1. Significance of the Flag-Lowering Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square

 

The Flag-Lowering Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square is a solemn event that serves as a national ritual to honor and pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh. In addition, this ceremony marks the end of a working day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and signifies the peaceful conclusion of a day in the country, preparing for the new day ahead. The flag-lowering ceremony is held daily, regardless of the weather, and attracts numerous locals and tourists visiting Hanoi.

 

(Source: Phùng Văn Tùng)

2. General Information about the Flag-Lowering Ceremony

 

1. Where is the Ceremony held?
   The ceremony takes place at Ba Dinh Square, in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located at 2 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi. 
2. When is the Ceremony held?
   The flag-lowering ceremony occurs daily at 9:00 PM.
   Note: There is no flag-lowering ceremony on September 2nd, which is Vietnam’s National Day. 
3. How to get to Ba Dinh Square?

• Motorbike: If you are traveling by motorbike, you can park outside the square at Ong Ich Khiem Street (opposite the Mausoleum’s Command Center) or at 19 Ngoc Ha Street, near the entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
• Bus: If traveling by bus, you can check bus routes to Ba Dinh Square using Google Maps or the Moovit app, depending on your starting point. If you’re staying at Hôtel du Parc Hanoi, you can take bus number 41 from 44 Kham Thien bus station. Buses operate daily from 5 AM to 10 PM.

 

3.How is the Flag-Lowering Ceremony conducted?

 

(Source: Phùng Văn Tùng)

 

The flag-lowering ceremony at Ba Dinh Square was proposed to honor the great leader of the nation and was approved by the government in 2001, coinciding with the 111th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth. This ceremony holds great national significance, attracting many locals and international visitors, particularly during holidays, festivals, and significant national anniversaries.
At 9:00 PM, the flag-lowering ceremony begins from behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Leading the procession is the military flag, known as the “Victory Flag.” Following it is the honor guard, consisting of 34 soldiers, symbolizing the 34 first soldiers of the Vietnamese Propaganda and Liberation Army. The procession moves to the sound of the song “Marching Under the Military Flag” as it approaches the flagpole.

 

(Source: Phùng Văn Tùng)

 

Once at the flagpole, three soldiers step forward to prepare for the flag-lowering procedure. Upon receiving the signal, the flag is slowly lowered while the national anthem is played, and it is folded neatly.
After the flag-lowering ceremony, the honor guard marches around the Mausoleum before concluding the event.

 

(Source: Phùng Văn Tùng)

 

 

4. Important Notes When Attending the Flag-Lowering Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square

 

To have a complete and respectful experience when attending the flag-lowering ceremony, consider the following:

• Dress code: Wear modest, respectful clothing in neutral or formal colors. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, backless tops, off-shoulder clothes, or shorts.
• Respect the solemn atmosphere: The ceremony is deeply sacred, so it is essential to maintain silence, avoid making noise, and be considerate of others around you to ensure the ceremony’s dignity is upheld.

 

(Source: xaydungso)

 

5. Must-Visit Historic Sites After Attending the Flag-Lowering Ceremony

 

After witnessing the flag-lowering ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it may be quite late, but the night life in Hanoi is just beginning. Here are some places and activities you can explore for a more enriching experience in Hanoi at night:

 

5.1. Old Quarter Night Market:

Located within the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the Old Quarter Night Market is a popular stop for many tourists visiting the capital. The market is open on weekends, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The night market is bustling with various shopping activities, offering a wide range of items from accessories and clothes to handicrafts. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live music from street performers and indulge in late-night snacks at Tạ Hiện Beer Street.

 

(Source: Internet)

 

5.2. Quang An Flower Market:
This is the largest wholesale flower market in Hanoi, where most of the fresh flowers in the city are sourced. The market opens at 11:00 PM, and it becomes busiest from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM when trucks bringing flowers from provinces like Da Lat, Southeast of Vietnam, and Moc Chau arrive. This is when the market has the most abundant and diverse flowers. During the Lunar New Year holidays, the market is lively both day and night, especially around 9:00 PM.

 

(Source: Internet)

5.3. Strolling Around West Lake:
If you want to enjoy the streets of Hanoi at night, take a ride around West Lake. West Lake at night is incredibly peaceful and calm. You can stop at one of the many street-side eateries, savoring late-night snacks while observing the nocturnal life of the city, listening to the sound of the wind and the gentle waves lapping against the lake’s surface.

(Source: Internet)

 

To easily explore the Flag-Lowering Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square and other tourist spots, Hôtel du Parc Hanoi is the perfect choice for your stay in Hanoi.

Located just about 2 km from Ba Dinh Square and around 2.5 km from the Old Quarter, the hotel offers convenient access, allowing guests to easily visit major landmarks, shopping areas, and entertainment spots in the central area.

As a 5-star hotel managed by the Plan・Do・See group from Japan, Hôtel du Parc Hanoi provides an ideal location and luxurious accommodations, promising a comfortable and fulfilling stay for your journey through the capital, especially for experiencing Ba Dinh Square and the Flag-Lowering Ceremony.

Please make a room reservation via the link. https://shorturl.at/jx2Bl