Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Vietnam as it is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, a great and legendary general, who led the country through slavery. Going to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not merely a fascinating visit but a national history exploration that every tourist must experience.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi – A General View
Location: Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Opening hours:
– In the summer (May – August): Begin at 7:30 AM to 10 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and 7:30 AM to 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday
– In the winter (December – February): Begin at 8 AM to 11 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and 8 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday
– Closed on Monday and Friday
– Closed from 5th September to 5th November for annual preservation
Entrance fee: Free
A trip to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi usually takes about 1 to 3 hours (including queuing time), depending on how much and how far the tourists want to explore.
Read more Top 9 Free Things to Do in Hanoi
President Ho Chi Minh is a leader of Vietnam, who sacrificed for the freedom of the country. In fact, he wanted his body to be cremated and have ashes scattered in 3 regions of Vietnam, the North, the South, and the Central. However, the government decided to embalm President Ho’s body and build this mausoleum as his final resting place so international tourists and residents from all over Vietnam can come and show their gratitude. The construction of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi started on September 2nd, 1973, at where President Ho used to read the Declaration of Independence on September 2nd, 1945, the center of Ba Dinh Square.
Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is a golden opportunity to learn about the struggles as well as the uprisings of Vietnamese people during the war-torn years, and how the leader at the time – President Ho – led the country through the sorrow years of Vietnam’s history.
President Ho Chi Minh has had a great impact on the independence and development of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Dos And Don’ts
– DO maintain proper attitude: Be civilized and respectful; stay in queues and talk quietly.
– DO come early and keep patient since the entire experience can take up to 3 hours.
– DON’T wear inappropriate clothes: shorts, skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
– DON’T try to take photos or shoot videos in restricted areas unless the tourists wanted to be singled out.
On your arrival at the mausoleum, you will walk through a scanner entrance to make sure no prohibited objects are brought inside (including water and other liquids), this is where you’re given a tote handbag to put in your recording devices and iPads or smart tablets. Give then bag to the security right beside the entrance and get a plastic keychain with a number attached on it. Don’t lose the keychain as you’ll use it to claim your belongings back at the end of the visit to the mausoleum.
Phones are allowed but be respectful, set it to silence and don’t take pictures where inappropriate.
Main Attractions of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- Ba Dinh Square
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- The Presidential Palace
- Ho Chi Minh Stilt House
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- One Pillar Pagoda
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi – An Inside Look
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a huge complex with the outside part consists of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square and the inside part, lying behind the Mausoleum, includes The Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.
1. Ba Dinh Square
When tourists come to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Ba Dinh Square is the first thing coming into sight. Visitors have to wait in a long line, cross this square before entering the Mausoleum. Ba Dinh Square is originally built by the French colony, but later, it has become a historical witness since Ho Chi Minh chose this as the place to read the Declaration of Independence, announce the birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Ba Dinh Square is a historical witness for many different important milestones
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Inside the Mausoleum is a solemn space where the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh is placed. Try to keep quiet and abide by the rules since the Mausoleum is a place of high respect and great historical values.
There are always long lines of tourists and locals waiting to see the embalmed body of President Ho
Regulations Tourists Should Know about Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
– Short pants, skirts, and sleeveless shirts are prohibited
– Technology devices are not allowed to enter the Mausoleum; the guard will collect these at the front door
– No shooting or audio recording in restricted areas
– Children under 3 years old are not allowed to go inside the Mausoleum
– Be polite, respectful and patient; talk quietly and stand in queues
3. The Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace used to be one of the most expensive architectural constructions during the Indochina period. It is imbued with the symbolic French architecture design. Therefore, when being asked to move into the palace to live and work comfortably, Ho Chi Minh turned down the suggestion and said that he did not like the “smell” of colonists in the palace!
The palace is yellow with some materials tailor-made in Vietnam and some imported from France and other European countries
4. Ho Chi Minh Stilt House
This is where President Ho Chi Minh spent the rest of his life living and working. The stilt house bears traditional features of that in the Northern mountainous region. President Ho wanted to keep the place as minimal as possible, with little to no modern devices. The stilt house is located near the pond and in a private garden, hence it is mostly cool all year round and bears a peaceful and nostalgic ambiance.
Despite having the highest political status at the time, the President led a minimalistic lifestyle that was well-connected with nature
5. Ho Chi Minh Museum
Ho Chi Minh Museum is opened to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh. The architecture resembles a white lotus, Vietnam’s national flower. The museum displays a vast collection of precious items that belonged to Ho Chi Minh and an exhibition of several significant battles of the Vietnamese against the invaders.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a great place to commemorate President Ho
Tourists are seeing the revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh department
Opening hours:
– In the morning: 8 AM – 12 AM
– In the afternoon: 2 PM – 4:30 PM
– Closed on: Monday and Friday afternoon
Entrance fee: VND 40,000/adult
If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our article about the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
6. One Pillar Pagoda
Tourists are not likely to have a complete experience without paying a visit to One Pillar Pagoda – the most unique pagoda in Asia. This pagoda consists of a square house located on a stone pillar, creating the vision of a lotus rising from the lake. One Pillar Pagoda is also considered as one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, with nearly 100 years old.
This pagoda is built under King Ly Thai Tong Dynasty, in 1049
Check price and reviews of top hotels in Hanoi:
Conclusion on Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Vietnam. Do not miss the chance to pay a visit to the final resting place of the greatest leader of Vietnam and experience the peaceful and solemn atmosphere, which is a different vibe from the chaotic streets.
Get your travel insurance plan to visit Hanoi: