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Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum located within Ba Dinh Square to pay respects to Vietnam's leader. Explore the surrounding historical landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Stroll around the square to experience the local atmosphere and historical significance.
Ba Dinh Square , located in the heart of Hanoi, northwest of Hoan Kiem Lake, is where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. With a capacity of 100,000 to 200,000 people, the square serves as a venue for gatherings and festivals for the people of Hanoi, arguably the heart of Hanoi.
Ba Dinh Square houses the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the former residence of President Ho Chi Minh. Several radiating boulevards connect the square to the rest of Hanoi, including Hung Vuong Road, a 1,000- meter- long and 24- meter-wide road that runs through the square.
There is a flag-raising ceremony every morning at 6:00 and in the afternoon
On major holidays such as Labor Day and National Day, grand gatherings are held in Ba Dinh Square.
Tourist attractions: Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Vietnamese flagpole
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
free
All day
Ba Dinh Square is historically significant as the site where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence in 1945. It is home to key monuments and buildings, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace, representing Vietnam's national pride and independence.
Ba Dinh Square is located in central Hanoi, Vietnam. You can reach it easily by taxi or walking from major areas in the city. Buses also pass nearby, but there is no metro system in Hanoi.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays, except for Mondays and Fridays. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
Visiting Ba Dinh Square and the surrounding monuments is free, but there is a small fee for entering the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which can be purchased at the entrance. Tickets for the mausoleum are not available online.
No advance booking is necessary for general access to Ba Dinh Square. However, for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it’s recommended to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A visit to Ba Dinh Square typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the surrounding sites such as the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the surrounding gardens are the must-see highlights of the area.
Guided tours are available in English, French, and Vietnamese. Audio guides are also available for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The best photography spots are near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. The One Pillar Pagoda also offers great photo opportunities with its unique design and setting in a tranquil pond.
Start by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then stroll through the gardens and visit the Presidential Palace. Finish your visit with a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda for a peaceful moment.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Ba Dinh Square. However, the square itself is beautifully lit in the evening, offering a peaceful atmosphere for evening walks.
Ba Dinh Square can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, on weekdays.
Toilets and water stations are available near the entrance to the mausoleum. There are no food shops inside the square, but nearby areas offer local restaurants and cafes.
Ba Dinh Square is generally accessible, with paved paths around the mausoleum and the surrounding areas. However, some parts of the site, such as the One Pillar Pagoda, may be difficult to access for people with mobility challenges.
Cash is required for small purchases, including souvenirs. Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at nearby restaurants and some shops.
There are several restaurants and cafes near Ba Dinh Square, including both traditional Vietnamese eateries and international options like Pho 10 and The Hanoi Social Club.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan food options available in nearby cafes and restaurants. Halal food is also available in some Muslim-friendly restaurants in Hanoi.
Nearby hotels include the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi Pearl Hotel, and the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel. These are within walking distance from Ba Dinh Square and offer various price ranges.
Nearby attractions include the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hanoi Opera House. These can be easily combined with a visit to Ba Dinh Square for a full day of sightseeing in Hanoi.
There are several souvenir shops in Hanoi selling items like silk scarves, lacquerware, wooden carvings, and traditional Vietnamese handicrafts. These can be found near major attractions and markets.
After visiting Ba Dinh Square, the best transportation options are taxis, motorbike taxis (Xe Om), or walking to nearby attractions. Buses also serve the area, with stops nearby.
