Every true child of Vietnam surely knows about Ba Dinh Square. It's where the glorious spirit of the Vietnamese people is etched after enduring years of colonial domination. It's also where our great leader, Ho Chi Minh, read the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of Vietnam. Let's explore the historical Ba Dinh Square with Vntrip, tracing Vietnam's ups and downs.
The History of Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square in the 1980s
Ba Dinh Square initially served as the western gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, bustling with trade and various craft villages. By the early 20th century, the French constructed the square and named it after a French priest named Puginier.

The square is where significant events take place
Undergoing two more name changes, from Hong Bang Square to Independence Square, it finally acquired its current name. A lesser-known fact is that Ba Dinh Square was not named by Uncle Ho but by Dr. Tran Van Lai, the mayor of Hanoi under the Tran Trong Kim government.

Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence
Not only is it where Uncle Ho read the declaration of independence, but it's also the site of many significant events in our country's history. From the day the capital was liberated, from 1954 to 1969, it was also where Uncle Ho lived and worked, hosting crucial meetings of the Party Central Committee, the Government, and the National Assembly.
Exploring the Ba Dinh Square Complex

The heritage complex of Ba Dinh Square
A must-visit spot once you set foot in Hanoi. It not only captivates Vietnamese tourists but also enthralls foreign travelers. With time, Ba Dinh Square only grows more mysterious and enchanting.

Raising the flag every morning at the Square
Situated right in front of the majestic Mausoleum, the spacious square stretches far and wide, stirring emotions in every Vietnamese heart who stands here. Another fantastic experience is waking up early to witness the flag-raising ceremony in the historical Ba Dinh Square, watching the flag fluttering in the breeze evokes strong emotions in everyone.

Ba Dinh Square from above

People lining up in the square to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum
Another highlight that tourists love is the nearly 200 square meters of lush green grass, spanning thousands of square meters. This area can accommodate 20 thousand people, demonstrating the vastness of Ba Dinh Square. If you're lucky, you may witness the solemn procession of guards in white uniforms around the mausoleum.

Some ceremonies held at the Square

Military parade at the Square
Visiting Ba Dinh Square, you cannot overlook the unique architectural structures within the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex such as:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Ba Dinh Hall
- Monument to the Fallen Heroes
- Ho Chi Minh Fish Pond
- ….

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
For the capital Hanoi in particular and the country of Vietnam in general, Ba Dinh Square is not just a tourist destination but also a symbol, a source of pride for the Vietnamese people. Setting foot here is the ultimate aspiration of every Vietnamese citizen.
Read more articles:
- Explore the Vietnam Museum of Nature – a miniature world of mesmerizing flora and fauna
- Discover the Hoang Thanh Thang Long heritage from A to Z
- Experience and guide to visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum