenient option for those who prefer door-to-door service.
  • Motorbike or bicycle: can be rented from various shops and vendors throughout the city, or in your hotel.
  • Walking: Ba Dinh Square is located in the center of Hanoi, and it can be easily reached by foot for those staying nearby. Walking can also be a great way to explore the surrounding area and discover other nearby attractions.

2.3. History of Ba Dinh Square

There have been many important events in Vietnam’s history that have taken place at Ba Dinh Square. Here are a few notable events:

  • September 2, 1945: On this date, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam at Ba Dinh Square, officially declaring the country’s independence from France. This event is known as the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
  • October 10, 1954: This was the day that the Geneva Accords were signed, which officially ended the First Indochina War and temporarily divided Vietnam into two parts along the 17th parallel. The signing took place at Ba Dinh Square.
  • September 2, 1975: On the 30th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, the reunification of North and South Vietnam was celebrated at Ba Dinh Square. This event marked the end of the Vietnam War.

2.4. Events and Activities at Ba Dinh Square

Flag raising and lowering ceremony

The ceremony takes place twice a day, in the morning and the evening. All tourists to the Mausoleum are welcome to attend every day.

  • At 6 AM, a group of soldiers dressed in white uniforms marches towards the flagpole, and the flag is raised to the top of the pole while the soldiers stand at attention and the anthem plays.
  • At 9 PM, the ceremony is repeated in reverse, with the flag being lowered while the anthem plays and the soldiers stand at attention.

2.4.1. National holidays

Ba Dinh Square is a popular place to celebrate national holidays, such as Independence Day, Reunification Day, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, etc . During these celebrations, the square is often decorated with flowers, banners and Vietnamese flags.

2.4.2. Exercise and recreation 

In the evenings, Ba Dinh Square is a popular place for locals to exercise and engage in recreational activities, such as jogging, playing soccer, or walking together. Just make sure to be mindful of other visitors and avoid any areas that may be roped off for special events.

2.5. Landmarks and monuments nearby Ba Dinh Square

2.5.1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was built in 1975 to honor Ho Chi Minh, who passed away in 1969. The mausoleum is located at Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh’s body is kept, and the people’s historical events are kept.

  • Location: 8 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam 
  • Open time: From 8 AM to 11 AM/ everyday (closed on Monday and Friday)
  • Ticket price: 25,000 VND/ pax

2.5.2. Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace is the residence and working place of the President and Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the headquarters of the Presidential Office.

  • Location: 2 Hung Vuong, Ngoc Ho, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Open time: From 7 AM to 4 PM/ everyday (closed on Saturday and Sunday)
  • Ticket price: 25,000 VND/ pax

2.5.3. Uncle Ho’s Stilt House

Uncle Ho’s Stilt House is where Ho Chi Minh’s Uncle lived and worked for the longest time of his life in revolutionary activities, from 1958 to 1969, and is now an important part of the complex of the Presidential Palace.

  • Location: 1 Ngoc Ha ward, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Open time: From 7:30 AM to 11 AM – From 1:30 PM to 4 PM
  • Ticket price: Free

2.5.4. One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple located in Hanoi. The pagoda is constructed of wood and stands on a single stone pillar, which is said to represent a lotus flower rising from the water.

  • Location: One Pillar Pagoda, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Open time: From 7 AM to 6 PM/ everyday
  • Ticket price: Free for Vietnamese people and 25,000 VND/ Foreigner

2.5.5. Vietnam Military History Museum

The Vietnam Military History Museum was established in 1956 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The museum features a collection of over 16,000 items, including weapons, photographs, documents, and other artifacts.

  • Location: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Open time: From 8 AM to 11:30 AM – From 1 PM to 4:30 PM/ everyday (closed on Monday and Friday)
  • Ticket price: 20,000 VND/ pax.
    For children under 16 years old and the elderly: 10,000 VND/ pax

2.6. The best time to visit Ba Dinh Square

If you want to visit Ba Dinh Square with fewer tourists, the best time is from May to October.

If you want to visit Ba Dinh Square with cooler weather and more comfortable exploring the outdoor attractions, the best time is from November to April.

It can be said that Ba Dinh Square is a must-go place when visiting Hanoi. The square is located in the heart of Hanoi, very easy to move, and this is a place to help you discover the culture and history of Vietnam.

To wrap up, Ba Dinh Square serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for independence and its rich heritage. It continues to be an important part of Vietnamese national identity. If you want to discover more ideal places in Hanoi, Metta Voyage suggests you tour Exploring Stunning Views on Hanoi and Freedom And Relax in Hanoi.

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