Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi

Square in Hanoi

Hanoi Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on Ba Dinh Square
Hanoi Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on Ba Dinh Square
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Vyacheslav Argenberg

Ba Đình Square is one of the most symbolic public spaces in Vietnam, deeply woven into the country's modern identity. It was here, on September 2, 1945, that President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, marking the birth of a new nation. For travellers seeking a meaningful connection to Vietnam's past, the square remains one of the must-see places in Hanoi.

Surrounded by grand government buildings and forming part of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Ba Đình Square is often visited on walking tours of Hanoi's Ba Dinh District. Its open lawns, solemn atmosphere, and powerful historical associations make it a central stop for visitors exploring the capital's political heritage.

History and Significance of Ba Đình Square

Ba Đình Square takes its name from the Ba Đình Uprising, an anti-French resistance movement from 1886 to 1887. This revolt was part of the larger Cần Vương movement, which aimed to restore Vietnamese independence from colonial rule. The name honours the spirit of national defiance that would later define the events of 1945.

The square became globally significant on September 2, 1945, when Ho Chi Minh stood before tens of thousands and read the Declaration of Independence. His speech established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and marked the beginning of the country’s revolutionary era.

After Ho Chi Minh's death in 1969, the government built the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at the head of the square to house his embalmed body. Completed in 1975, the mausoleum stands as a solemn tribute to the nation's founding leader. Today, Ba Đình Square continues to be the site of major national events, parades, and ceremonies.

Things to See and Do in Ba Đình Square

Ba Đình Square offers a thoughtful and reflective experience, surrounded by some of Hanoi's most important buildings.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The enormous granite structure is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh. Visitors can pay their respects and witness the changing of the guards.

Presidential Palace
An elegant French colonial building painted in striking yellow. While the interior is not open to visitors, the surrounding gardens are part of guided tours.

National Assembly Building
A modern architectural landmark representing contemporary Vietnam and its political future.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Planning and Investment
These grand administrative buildings frame the square, emphasising its ongoing role as the political centre of the nation.

Reflective Walkways
Wide lawns and shaded paths provide peaceful areas for walking, photography, and observing daily life.

How to Get to Ba Đình Square

Located in Ba Đình District, the square is easy to reach from most central areas of Hanoi. Visitors arriving by air at Nội Bài International Airport will reach the area in about 40 minutes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hanoi on Booking.com.
Hanoi Railway Station is close by, with taxis and buses providing quick access to Ba Đình. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Travelling by car is straightforward thanks to well-linked roads, though the area can be busy during peak visiting hours.

Practical Tips on Visiting Ba Đình Square

  • Suggested tips: Visit early to watch the sunrise as it illuminates the mausoleum’s façade.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or evening for cooler temperatures.
  • How long to spend: 30-45 minutes, longer if visiting the mausoleum.
  • Accessibility: Flat, open spaces suitable for wheelchairs.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and visitor amenities available at nearby attractions.
  • Photography tip: Capture the symmetry of the square with the mausoleum centred in the background.
  • Guided tours: Often combined with visits to the mausoleum and stilt house.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés and small eateries along Hung Vuong and nearby streets.

Where to Stay close to Ba Đình Square

For convenient access to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and surrounding monuments, consider staying in Ba Đình or central Hanoi. A refined option is Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake. A comfortable mid-range choice is Super Hotel Candle. For boutique style near both Ba Đình and Hoan Kiem, try La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel.

Is Ba Đình Square Worth Visiting?

Yes, Ba Đình Square is an essential stop for anyone interested in Vietnam's modern history. As the birthplace of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it offers a powerful and reflective experience. This spot is one of the best places to see in Hanoi for understanding the nation's identity.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (5,750)

Ba Dinh Square, located on Hùng Vương in Ba Đình, Hà Nội, is a large, well maintained open plaza surrounding the imposing mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh's body lies; visitors describe it as spacious, clean and solemn, with nearby attractions including the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Entry to some areas is free but dress modestly (long pants or dresses) if you plan to enter certain sites; the mausoleum has limited morning visiting hours and strict security—bags and cameras may need to be left at a storage point—and some parts can be closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

G Whizz
3 weeks ago
"We visited Ba Đình Square in Hanoi and found it clean and historically important, but not very interesting as a visitor. It’s a wide open space withlarge buildings around it, and unless something is happening, there’s not much to see or do. Worth a quick look for context, but nothing special on its own...."
Thanh Hoang
10 months ago
"It was my first time being there. The square was huge and the mausoleum looked grandeur and solemn. Next to the mausoleum, are Ho Chi Minh Museum(foreign tourists have to buy tickets) and One Pillar Pagoda that are also worth to see...."
Alvin
11 months ago
"The square is very spacious, very neat, clean and well maintained. You can take photos and stay for 1 hour."

FAQs for Visiting Ba Đình Square

Yes, though certain areas may be cordoned off during ceremonies or official events.
Yes, the mausoleum and surrounding buildings are beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Photography is allowed in the square but restricted inside the mausoleum.

Nearby Attractions to Ba Đình Square

The Ba Dinh Square appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Quảng trường Ba Đình, Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi: 1 km

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