Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Address: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
 Opening Time: 7:30 to 10:30 am (Monday and Friday closed)
Architecture: Mix of gothic architecture with local Vietnamese elements
Suitable for: Solo traveling or group traveling – not ideal for kids – not suitable for differently abled persons
Entry:  Free but donations are always appreciated
How to reach: Take a taxi or bus to reach the destination

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important national monument of Vietnam and one of the largest tourist attractions of Hanoi. Dedicated to the revolutionary national leader & President of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh (or as the locals call him fondly 'Uncle Ho') - the marble edifice houses his embalmed remains under a glass sarcophagus. The massive structure of the museum is distinctively visible from the distant corners of the Ba Dinh Square of Hanoi.

Interestingly, Minh wanted a simple cremation upon death, and his ashes be scattered in different parts of the country. However, the Vietnamese government went on to build a mausoleum for the leader (in the similar fashion of leaders like Lenin or Mao). Additionally, the government commissioned a concrete-granite block in the vast Ba Dinh square. 
 

One look at the mausoleum, you can see striking similarities with the tomb of Lenin in Russia. Both the monuments have angular façade laid in dark granite slab, which might seem dour at times. Yet, one can find local Vietnamese elements like sloping roof in the architecture of the monument. It is raised on two platforms, connected with seven steps that aid in parade viewing.

The portico is inscribed with a dedication to President Minh and The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Front lawn and the garden area are decorated with exotic Asian plants and flowers, giving the structure a beautiful look during the blooming season.
 

Architecture of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

 

Since the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is an important and revered place, almost a shrine, for the locals – people here are very strict on maintaining the sanctity of the monument. While visitors are expected to dress respectfully, wearing clothes that cover their knees and shoulders. Also, hats are not permitted inside.

Before entering the compound, visitors are expected to go through screening and deposit their bags and other belongings at the entry gate. After the formalities are over, they have to stand in a long queue and wait for turn to enter.

Inside, a red-carpet laid path takes the visitor towards the embalmed body of the national leader. Kept under a glass sarcophagus, it resides ‘Uncle Ho’ of Vietnam. This room is heavily guarded, with officials keenly monitoring the visitors and four guard posted on the four corners of the glass coffin. Most of the time visitors get only 30 seconds time to glimpse the embalmed figure of the late president, before the security guards start moving the crowd.

The dim lighting and silence in the room can have a lingering effect on some visitors. Ideally, the place is not suitable for kids and young children.
 

Since the mausoleum is centrally located in the Ba Dinh Square, the monument is easily accessible from the different parts of the city. Ideally, one can take a Grub (an app-based cab) or metered taxi to reach the destination. While the Grub shows the estimated fare, giving you an idea how much the trip will cost you. You can also hire the metered taxi. The base fare for these cabs usually starts from VND100k and increases at a steady rate.

Visitors can take a bus from the Old Quarters to 18A Lê Hồng Phong. Buses are available every 15 minutes, which take you to the Ba Dinh Square.

Nearest bus stop: 18A Lê Hồng Phong
Buses available: 18, 9A, 41, 9ACT, 22A and 50
 

1. Usually, the mausoleum remains close from September to November. During this time, the embalmed remains of Ho Chi Minh are sent for maintenance to Russia.
2. Visitors wearing sleeveless, T-shirts shorts, or hats are not permitted inside the mausoleum.
3. Visitors have to deposit their bags and other belongings at the entry gate.
4. Photography is prohibited inside the building.
5. The change of guard ceremony, hosted on mid-mornings, is worth a watch.
6. Usually, the mausoleum is often crowded, a long queue at the entrance can be expected. To avoid long snaking line of visitors, we recommend arriving early to the venue.

Overall, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most respected structures of Vietnam and the final resting place of celebrated Vietnamese leader. The place has an interesting landmark and often visited by locals as well as foreign tourists. While here try to maintain silence, and wear modest clothes while visiting the tomb.