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

The Flag-Lowering Ceremony at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a solemn event that serves as a national ritual to honor and pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh. The Flag Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square takes place daily and attracts the participation of a large number of locals as well as tourists visiting Hanoi.

 

(Source: Internet)

 

2. General Information about the Flag-Raising Ceremony
 

a.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.

 
b. When is the Ceremony held?
Time: 6:00 AM (Summer) & 6:30 AM (Winter).

 

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Dự Long, Head of the Honor Guard Team, Unit 275, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Protection Command, the flag-raising ceremony is held daily at 6 AM during the hot season (from April 1st to the end of October) and starts at 6:30 AM during the cold season (from November 1st to the end of March). The flag-lowering ceremony takes place at 9 PM every day.

 

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-Raising Ceremony conducted?

 

(Source: TTXVN)

 

The flag-raising 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 5:50 AM, the flag-raising 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: Internet)
 

Once at the flagpole, three soldiers step forward to prepare for the flag-raising procedure. At the same time, the gates of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are opened. Upon receiving the command, the flag is thrown and raised high accompanied by the national anthem. The flag is then hoisted to the top of the 29-meter-high flagpole in front of the Mausoleum.

After the flag-raising ceremony, the honor guard marches around the Mausoleum before concluding the event.
 

(Source: Internet)

 

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

 

To have a complete and respectful experience when attending the flag-raising 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.

 

 

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

 

Hanoi is famous for its many attractive and diverse tourist destinations, blending ancient charm with modern features. After watching the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can consider the following places to enjoy more experiences in the beloved capital.

 

5.1. Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Address: 1 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place every Vietnamese hopes to visit to express deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh – the beloved Father of the nation. As the Flag Raising Ceremony takes place at Ba Dinh Square, it is very convenient for visitors to enter and pay respects at the Mausoleum.

 

(Source: Internet)

 

5.2. One Pillar Pagoda
 

Address: One Pillar Pagoda, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
 

One Pillar Pagoda is located on the street of the same name, just behind Ong Ich Khiem Street, within the complex of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square. Recognized as “Asia’s Most Unique Architectural Pagoda” by the Asia Records Organization, One Pillar Pagoda has become one of Hanoi’s cultural symbols.
Notes when visiting One Pillar Pagoda:
Dress modestly and appropriately.
Respect religious practices: remove hats when entering the main hall, keep quiet, and avoid touching statues or offerings.
Avoid using flash photography to maintain the solemn atmosphere and avoid disturbing others.
 

 
5.3. Ho Chi Minh Museum

 
Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM on weekdays (except Monday and Friday)

 
Built in 1985 and officially opened on May 19, 1990, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, the Ho Chi Minh Museum displays artifacts and documents about his life and career. This destination helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of his life and great legacy.

 

(Source: Internet)
 
5.4. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
 

Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

 

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a complex of historical relics that bears witness to over 13 centuries of Dai Viet civilization. With its ancient architecture, remnants of multiple feudal dynasties, and immense cultural value, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2010. It was once the center of important political activities of Vietnamese feudal dynasties.
 

(Source: Internet)
 

5.5. Hoa Lo Prison Museum
 
Address: No. 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
 

Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, about 2 km from Ba Dinh Square, Hoa Lo Prison was considered a “hell on earth” during the French colonial period. It stands as a vivid testament to a period of revolutionary struggle and a symbol of the indomitable and resilient spirit of Vietnamese patriots imprisoned by French colonialists. This is also a must-visit site after attending the Flag Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square.

 

(Source: Internet)
 

And for convenient access to experience the Flag Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square as well as other tourist attractions, HÔTEL du PARC HANOÏ is the ideal accommodation choice for visitors traveling to 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 Hanoi, especially for experiencing Ba Dinh Square and the Flag-Raising Ceremony.

 

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