Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: An iconic must-see place in Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A Symbol of Eternity

The Mausoleum, affectionately known as Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, stands in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, about 12 minutes from the Old Quarter.

Historical Significance

This location is sacred ground. On September 2, 1945, standing exactly at this spot, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

On September 2, 1969, Ho Chi Minh entered eternity, leaving deep sadness among the Vietnamese people and international friends. Although his will stated a wish for a simple cremation to save land for agriculture, the Politburo decided to preserve his body and build a mausoleum. This was done so that people from all over the country, especially those in the South who were separated by the war, could one day visit him.

Architecture & Construction Facts

Construction was a massive national effort that took exactly two years, starting on September 2, 1973, and finishing on August 29, 1975.

• Dimensions: It is an imposing square structure consisting of 3 levels, standing 21.6 meters high and 41.2 meters wide.
• Resilience: The special fortified design makes it resistant to floods, bombings, and even earthquakes of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale.
• Materials: The mausoleum is a symbol of unity, built with materials from all over Vietnam. The exterior is clad in grey granite, while the inscription "CHỦ TỊCH HỒ - CHÍ - MINH" is made of dark red jade stone from Cao Bang province.
• Design: While inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow, the architecture reflects Vietnamese traditions, resembling a communal house with a sloping roof. The surrounding garden contains 79 cycad trees, symbolizing Uncle Ho's 79 years of life.

What to Expect Inside?

It feels strange and serious to walk inside the middle chamber.

• The Atmosphere: The temperature will drop right away when you go in. To keep the body safe, the inside stays at a steady temperature of about 20°C.
• The View: President Ho Chi Minh is in a glass coffin, wearing his basic khaki attire. He appears calm, like he's just napping. Four soldiers stand still at the corners of his coffin.
• The Rule of Silence: Inside, there must be complete silence. The line travels slowly yet steadily. You can't stop to snap pictures.

Did you know? (Maintenance Plan) Every year, the Mausoleum closes for a specialized technological maintenance process. This normally happens from mid-June to mid-August. This is very important for keeping the body safe for a long time, which is a difficult job that used to be done by experts from the former Soviet Union.

Exploring the Complex: A Journey Through His Life

The visit doesn't end at the Mausoleum. The path leads you through a lush garden to discover the humble life of a great leader. The route follows a precise sequence: Mausoleum ➔ Presidential Palace ➔ House No. 54 ➔ Stilt House ➔ Fish Pond ➔ One Pillar Pagoda.

The Presidential Palace vs. House No. 54

As you exit the Mausoleum, you will see the grand, mustard-yellow Presidential Palace. Built for the French Governor-General, it is a luxurious colonial building. However, President Ho Chi Minh refused to live there, believing it was inappropriate to live in luxury while his people were poor.

Instead, he lived in House No. 54 (formerly the electrician's house) from 1954 to 1958.

What you can experience at this site:

• The Car Collection: Here you can see three cars used by Uncle Ho: a Pobeda (gift from the USSR), a Peugeot (gift from French-Vietnamese expats), and a massive Zis, a 3-ton bulletproof car used for high-level diplomacy.
• The "Thermometer" Story: In the kitchen of House 54, visitors can see a thermometer. Legend has it that whenever the temperature dropped below 10°C, Uncle Ho would ask the Minister of Education to let primary school students stay home to keep warm. This was a thoughtful regulation that is still applied in Hanoi schools today!

Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House

A beautiful path leads to the Stilt House, where Uncle Ho lived and worked for 11 years (1958–1969).

The architecture of this house was inspired by the stilt houses of the Tay-Thai ethnic groups in the Viet Bac war zone. The house has two floors and only three small rooms. It is humble, open to nature, and lacks modern amenities.

The office on the first floor was Uncle Ho's preferred workplace, where he received senior officials and delegations. Many items, like his simple typewriter, his bookshelf, and his electric fan, allow visitors to deeply feel the humility of a great leader. The house on stilts, his main residence, is full of historical events and represents a valuable heritage.

Uncle Ho’s Fish Pond

Right in front of the Stilt House is a large, serene pond where he raised fish to relax after work.

This was the place where Uncle Ho trained the fish to gather when he clapped his hands. Today, if you visit at feeding time, you might still see the carp gathering at the sound of footsteps or clapping.

One Pillar Pagoda

Located in the heart of the complex, this is a symbol of the capital. In 2012, the Asia Record Organization recognized it as "The temple with the most unique architecture in Asia."

