Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi

Located in the heart of Hanoi is the Ba Dinh Square that bore witness to many of the turbulent events in the history of Vietnam. It is a large square located in front of the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh where gatherings and festivities are held.

Ba Dinh square is 320 meters long and 100 meters wide. It has the capacity for a gathering of over 20,000 people. The square is divided into 240 green spaces. President Ho declared the independence of Vietnam on the 2nd of September 1945 at the square. After 24 years thousands gathered at the same place to mourn the death of Ho Chi Minh. Several main arteries of Hanoi branch off from Ba Dinh Square including the 1000 meter Xiong Wang Road.

Many important buildings flank the Ba Dinh square. Notable among them are the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house and the museum in his honor and the thousand year old, One Pillar Pagoda. There is also a monument for those who laid down their lives for the independence of Vietnam. Important events and parades take place at the square through the year.

Visitors can make Ba Dinh square the starting point to visit many of the attractions in Hanoi. In the morning, locals perform Tai Chi exercises at the square and at night locals gather to stroll or hang out with their friends.