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Are you looking for a tourist destination rich in history and culture of Hanoi and Vietnam? Do you want to learn about the important events that took place here? Join BDATrip to explore Ba Dinh Square - a special historical and cultural site of Hanoi in this article.
Ba Dinh Square, with its rich history and culture, has evolved since the 11th century under the reign of King Lý Thái Tổ, when he chose Thăng Long as the capital. The square's name is derived from a nearby ancient village, Ba Đình, also known as Đồng Nhân. This area is famous for its religious structures and was the residence of many merchants and artisans.
During the French colonial period, the square became a center for military and cultural events. In 1897, the French constructed the Palais du Gouverneur-Général de l'Indochine, later renamed Independence Palace, and today is the Presidential Palace.
After Vietnam's independence, the square became a venue for important political, cultural, and social events. In 1958, the Mausoleum of President Hồ Chí Minh began construction here as a memorial symbol. In 1975, Square witnessed a historic event: the ceremony welcoming the liberation army from the South into the capital, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the country's unification.
Ba Dinh Square is located in the heart of Hanoi's capital, in front of the Mausoleum of President Hồ Chí Minh. Spanning approximately 32,000 square meters, the square can accommodate tens of thousands of people. It is surrounded by a combination of historic and modern structures, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly, the Hồ Chí Minh Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Hanoi Opera House, and the famous Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel.
Famous as the soul of both Hanoi and Vietnam, Ba Dinh Square is a witness to significant moments in the nation's history. Most notably, on September 2, 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh declared the Independence Declaration here, affirming Vietnam as a sovereign and free country. This significant event became a proud and unforgettable milestone for millions of Vietnamese. Since then, the square has become a symbol of national unity, determination, and sacrifice in Vietnam's struggle for independence and nation-building.
Ba Dinh Square is a Hanoi tourist site with no entrance fee, open to visitors. However, to visit the Mausoleum of President Hồ Chí Minh or the Hồ Chí Minh Museum, visitors need to purchase tickets ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 VND, depending on the type of ticket.
A variety of transportation options make it easy for visitors to reach the square. You can choose buses, motorbike taxis, taxis, motorcycles, or bicycles. Here are some convenient bus routes to the square:
- Route 09: My Dinh Bus Station
- Route 22: Yen Nghia Bus Station
- Route 33: Giap Bat Bus Station
- Route 45: Nuoc Ngam Bus Station
If you are nearby, you can choose to walk from famous tourist spots such as Ho Guom, the Big Church, or the Old Quarter.
Ba Dinh Square is renowned for its two distinctive ceremonies: the Flag Raising in the morning and the Flag Lowering in the evening. These solemn ceremonies show respect for President Ho Chi Minh and the deep patriotism of the Vietnamese people.
Held at 6 am, the Flag Raising ceremony begins with the meticulous preparation of a selected military unit, performing synchronized movements to raise the flag on the 25m flagpole. Similarly, the Flag Lowering ceremony is conducted at 9 pm with equal solemnity. Throughout the process, the echoing of the Vietnamese National Anthem adds to the solemn atmosphere.
These are not only symbolic activities but also precious opportunities for visitors to experience the pride and emotion of the people of Hanoi and Vietnam. Additionally, visitors can capture memorable moments with the Vietnamese flag and the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh.
The Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh is the resting place of the beloved leader who led the Vietnamese nation to independence and unification. This unique architectural work, in the style of Stalin, is designed in the two main colors of red and yellow. The square-shaped mausoleum, 21.6m high and 41.2m wide, presents a dignified appearance.
Inside, the body of President Ho Chi Minh is carefully preserved in a glass coffin, guarded by solemn soldiers.
Visitors to the Mausoleum must adhere to strict regulations: dress formally, do not bring food, drinks, cameras, or camcorders; maintain order, do not talk, clap hands, or point. The process of lining up and moving is guided by security staff. The Mausoleum welcomes visitors from 8 am to 11:30 am, from Tuesday to Sunday, except on special occasions.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum, a special cultural space, displays artifacts, documents, and images related to the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh. The unique architecture of the museum, with a hexagonal shape, 29.5m high and 20.5m wide, in a modern style, attracts visitors' attention. It consists of three floors with various exhibition spaces, from temporary to permanent exhibitions, and special exhibition rooms, providing a comprehensive view of Vietnam's history and culture.
