Guidelines for Displaying the National Flag

National Flag Design:

The national flag of Vietnam has a rectangular shape, with the width being two-thirds of the length, a red background, and a five-pointed yellow star in the center. Specifically:

- The center point of the yellow star is exactly at the center point (intersection of the two diagonals) of the National Flag.- The distance from the center point of the star to the point of the star's apex is one-fifth of the length of the National Flag.- One point of the star is perpendicular to the long edge of the National Flag and points directly upward towards the top of the flagpole.- The star is designed such that the line from the tip of one point to the opposite tip is straight, without bulging in the middle, and the star points are not rounded.- Both sides of the National Flag have the yellow star perfectly aligned.- The background of the National Flag is bright red, and the star is bright yellow.

Way of Hoisting:

- Ensure that the star is not inverted when hoisting the National Flag.- When displaying a portrait along with the National Flag, the portrait should be positioned lower than the National Flag or placed on a background with the National Flag under the star.

Time of Hoisting:

- The National Flag is displayed in meeting rooms and halls of government, state agencies, and mass organizations during formal meetings.- The National Flag is displayed outdoors on major holidays, political events, traditional national festivals, and as announced by central and local authorities.- The National Flag is carried or displayed at rallies, parades, public mobilization, production competitions, and revolutionary movements.- State agencies, schools (including academies), armed units, border gates, and international ports must have flagpoles and display the National Flag in front of offices or prominently at the entrance; the National Flag must meet the size and color standards as stipulated by the Constitution.- The Presidential Palace, National Assembly headquarters, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Government of Vietnam headquarters, Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuracy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese Embassies abroad, Hanoi Flagpole, People's Committees at all levels (excluding ward-level People's Committees in cities, district-level towns), border gates, and international ports display the National Flag 24/7.- The headquarters of Ministries, Ministry-level agencies, armed units, and schools display the National Flag from 6 AM to 6 PM daily.

Special Cases:

Using the National Flag for mourning purposes:

- During a national mourning period, a black ribbon, the same length as the National Flag and 1/10th of its width, is attached above the National Flag.- The National Flag covers the coffins of individuals designated by the Government of Vietnam for a state funeral.

Displaying the National Flag with other countries' flags:

The National Flag is utilized in various ways. Generally, there are two methods. The first is the official display to signify respect, honor, and national equality. The second method uses stylized representations of the National Flag for decorative purposes to create a festive atmosphere.

- When displaying the flags of two countries, the diplomatic protocol of each country may differ. Most countries stipulate that, when viewed from the outside, the host country's flag is on the right, and the guest country's flag is on the left.- When displaying the flags of multiple countries in a horizontal row, the initial position for the flag, when viewed from the outside, may be arranged as follows:- Starting from the left end.- Starting from the middle outward to both sides, in the order left then right. This is the common way in diplomatic protocol for displaying multiple countries' flags along with the host country's flag; the host country's flag is typically positioned in the center.- When displaying Vietnam's National Flag alongside another country's flag, all flags must be identical in design, made to equal size, and flown at the same height, without varying sizes or heights.- Flags that are torn, patched, faded, or have numerous creases are not permitted to be displayed.

Flag Display on Ships and Boats:

- Foreign ships operating at Vietnamese ports must display the National Flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the highest mast from sunrise to sunset.- For Vietnamese ships, the National Flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is displayed on the aft mast of the vessel.- On National Day of the Socialist Republic or when the head of state visits the port, as per the request of the Director of the Maritime Administration, all ships moored in the port must fly the ceremonial flag.- Foreign ships wishing to fly ceremonial or mourning flags or sound horns during their own ceremonies must notify the Maritime Administration in advance.- The Director of the Maritime Administration may exempt some rudimentary watercraft from the responsibility of flying the National Flag when operating within port waters.- The flag display protocol also applies to foreign military ships visiting Vietnam on an official invitation from the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Using the National Flag for Decorating Ceremonies:

Indoor Ceremony:

- The National Flag or both the National Flag and the Communist Party flag are displayed on the background or flagpole on the left side of the stage; the National Flag is on the right, and the Communist Party flag is on the left (viewed from the audience).- A bust of President Ho Chi Minh is placed on a podium under the star or between the star and hammer and sickle, vertically aligned. If the flags are on poles, President Ho Chi Minh's bust is positioned in front of the right flagpole (viewed from the audience).- Outside the hall, the National Flag is displayed prominently, along with decorative flags, banners, and suitable decorations for the ceremony.

Outdoor Ceremony:

The stage is designed sturdily, with decorations similar to indoor ceremonies. The National Flag is displayed on a high pole in front of the stage. Surrounding the stage are decorative flags and appropriate banners.

Flag Display at Elderly Celebration Ceremonies:

- The National Flag is displayed on the left side of the stage (viewed from below).- A bust of President Ho Chi Minh is placed on a podium under the National Flag. If the flag is on a pole, the bust of President Ho Chi Minh is in front of the right flagpole (viewed from below). The Elderly Association logo is placed above and in the center above the ceremony title (25-30cm).

Flag Display at Festivals:

Within the festival area, the National Flag must be displayed in a prominent place higher than festival and religious flags; festival and religious flags are only displayed at the festival location and during the festival duration.

Refer to Guideline 3420/HD-BVHTTDL for the usage of the National Flag, National Emblem, National Anthem, and the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh.

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