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Whether you're a history enthusiast or not, Ba Dinh Square remains an intriguing tourist spot in Hanoi. Let's explore this historical and cultural complex with Klook Vietnam!
Since the autumn of 1945, Ba Dinh Square has become a sacred place for Hanoians and Vietnamese alike. Despite the passing springs, the cherished memories and the solemn atmosphere of the Independence Day still linger, beckoning everyone to visit during their trip to Hanoi.
Ba Dinh Square is part of the Ba Dinh historical and cultural complex, hosting grand parades on significant Vietnamese holidays. It serves as both a tourist attraction and a recreational spot for travelers and locals in Hanoi.
#teamKlook, your journey to Hanoi will be smoother and more economical with Klook Vietnam. Quickly book your Hanoi hotel accommodations or private cars on Klook to enjoy exploring Ba Dinh Square and many other exciting Hanoi tourist attractions.
Introducing Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi
Ba Dinh Square is considered the most important and largest square in Vietnam, with its prominent structure being Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Ba Dinh Square marks many significant historical events of Vietnam, especially on September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh, the temporary revolutionary government leader, read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Today, Ba Dinh Square is a large square capable of accommodating about 200,000 people. The square is adorned with hundreds of square grass patches, interspersed with wide walkways. These grass patches not only increase the green space of the square but also help cool down the concrete surface. The grass planted in the square is ginger grass, which remains green throughout the year and can withstand trampling. In the center of the square stands a 25-meter flagpole, behind which is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
History of Ba Dinh Square
In 1808, under the reign of King Gia Long, the Imperial Citadel was demolished to build a new, smaller citadel to serve as the headquarters for the Northern Citadel. The area of Ba Dinh Square today is the West Gate of the new citadel. In 1831, King Minh Mang named the new citadel Hanoi.
By the early 20th century, this area was wilderness, along with newly reclaimed lakes. The French built a flower garden named Rond Point Puginier, or Round Square. Around this Puginier Flower Garden were some administrative buildings, villas such as the Residence of the Governor-General (1902), now the Presidential Palace, Albert Sarraut School (1919), now the Central Party Office and Ministry of Finance (1925), now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The name Ba Dinh Square was given by Mayor - Doctor Tran Van Lai. He chose the name Ba Dinh to honor the heroism of General Dinh Cong Trang, who bravely fought against the French at the Ba Dinh base, Thanh Hoa in the late 19th century.
In August 1945, the successful August Revolution event made the Vietnamese people true masters of their country. Many locations were considered for the Independence Day ceremony, and eventually Ba Dinh Square was chosen.
On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh, as the temporary President of the Government, stepped up to the podium to read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, ending thousands of years of feudalism, imperialism, and colonialism.
Where is Ba Dinh Square Located?
Ba Dinh Square is located on Hung Vuong Street, in Dien Ban Ward, Ba Dinh District.
To the north of the square is the Central Office of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to the south is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the west is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and to the east is Ba Dinh Hall.
How to Get to Ba Dinh Square
Ba Dinh Square is located in the heart of Ba Dinh district, so you can travel by private car or public transport, both are very convenient.
If you choose to travel by private car, remember to note two parking spots:
- Ong Ich Khiem Street, opposite the Headquarters of the Tomb Guard Command
- Ngoc Ha Street, entrance to Ho Chi Minh Museum
If you opt for the bus, you can consider some routes passing through Ba Dinh Square as follows:
- Bus number 09: Ho Tay – Ho Tay
- Bus number 33: Yen Nghia Bus Station – Xuan Dinh
- Bus number 22: Gia Lam Bus Station – Kim Ma
- Bus number 45: Times City – Nam Thang Long Bus Station
- Bus number 50: Long Bien – National Stadium
Moreover, you can also try the Hanoi City Tour double-decker bus departing from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to August Revolution Square. On each trip, you will visit 30 scenic spots of Hanoi, including Ba Dinh Square. This transportation method is highly favored because it's not only fun and safe but also allows you to leisurely admire the streets of Hanoi.
Ba Dinh Square Opening Hours
You can visit and enjoy Ba Dinh Square from 5 am to 10 pm every day of the week.
Ba Dinh Square Entrance Fee Reference
There is no admission fee for Ba Dinh Square, so feel free to come and go as you please.
What is Ba Dinh Square in English?
Ba Dinh Square in English is Ba Dinh Square.
Significant Events at Ba Dinh Square
Ba Dinh Square is not only where military parades and processions take place on major Vietnamese holidays but also witnesses many significant historical events of the country such as:
On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, the temporary President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
On January 1, 1955, Hanoi residents participated in rallies and the first military parade of the People's Army of Vietnam, celebrating the return of the Central Vietnamese Workers' Party and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam government to Hanoi.
On September 9, 1969, the solemn funeral of President Ho Chi Minh was held.
On September 2, 1975, a grand military parade and procession celebrating the reunification of the country were organized.
On October 10, 2010, large-scale rallies, parades, and processions were held to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi.
On September 2, 2015, a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam also took place at the square.
In addition, Ba Dinh Square also holds the daily flag-raising ceremony at 6 a.m. in summer and 6:30 a.m. in winter, and lowering the flag at 9 p.m. on the same day. This ceremony is performed by the Honor Guard in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
In the event of national mourning, as a gesture of respect and in times of disaster, government offices, and even Ba Dinh Square, will fly the flag at half-mast for 2 days, starting from 12 noon.
Architectural Landmarks Near Ba Dinh Square Worth Visiting
Ba Dinh Square is an extremely unique architectural complex with significant historical significance throughout the developmental stages of the Vietnamese nation.
Besides the central square area, you can explore other architectural landmarks such as: Ba Dinh Hall, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Martyrs' Memorial Monument, Presidential Palace Historical Site, One Pillar Pagoda, and Hoang Thanh Thang Long relic.
Hotels Near Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi
There are plenty of accommodation options with excellent, luxurious services, and reasonable prices around Ba Dinh Square for you to choose from. Remember to book your hotel room through the Klook Vietnam system, and use additional discount codes to get the best prices.
1. Lotte Hotel Hanoi
- Address: 54 Lieu Giai, Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price range: 2,529,000 VND/night
2. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel
- Address: 360 Kim Ma, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price range: 1,460,000 VND/night
3. Super Hotel Candle
- Address: 287-301 Doi Can, Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price range: 1,143,000 VND/night
4. Grandiose Hotel & Spa
- Address: 9-11 Lieu Giai, Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price range: 1,248,000 VND/night
5. Fortuna Hotel Hanoi
- Address: 6B Lang Ha, Thanh Cong Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price range: 1,074,000 VND/night
Ba Dinh Square is a solemn yet captivating place renowned for its picturesque landscape and distinctive architectural ensemble. It has been closely associated with the profound transformations of the Vietnamese nation, witnessing numerous significant cultural and historical events. Whether in the past, present, or future, Ba Dinh Square retains immense spiritual value for every Vietnamese.
If you ever visit Hanoi, #teamKlook will definitely not miss such a meaningful place like this! Moreover, to make your trip more luxurious, don't forget to explore historical and cultural sites in Hanoi such as Ngoc Son Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, or museums. Also, check out the list of beautiful hotels, homestays, or resorts in Hanoi for your reference on Klook's Blog.
Have you ever wandered around Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi?