Visitors need to purchase tickets to enter the museum: 40,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students, and 10,000 VND for children. Additionally, an audio guide service is available for 20,000 VND, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of each artifact. The museum is open from 8 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 4:30 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday, inviting guests to explore and learn.
The Presidential Palace, once the center of work and life for President Ho Chi Minh from 1954 to 1969, is a distinctive architectural work. The French architectural style with dominant colors of light yellow and white creates an elegant and refined appearance of the Palace. This two-story building includes various spaces such as offices, living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, displaying personal belongings, gifts, and artworks related to the life and career of the President.
To visit the Presidential Palace, tickets are priced at 25,000 VND for adults, 15,000 VND for students, and 10,000 VND for children. Strict regulations on dress code and behavior such as proper attire, no food, drinks, cameras, camcorders, no talking, clapping, or pointing must be followed. The Palace is open from 8 am to 11:30 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday, inviting visitors to explore and learn about an important part of Vietnam's history.
The Stilt House and Uncle Ho's Fish Pond, where President Ho Chi Minh chose to live and work from 1958 to 1969 after leaving the Presidential Palace, is a meaningful tourist spot. Designed in the traditional Vietnamese architectural style, the area uses wood, bamboo, and thatch as the main materials, offering a rustic and intimate beauty. Besides the central stilt house, the area includes a fish pond, flower garden, vegetable garden, and other auxiliary structures.
Visitors to the Stilt House and Uncle Ho's Fish Pond must follow certain rules: dress neatly, do not bring food or drinks, cameras, camcorders, maintain silence, no clapping or pointing. The area is open from 8 am to 11:30 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the life and work of President Ho Chi Minh.
To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience when visiting Ba Dinh Square, remember the following guidelines:
- Exploring the square in the morning or evening is ideal to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Choose modest clothing, not too short or revealing, and avoid images or writing that could be offensive.
- Bring protective items like hats, sunscreen, drinking water, and tissues to shield yourself from the weather.
- Maintain order and silence throughout the Flag Raising and Lowering ceremonies, and refrain from taking photos or videos.
- Strictly adhere to regulations at places like the Mausoleum of President Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, and the Stilt House, including not touching artifacts, not defacing, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Ensure personal and property safety: hold on to your tickets, do not leave belongings in public places, be cautious with money and jewelry, and avoid interacting with strangers.
After exploring Ba Dinh Square, you can relax and enjoy dining at the following attractive locations:
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel: A symbol of luxury and history, this hotel is located near the square. With refined rooms, high-class amenities like a swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and bar, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel has welcomed many famous personalities such as Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene, Bill Clinton, and Angelina Jolie.
- Cong Cafe: Situated on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, about 2km from square, this café features a classic and unique style. Decorated with items reminiscent of the subsidy period, Cộng Café offers an atmosphere like stepping back in time. The café serves various special coffees, including egg coffee, milk coffee, and coconut coffee, which are must-try options.
When visiting Ba Dinh Square, don't miss out on trying Hanoi's distinctive dishes at nearby eateries, restaurants, and street food stalls. Here are some culinary suggestions not to be missed:
- Pho: A culinary symbol of Hanoi, Pho offers a unique taste with delicious broth, soft rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef or chicken, accompanied by herbs, onions, lemon, and chili. Suitable to enjoy at any time of the day, Pho is available everywhere with prices ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 VND per bowl.
- Bun cha: An appealing dish with fresh noodles, fragrant grilled pork, rich dipping sauce, fresh vegetables, and spring rolls. Typically enjoyed at noon, Bún chả is priced from 40,000 to 80,000 VND per serving.
- Banh cuon: A light and tasty dish consisting of soft rice rolls filled with pork and mushrooms, fried shallots, dipping sauce, cinnamon pork, and herbs. Ideal for breakfast, Banh cuon costs from 20,000 to 50,000 VND per plate.
- Che: A sweet and refreshing dessert, Che is a mixture of sugar water, mung beans, black beans, tapioca strands, sticky rice cakes, jelly, tapioca pearls, yogurt, and ice cream. Perfect to enjoy in the afternoon or evening, Che is priced from 10,000 to 30,000 VND per glass.
Ba Dinh Square will offer you an unforgettable and exciting experience. Visit this famous site today and enjoy its fascinating and marvelous attractions!
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