Ba Dinh Square (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Ba Dinh Square?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Sunrise and night flag ceremonies, flood-lit lawns and quiet gardens offer a shared romantic mood and good photos at no cost, yet there is no on-site café or evening entertainment so time on site is short.
Positives:
- Complimentary Ceremonies: Flag rituals at 6 AM and 9 PM are free and open to all.
- Central Location: Minutes from the Old Quarter and lakeside cafes for a full day out.
- Photogenic Grounds: Wide lawns and formal paths frame colonial architecture for couples’ portraits.
Challenges:
- Strict Dress Code: No shorts, sleeveless tops or hats inside the Mausoleum; plan outfits accordingly.
- Ceremony Crowds: Flag events draw many visitors; arrive early to secure a good spot.
- Limited Shade: Few covered areas in the square; bring sun protection at midday.
What is Ba Dinh Square?
- A grand ceremonial plaza in central Hanoi, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence in 1945
- Bordered by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda, forming a complex of national landmarks
- Characterized by expansive lawns, formal pathways, and austere architecture reflective of its historical and political significance
What is so special about Ba Dinh Square for couple trip?
- Join dawn or dusk flag ceremonies together.
- Explore the Mausoleum and learn Vietnam’s history.
- Stroll colonial gardens and Uncle Ho’s stilt house.
- Visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda by the lotus pond.
- Capture romantic photos on the square’s lawns.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for flag ceremonies, mausoleum visit, pagoda and a relaxed stroll.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Ba Dinh Square
Morning Flag-Raising Ceremony:
Soldiers march and raise the national flag to the anthem.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for a front-row view and soft morning light.
Evening Flag-Lowering Ceremony:
Formal lowering of the flag under floodlights.
Tip: Use a tripod or steady phone for romantic low-light shots.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Interior:
View President Ho’s embalmed body in a solemn hall.
Tip: Wear long pants and sleeved tops; no bags or cameras allowed.
Presidential Palace & Stilt House:
Stroll French-style gardens and see Uncle Ho’s wooden home on stilts.
Tip: Buy the VND 40,000 combo ticket at the Mausoleum booth a day ahead to skip lines.
One Pillar Pagoda:
Explore the 11th-century wooden temple on a single stone pillar.
Tip: Visit during morning light to capture the reflection in the lotus pond.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ba Dinh Square
- Combine with Café Visit: After the morning ceremony, walk 5 minutes to a local café for iced Vietnamese coffee.
- Buy Combo Ticket Early: Purchase the Palace and Stilt House ticket a day ahead to reduce waiting time.
- Download Offline Map: Save Hanoi’s map offline to navigate nearby attractions without mobile data.
Reviews of Ba Dinh Square
Thanh Hoang
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
The square is very spacious, very neat, clean and well maintained. You can take photos and stay for 1 hour.
Mihai Ivanov (Jokery)
Free entry, wear long pants/dress if you want to enter some places. Not recommending going on Monday, some areas are closed.
D Ramsay
Visited HCM Mausoleum that morning. Stumbled on the flag lowering ceremony at 9pm that night. Very interesting and moving. Very helpful guard gave us best tips in good English and welcomed us to this special precision ceremony.
Joan Ruiz Alba
If you want to see the crypt of ho chi ming president you must go between 7 and 11 in the morning. They only open few hours and it is very protected by many soldiers. They ask you to keep the bags and the cameras in one store. But is worth plan the morning too see the crypt.
When is the best time to visit Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi, Vietnam)?
In summer (Apr–Oct) attend ceremonies at dawn to avoid heat and carry an umbrella for brief showers. In winter (Nov–Mar) enjoy crisp morning air and clear skies for photos.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Palace Grounds & Stilt House ticket (combo) per person | VND 40,000 |
| Ho Chi Minh Museum entry per person | VND 40,000 |
| One Pillar Pagoda entry per person | VND 25,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 210,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Ba Dinh Square
Address: Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 10020, Vietnam
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About Ba Dinh Square
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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