Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum provides an opportunity to delve into the life of Ho Chi Minh and understand his pivotal role in Vietnamese history. This site, along with various nearby historical landmarks, enriches your knowledge of Vietnam. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for your first visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Make sure to read it thoroughly!

Who Was Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh is celebrated as a visionary leader who significantly influenced the course of Vietnam’s history. His unyielding spirit and determination made him a revered figure, guiding the Vietnamese people toward independence and self-determination. He led the revolutionary movement against foreign colonial powers, particularly the French and later the Americans, ultimately paving the way for Vietnam’s liberation. 

Ho Chi Minh’s contributions and relentless efforts earned him the status of a respected statesman, inspiring generations with his commitment to the nation’s welfare, social justice, and equality. For many Vietnamese, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a prestigious honor, justifying the long journeys made by citizens from all over the country.

Location and Access to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, a significant site where President Ho Chi Minh once presided over rallies. The exact address is 2 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District. You can reach the mausoleum by private vehicle or public bus.  (Google Map) 

If you are riding a motorbike or driving, be aware of the two parking areas on Ong Ich Khiem Street (opposite the Mausoleum Guard Command) and Ngoc Ha Street (the entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Museum). Bus routes that pass by Ba Dinh Square include numbers 09, 33, 22, 45, and 50.

The History and Importance of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

In his will, President Ho Chi Minh expressed a desire to be cremated and have his ashes spread across Vietnam’s three regions. However, the Party and the people’s wishes at that time led the government to preserve his body and place it in the Mausoleum for public commemoration. 

In January 1970, the Soviet Union and Vietnam convened to discuss the design and construction of the Mausoleum, which was approved by the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Party, with significant support from Soviet experts. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 2, 1973, and the Mausoleum was inaugurated on May 19, 1975. Its design was inspired by Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow but adapted to suit Vietnamese customs and styles. 

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum symbolizes the deep admiration the Vietnamese people have for their leader and has become a cultural and historical landmark in Hanoi, attracting millions of visitors since its opening.

The Embalmed Body of President Ho Chi Minh

After President Ho Chi Minh passed away on September 3, 1969, efforts were made to preserve his body for future generations. A team of Soviet scientists, known for their success in embalming Lenin’s body, collaborated with a dedicated Vietnamese medical team to embalm Ho Chi Minh’s remains. 

His embalmed body now rests in a glass coffin within the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, drawing thousands of visitors each year. However, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the departure of Soviet scientists posed challenges for preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body. The Vietnamese government subsequently negotiated with Russia to produce the necessary preservation chemicals in Vietnam. The formula for the preservation solution was finally shared in 2004, allowing Vietnam to officially adopt the technology. 

President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body stands as a testament to the Vietnamese people’s respect and admiration for their beloved leader, preserving his memory and allowing visitors to pay their respects to this important figure in Vietnamese history.

Architectural Highlights of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The overall architecture of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a solid square block, featuring three layers with a height of 21.6 meters and a width of 41.2 meters. The structure is designed to withstand floods, bombings, and earthquakes of up to magnitude 7. 

The exterior is clad in gray granite, surrounded by marble columns, with the words “CHỦ TỊCH HỒ-CHÍ-MINH” prominently displayed in crimson jade stone at the top. The mausoleum features 200 doors made from rare woods sourced from across the country.

Inside, the lobby is adorned with red and pink marble, providing a backdrop for the phrase “Không có gì quý hơn Độc lập Tự do” (Nothing is more precious than Independence and Freedom) alongside President Ho Chi Minh’s gold-plated signature. Two soldiers stand guard at all times, with shifts changing every hour. Inside the Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s body rests in a glass box on a stone pedestal, guarded by four soldiers. The surrounding area is beautifully landscaped, featuring over 250 species of plants, each with special significance related to Ho Chi Minh’s life.

Essential Information for Visitors to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

For an optimal visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, consider the following essential information:

6.1. Opening Hours

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open in the mornings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is closed in the afternoons on those days, as well as on Mondays and Fridays. If May 19, September 2, or the first day of the Lunar New Year falls on a Monday or Friday, the Mausoleum will still be open. 

The Mausoleum typically closes for about two months each year for maintenance of Ho Chi Minh’s body, usually from September to November. The specific schedule will be announced in advance by the Mausoleum Management Board.

Visiting hours are as follows:

• Summer & Fall (April 1 – October 31): Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday, 7:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m.
• Winter & Spring (November 1 – March 31): Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m.
• On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, visiting hours are extended by 30 minutes.

If possible, try to arrange your visit to Ba Dinh Square for the flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. These ceremonies will enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation for the country.

6.2. Entrance Fee

The current ticket price for entering the mausoleum is VND 25,000 (approximately USD 1.07) per person, a reasonable fee for exploring Vietnamese history.
6.3. Rules for Visitors

• Here are some regulations for tourists while visiting and paying respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
  • Dress neatly and formally.
  • Have your belongings checked at the security gate.
  • Walk in line according to the instructions of the guards; do not push or disrupt the line.
  • Remove your hat and hold it in your right hand.
  • Maintain a quiet demeanor; do not touch the walls.
  • Keep your hands out of your pockets.
  • Follow the guards’ instructions regarding filming or photography in the area.
  • Do not film, take pictures, or draw in the room where President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is located.

Other Must-Visit Places in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex offers several other significant sites that are worth exploring:

• Ho Chi Minh Museum: Located adjacent to the mausoleum, this museum showcases Ho Chi Minh’s life, revolutionary activities, and contributions to Vietnam’s independence. The exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and documents that provide insights into his philosophies and leadership.
• One Pillar Pagoda: A short distance from the mausoleum, this iconic Buddhist temple is famous for its unique design, resembling a lotus blossom. Built in 1049, it is one of Vietnam’s most iconic structures and is a symbol of Hanoi.
• Ba Dinh Square: This expansive square is where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. It is a significant historical site and a great place to reflect on the country’s past while enjoying the open space.
• Vietnam Military History Museum: Located nearby, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s military history, showcasing artifacts from various conflicts, including the Vietnam War. It’s an educational experience that complements the visit to the mausoleum.