Explore the heart of Hanoi’s architectural heritage at Ba Dinh Square, home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, National Assembly, and more iconic landmarks.
Ba Dinh Square is more than just a public space in Hanoi—it is the heart of Vietnam's rich architectural and cultural heritage. Revered as a sacred ground, it is home to some of the country’s most significant historical and political structures, making it a must-visit destination for every Vietnamese citizen and a key site for tourists. From the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the National Assembly building, Ba Dinh Square serves as a central symbol of Vietnam’s national pride and historical legacy.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A National Symbol

At the core of Ba Dinh Square stands the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of Vietnam’s most revered landmarks. The mausoleum is located at the site where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the country’s independence on September 2, 1945, reading the Declaration of Independence to a crowd gathered in Ba Dinh Square. Construction of the mausoleum began on September 2, 1973, and it was inaugurated on August 29, 1975—timed to mark Vietnam’s 30th National Day and the country’s first autumn after reunification.

The mausoleum is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a historical symbol. Designed in a simple yet solemn style, it reflects the deep respect the Vietnamese people hold for their founding leader. The square in front of the mausoleum spans 320 meters in length and 100 meters in width, capable of accommodating up to 200,000 people. At the center of this space stands a 30-meter flagpole, where daily flag-raising ceremonies take place at 6 a.m., adding to the site's deep cultural and patriotic significance.

National Assembly Building: The Heart of Vietnam's Governance
Adjacent to the mausoleum is the National Assembly building, situated on Independence Road in Ba Dinh District. Completed in 2014, this striking structure houses the highest legislative body in Vietnam. The building, with its square-shaped design and circular central meeting hall, rises 39 meters tall and covers five above-ground floors and three basement levels. The total floor area of the building is 60,000 square meters, making it one of the most complex architectural projects undertaken by Vietnamese contractors. Its modern design harmonizes with the historical significance of Ba Dinh Square, symbolizing the country’s continuous progress and development.

Presidential Palace: French Architecture Illuminated
Located a short distance from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace is another architectural gem in Ba Dinh Square. Built during the French colonial period, this elegant yellow building stands as a testament to Hanoi’s colonial past. Recently, in August 2024, the palace received a new lighting system that highlights its intricate French-style design, illuminating the structure at night with soft yellow lighting that enhances its architectural details.

Government Office: A Neoclassical Marvel
Beside the Presidential Palace is the Government Office, a monumental building where critical government meetings and events are held. Spanning a total floor area of 25,000 square meters, the office features nine above-ground floors and three basement levels. Its neoclassical style complements the surrounding historic structures, while serving as a center for Vietnam’s governmental operations. The building's scale and design highlight its importance as a national-level project of special significance.

Monument to Heroes and Martyrs: A Tribute to Sacrifice
A few hundred meters from Ba Dinh Square is the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs, a solemn structure dedicated to those who gave their lives for the country's independence and freedom. Inaugurated on May 7, 1994, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory, the monument stands 12.6 meters tall and occupies a 12,000-square-meter space. It serves as a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s long struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by its people.

Central Committee Headquarters: A Hub of Revolutionary Leadership
Approximately 300 meters from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, at 1A Hung Vuong Street, stands the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam headquarters. This building has been the workplace of generations of revolutionary leaders, where the Politburo and the Secretariat organize and manage the Party's leadership activities. The historical and political significance of this site cannot be overstated, as it plays a central role in the governance and political strategy of the country.

Conclusion
Ba Dinh Square is not just the physical center of Hanoi but also the symbolic heart of Vietnam’s political and cultural life. Its array of architectural wonders, from the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the historic Presidential Palace and the modern National Assembly, offers a blend of Vietnam’s past, present, and future. For visitors and locals alike, Ba Dinh Square is a place where history comes to life, serving as a reminder of the country’s journey toward independence and unity.