THE HANOI TIMES — Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945, has become a powerful symbol of the nation’s resilience.
Today, it is one of Hanoi’s most visited sites, connecting travelers with history in a living, open-air setting.
At 6am every day, the flag-raising ceremony takes place in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photos: Hai Yen/The Hanoi Times
For both locals and travelers, these rituals are among the most profound experiences the capital has to offer.
They are acts of remembrance, carried out with precision and dignity by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command. Together, they embody the enduring spirit of Vietnam.
At 6 a.m. every morning, Ba Dinh Square awakens to the steady beat of drums. In the stillness of dawn, as the city slowly stirs to life, the honor guards march in formation from the mausoleum.
All as one, their steps echo across the wide square, a rhythm that signals the start of the flag-raising ceremony.
Nguyen Van Trung, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said that he woke up before sunrise just to be at Ba Dinh Square on time.
“I have been waiting for this moment for years. When the flag rose against the sunrise, I felt proud and emotional. It was worth every minute of waking up early,” he said.
The national flag flutters in the wind as it flies at the Ba Dinh Square.
The honor guard company marches to the yard in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
All eyes turn toward the tall flagpole at the center of the square. With deliberate grace, the Vietnamese national flag, a bold red field with a golden star at its heart, is unfurled and raised high against the morning sky.
The moment the flag catches the first rays of sunlight, it seems to radiate a sense of unity and resilience, reminding all present of the sacrifices made to secure the nation’s independence.
Many Hanoians make time to attend these ceremonies, especially with their families.
Parents bring children to see the disciplined march of the guards and also to explain the symbolism of the flag and the sacrifices of earlier generations. It is both an educational and emotional experience.
Tourists often describe the ceremonies as highlights of their trip. For some, the quiet reverence of the night ceremony leaves a stronger impression than bustling markets or lively performances.
Others find the sunrise ceremony a perfect way to start a day of exploration, beginning with a shared moment of national pride before heading into the city’s streets.
For Hanoians, this ceremony has become part of the city’s daily rhythm, a reminder that each day is tied to a collective history.
For visitors, standing among the crowd as the flag ascends is both humbling and inspiring, a moment that transforms abstract patriotism into something tangible.
The guards march to the music of the song “Advancing under the military flag”.
If the morning ceremony is about beginnings, the 9 p.m. flag-lowering ceremony is about closure.
As the night sky blankets Ba Dinh Square, the guards once again assemble with precision. The sound of footsteps on the pavement and the solemn beat of drums cut through the evening air.
Flag raising ceremony, flag lowering ceremony. Photos: Lilystravelagency
For Marie, a tourist from France, the evening ceremony left a lasting impression.
“What surprised me most was the number of Hanoians who came to watch. It shows that this tradition is still alive and respected, by the people of Vietnam themselves,” she said.
In perfect synchronization when the flag is lowered. Every motion is deliberate from the folding of the flag to its dignified return to the mausoleum. The ceremony ends not with applause but with silence, a silence heavy with reflection and respect.
Many visitors describe this moment as deeply moving: a chance to pause, to remember, and to connect with the enduring legacy of President Ho Chi Minh, whose vision of independence and unity continues to guide the nation.
Both ceremonies are recognized as state-level events and stand as symbols of the Vietnamese state, beyond their ritual form.
The sacred ceremonies are performed every day of the year, except during August 31 to September 2. During these days, the flag remains hoisted as the whole nation gather to celebrate the National Day - a historical milestone of the country.
Precaution:
- When attending the daily flag-raising or lowering at Ba Dinh Square, please respect several important rules. Vehicles are not allowed to stop or park in front of the mausoleum, instead use the official parking areas near the Ho Chi Minh Museum or on Ngoc Ha and Ong Ich Khiem streets.
- The flag-raising begins at 6:00 AM in summer and 6:30 AM in winter, while the flag-lowering always takes place at 9:00 PM. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Visitors should dress neatly and avoid shorts or revealing clothing out of respect for the setting.
- Photography is permitted, but silence is expected throughout the ceremony. Security checks are common, and large bags may not be allowed near the square. Observing these rules ensures smooth participation and preserves the solemn atmosphere of one of Vietnam’s most meaningful traditions.