This temple was built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong. Legend says the heirless King dreamed of the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am) sitting on a lotus flower and handing him a son. Shortly after, the Queen gave birth to a prince. To show gratitude, the King built the pagoda to resemble a lotus blossom rising from the water.

It is a popular spot for locals to pray for blessings, health, and especially for fertility.

>>> Read more: One Pillar Pagoda: 5 Mysteries of Hanoi’s Symbol of Serenity

Ho Chi Minh Museum

The final stop is the museum, a massive structure dedicated to the President's life.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND per person (for foreign visitors).

The museum consists of three main exhibition spaces:

• Biography: Portraying President Ho Chi Minh’s life from his youth to his revolutionary activities and his passing, as well as the realization of his will for the Vietnamese people.
• National Struggle: Showcasing the lives, struggles, and ultimate victory of the Vietnamese people in liberation and nation-building under the leadership of the President and the Party.
• World History: Displaying important global events from the late 19th century to the present day that impacted his revolutionary path and the Vietnamese process.

Daily Ceremonies: A Must-See

Every day in Ba Dinh Square, the solemn ceremony of raising and lowering the flag is performed.

• Time: 6:00 AM (Raising) and 9:00 PM (Lowering) daily.

Held every day of the year regardless of weather conditions, this ceremony features a squad of honor guards marching with precision to the tune of the national anthem. It is a stirring symbol of national pride for the people of Hanoi and all of Vietnam.

Practical Information (2025 Updated)

📍 Address: No. 2 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

• Getting there: Take Bus No. 09 from Hoan Kiem Lake (7,000 VND), or use Grab/Be/Xanh SM apps to avoid taxi scams.

🎫 Ticket Prices:

• Vietnamese Citizens: Free.
• Foreign Visitors: 25,000 VND (~$1 USD) for the Mausoleum entrance. Tickets for the Museum are sold separately (40,000 VND).

⏰ Opening Hours (Mornings Only):

• Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.
• Closed: Monday & Friday.
• Summer Schedule (Apr 1 - Oct 31): 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Weekends until 11:00 AM).
• Winter Schedule (Nov 1 - Mar 31): 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Weekends until 11:30 AM).

⚠️ Important Note: On special dates like May 19 (Ho Chi Minh's Birthday) or Sept 2 (National Day), if they fall on a Monday or Friday, the mausoleum usually remains OPEN.

What Other Sites to Combine with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

Since the Mausoleum visit usually finishes by late morning, you can easily combine it with these nearby historical gems:

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Located just a 10-minute walk from the Mausoleum, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see.

The site testifies to the Red River Delta Civilization for 13 centuries, dating back to the pre-Thang Long era in the 7th century. It includes two main areas: the Hoang Dieu Archaeological Zone and the Hanoi Citadel Relic Zone.

• Night Tour: If you have time in the evening, don't miss the unique night tour titled "Deciphering the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long." It features themed galleries like "Thang Long - Hanoi: A Thousand Years Underground," where you can observe ancient artifacts associated with Vietnam's feudal dynasties in a magical lighting setting.

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)

Located about 8 minutes away by car/taxi, this is Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty.  It is the enduring symbol of Vietnamese education and Confucian tradition. With its ancient stone stelae and traditional architecture, it offers a peaceful contrast to the political atmosphere of Ba Dinh Square.

>>> Read more: An Exceptional Visit to the Temple of Literature

Practical Tips & Visitor Etiquette (Strictly Enforced)

This is a site of extreme national reverence. To ensure a smooth entry, please adopt a serious attitude and follow these rules carefully:

Dress Code:

• Clothes must be clean and tidy.
• Shoulders and knees MUST be covered. No tank tops, crop tops, or short shorts.

Security & Belongings:

• Visitors must go through airport-style security checks.
• Allowed: Small handbags, hats, umbrellas, raincoats, mobile phones (must be turned off).
• Prohibited: Weapons, explosives, flammable substances, food, drinks, and large bags.
• Camera Policy: Special cameras must be deposited at the entrance. Taking photos inside the tomb is strictly prohibited.

Behavior:

• Entering: As you approach the mausoleum entrance, hold your hat or cap in your right hand, facing outwards (a sign of respect).
• Inside: Walk in two lines. Maintain absolute silence.
• Do NOT: Put your hands in your pockets, cross your arms, touch the walls, smoke, or chew gum.

Children: Children under 2 years old are generally not permitted inside the Mausoleum.

Conclusion

The Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh is the ideal place to understand the greatest figure in Vietnamese history. It is a journey through architecture, history, and deep emotion. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you have a respectful and memorable visit to Hanoi.

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