“ Wow, the atmosphere is amazing, The guards at the door in their uniforms, the Pagoda and shrine, Gardens spectacular, A must see when in Hanoi. Don’t forget your camera as there is plenty to see, and expect to spend a couple of hours wandering around so wear comfortable shoes, and loose clothing as it is hot and humid.” – Visitor –
Uncle Ho’s last wish was to be cremated and his ashes scattered evenly in 3 major north, center and south regions of the country. Yet, with the immense grieve and love ingrained in its mind, Vietnam government had to go against that noble final will of the great Communist leader and had the body of Ho Chi Minh embalmed and deferentially placed inside in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The national –statured structure is situated in Ba Dinh Square and attracts incessant queues of Vietnamese people as well as tourists, who have deep respect for the great leader, to come and pay a grateful visit.
For visitors, a trip to Uncle Ho’s final resting-place can be an extraordinary experience as it is not just an average attraction; it’s a part of a unique history.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum was built in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modeled on Lenin’s mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’.
Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Visitors are not allowed to stop and hold the constant queue up as the place is constantly busy. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance, therefore, the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards. It’s best to recheck with your hotel tour desk before visiting. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Ho Chi Minh is a huge cultural icon in Vietnam and every town seems to have a museum devoted to him (so much so that it appears everything the man touched, used or sat on is now behind glass). While in Vietnam you absolutely must see at least one Ho Chi Minh Museum. This museum is in a humongous building and is cleverly put together in a combination of hero worship and modern art.
Inside the building’s marble entrance hall Ho Chi Minh’s most quoted maxim greets you: “nothing is more important than independence and freedom”. Then it’s up the stairs and into a cold, dark room where this charismatic hero lies under glass, a small, pale figure glowing in the dim light, his thin hands resting on black covers.
While the outside of the building is quite imposing it will take you an hour at the most to make your way through the museum. If you visit the museum during the week you have a good chance of seeing entire grade school classes in their white shirts and blue-bottomed uniforms lining up in front of the museum for pictures and a tour.
While you are at the Ho Chi Minh Museum make sure to explore the entire complex…including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Stilt house, The presidential Palace and the One Pillar and Dien Huu Pagodas.
Most of the visitors to this complex are Vietnamese making pilgrimage to show their deep admiration and respect to Ho Chi Minh. Uncle Ho, as he is often called, is a communist leader who is revered at the liberator of the Vietnam from Colonialism (from the US, France, and Britain)
At the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has Uncle Ho preserved and laid out under glass for display in grand Communist Style resembling the Mausoleums to Chairman Moa, Lenin, and Stalin. The corpse was in Russia for “maintenance”.
Before leaving your hotel be sure to take a moment to review the long list of clothes and behavioral requirements for entering the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Cameras and bags are not allowed in the Mausoleum and must be checked in at the reception.
A thorough tour around the mausoleum will cost you 2 hours at the most.
Opening hours Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The Mausoleum opens on weekdays, except Monday and Friday and from 8AM to 11AM.
Location: At Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi city center.
Tel: +84 (4) 845 5128.
