Ba Dinh Square – Where the sacred birth of Vietnam took place

Talking about Hanoi inevitably leads to mentioning Ba Dinh Square. It's not just a famous tourist spot at home and abroad but also a part of history and a source of pride for the Vietnamese people. Exploring the square will give you unforgettable experiences. Let's discover it together right now!

1. Introduction to Ba Dinh Square

Hanoi boasts numerous famous and captivating tourist attractions. Among them stands out Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi.

Back in the day, the square was just an empty plot of land. When the French arrived in Vietnam, they transformed it into the Pugininer flower garden and built office buildings and villas. After the Japanese ousted the French, Tran Van Lai City Market renamed the flower garden to Ba Dinh Square.

Once the square was officially named, it was chosen as the venue for the most important event for all Vietnamese people. On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The square then was like a sea of people with flags and flowers. Everyone's faces were radiant, cheerful, and bursting with happiness. Those who were present at that time still cannot forget the atmosphere and their emotions on that momentous day.

Later on, the square was also referred to by another name, Independence Square or Hong Bang Square. The name Ba Dinh Square is still retained to commemorate this sacred historical event.

Introduction to Ba Dinh Square – historical formation

In 1808, based on the decree to dismantle the Imperial Citadel to build a smaller citadel by King Gia Long, the square was constructed. At that time, the land was located west of the new citadel. Later, King Minh Mang named it Hanoi Citadel.

At the beginning of the 20th century, this area was abandoned and became an empty plot of land with ponds. The French, upon arrival, created a flower garden and named it Rond Point Puginier, or also known as Round Square.

The French built many office buildings around this area such as the Governor's Palace, which is now the Presidential Palace, Albert Sarraut School, which is now the Central Party Committee Office, and the Treasury Department...

During the period of the Japanese coup against the French, the name Ba Dinh Square was bestowed by the then mayor of Hanoi, Dr. Tran Van Lai, to honor the heroic resistance of General Dinh Cong Trang against the French in Ba Dinh stronghold, Thanh Hoa province at the end of the 19th century.

A month later, Uncle Ho chose the square as the venue for the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, ending thousands of years of feudalism, imperialism, and colonialism.

2. Address and directions to Ba Dinh Square

Where is Ba Dinh Square located? The square is situated on Hung Vuong Street, Dien Ban Ward, Ba Dinh District, bordering important agencies, buildings, and headquarters such as: Party Central Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Travelers wishing to visit Ba Dinh Square can consider the following transportation options:

3. Ticket prices for visiting Ba Dinh Square

Visitors to Ba Dinh Square do not need to purchase tickets as it is a free attraction. The square is open from 5 am to 10 pm daily. Each moment brings its own beauty, and you can visit anytime according to your personal schedule.

4. An exciting journey to Ba Dinh Square

Visiting Ba Dinh Square, you'll discover many fascinating things. What are they? Let's find out right now.

4.1. Explore the architecture of Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square boasts the largest scale among all squares in Vietnam at present.

The main facade of the square currently faces west - the location of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The square's area measures 320m in length, 100m in width, and can accommodate up to 200,000 people at once.

The square area is divided into 168 small and large lush green grass squares, thriving in all four seasons. Between the grass squares are 1.4m-wide walkways for people to stroll, enjoying the scenery, and avoiding stepping on the grass.

In the center of the square stands a 30m-high flagpole. On Independence Day or during the Monday flag-raising ceremony, this is the most sacred place in the capital city of Hanoi.

Currently, Ba Dinh Square is used to hold rallies, significant events, or large-scale historical commemorative ceremonies. Visiting the square will surely leave travelers with unforgettable impressions and emotions.

4.2. Exploring nearby attractions to Ba Dinh Square

After soaking in the atmosphere at the square, travelers can visit nearby famous tourist destinations such as:

4.2.1 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was built on September 2, 1973, on the former site of the ceremonial hall, behind the square. It is where the body of President Ho Chi Minh is preserved and open to visitors.

Since its inauguration, the mausoleum has welcomed over 60 million visitors, including 11 million international guests.

For Vietnamese people, visiting Uncle Ho's mausoleum is an act of expressing love for the great Father, a customary tradition that is indispensable and maintained for generations.

The architecture of the mausoleum is quite simple, not extravagant or luxurious, yet it possesses an irresistible charm, simple yet profoundly sacred.

The entire structure is made of stone to symbolize its sacred historical significance. You can visit the mausoleum at any time of the year, with the busiest periods being around the holidays of April 30th and September 2nd.

4.2.2. Ho Chi Minh Museum

The museum is located in the southern part of the square, allowing you to combine visits to two attractions when you come to the capital city of Hanoi.

The architecture of the museum is built in a modern style with large panels, geometric shapes, and bold lines. The museum currently houses documents, artifacts, and images of Uncle Ho.

The museum also features exhibition areas on the themes of images of Vietnam and culture - history, which are attractive to viewers.

4.2.3. Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace used to be where Uncle Ho worked as the Head of the Party and State. After His passing, it became a memorial site. While the Presidential Palace is not open to visitors, you can still feel its classic French elegance from the outside.

4.2.4. Stilt House and Ho Chi Minh's Fish Pond

Similar to the Presidential Palace, the stilt house and fish pond were also places where Uncle Ho lived and worked in the past. The stilt house still preserves artifacts including utensils and materials that Uncle Ho used.

Visiting the stilt house area, you'll be reminded of Uncle Ho's leisurely moments after work. He often strolled around the fish pond, feeding the fish. The image of Uncle Ho, simple and close to nature, exudes the essence of the national identity.

4.2.5. One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda is located within the Ba Dinh Square complex, making it convenient for tourists to visit. From afar, the pagoda resembles a lotus rising from the water, shining brightly, symbolizing the idea of 'rising from mud but not tainted by its smell.'

5. Tips for Visiting Ba Dinh Square

Some tips that tourists should pay attention to when visiting Ba Dinh Square:

6. Tourists' Check-In Photos at Ba Dinh Square

The image of Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi holds great spiritual and historical significance in the minds of the Vietnamese people. If you have the chance to visit the capital, you should capture many memorable photos at the place where Uncle Ho proclaimed the birth of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

We've just introduced you to a highly famous tourist destination in the capital - Ba Dinh Square. Hopefully, if you ever visit Hanoi, you'll have the opportunity to come to the square and meet the beloved Father of the Vietnamese people.

Posted by: Sand Grain

Keyword: Ba Dinh Square – The Sacred Birthplace of Vietnam