Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Information and Tips for Visitors
Ho Chi Minh was Vietnam’s greatest president, who played a crucial role in helping the Vietnamese people gain the independence and freedom they enjoy today. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a monument built to honor, commemorate, and preserve the artifacts and memories of Ho Chi Minh president, the revered leader of the Vietnamese people. If you have the chance to visit Hanoi, be sure to add this site to your itinerary.
Overview of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, affectionately known as Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, is situated in a spacious area at the heart of the city, which includes Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, and Uncle Ho’s fish pond, making it very convenient for visitors. Inaugurated on August 29, 1975, the mausoleum not only preserves the remains of Ho Chi Minh president but also serves as a significant symbol for future generations to remember the great president of Vietnam. Additionally, it is one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Hanoi.
Architecturally, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is constructed with three layers, standing 21.6 meters tall and 41.2 meters wide. The base consists of a three-tiered platform leading up to the central structure, which houses the memorial chamber and corridors. The top is designed in a stepped pyramid style. The exterior is clad in gray granite, with square granite pillars on all four sides and the inscription “CHU TICH HO-CHI-MINH” in prominent reddish plum-colored stone. The interior is finished with polished gray and red stones. The surrounding grounds are planted with a variety of trees and flowers representing regions from across the country. This is a renowned site in the capital, where every Vietnamese person aspires to visit at least once.
What to Do at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum attracts a large number of visitors every day, so patience may be required while waiting for your turn. In addition to visiting the mausoleum itself, there are several other activities you can participate in.
Visiting Inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you will be briefed on the rules and regulations, and guided through procedures such as depositing personal belongings, recording devices, and cameras, turning off your phone, and passing through security.
After completing these procedures, you will queue up at Ba Dinh Square, waiting for your turn to enter the mausoleum. Once inside, you will walk through the solemn space and view the resting place of Ho Chi Minh president. It is important to follow the instructions and maintain the line, and strictly refrain from filming or taking photos.
Visiting the Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace was built in classic French style. Originally constructed for the Governor-General of Indochina, it became the workplace of Uncle Ho after the French colonialists left Vietnam in 1954, and he worked there until his passing in 1969. Today, the Presidential Palace is used only for welcoming international dignitaries and hosting state events. The grounds are planted with many trees, including several large, old trees. Public access to the interior of the palace is limited.
Visiting Uncle Ho’s Stilt House and Fish Pond
Although the Presidential Palace offered better and more modern living conditions, Uncle Ho chose to live in a simple stilt house. This house has been preserved with all the original artifacts from his time. Uncle Ho’s stilt house, made of wood, follows the two-story architectural style of the Tay and Thai ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam. The first floor is open and spacious, while the second floor has two rooms separated by a partition used as a bookshelf, with a surrounding balcony.
The stilt house was Uncle Ho’s longest residence and where he spent the final years of his life. It is associated with many significant national events, making it both an architectural and cultural heritage site with immense spiritual value.
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Museum
When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, don’t forget to stop by the Ho Chi Minh Museum. This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and documents about the life and legacy of the great President Ho Chi Minh.
To learn more about museums in Hanoi, see Top 8 Museums in Hanoi You Should Visit
Visiting the One Pillar Pagoda
Within the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, you will find the One Pillar Pagoda. Dating back to the Ly Dynasty, this pagoda has become one of the symbols of Hanoi. It boasts a unique architectural design, with a single pillar resembling a thousand-year-old lotus of the capital.
Watching the Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremonies at Ba Dinh Square
Ba Dinh Square, located in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, is the site of the daily flag raising ceremony at 6:00 AM and the flag lowering ceremony at 9:00 PM. Visiting the mausoleum at these times allows you to witness the solemn national ceremony, performed by the Honor Guard, with the sight of the red flag with a yellow star flying high to the sound of the national anthem.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
| Weekly Schedule | Summer (April 1 – October 31) | Winter (November 1 – March 31) |
| Monday | Closed | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday | ||
| Thursday | ||
| Friday | Closed | Closed |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
Entrance Fees for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Vietnamese citizens are granted free admission to the mausoleum.
- For foreign visitors, the entrance fee is 25,000 VND (approximately US$1) per person.
- The fee to visit the stilt house is also 25,000 VND (approximately US$1) per person.
How to Get to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Located in a central area, it won’t take much time to reach the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You can choose from the following transportation options:
Bicycle, Motorbike, Car: For personal vehicles, you will need to park and then walk to the mausoleum.
Cyclo, Taxi: It’s advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand when choosing these options.
Bus: You can take bus numbers 09, 22, 33, 45, or 50, which pass by Ba Dinh Square, or opt for the Hanoi City Tour double-decker bus. Currently, the Hanoi double-decker bus route includes a stop at the mausoleum. With a route that covers 25 streets, the double-decker bus service allows you to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the capital from the upper deck.
To learn more about some attractions near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, see:
- Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi: Information, Address, Opening Hours
- Ho Guom Opera House in Hanoi, Vietnam
- 10 Egg Coffee Shops in Hanoi You Should Try
- Top 7 Delicious Beef Pho Restaurants Near Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Hanoi Night Market and Weekend Pedestrian Street
- Hanoi Train Street Coffee
Important Notes When Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a solemn and sacred place. To ensure a respectful and smooth visit, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Behavior: Maintain a serious demeanor and avoid joking around. Note that children under three years old are not allowed inside the mausoleum.
- Security Checks: Before entering, you must leave your luggage and go through a security check. You are only allowed to carry wallets, bags containing money, precious metals, phones, and small cameras that are turned off. Professional cameras and video recorders are not permitted.
- Entry Etiquette: Follow the instructions of the organizers, and do not push or shove while queuing.
- At the Entrance: If wearing a hat or cap, hold it in your right hand with the inside facing outward.
- Inside the Mausoleum: Maintain silence, avoid making noise, do not touch the walls, keep your hands out of your pockets, and do not smoke.
- Photography: Absolutely no filming, photographing, or sketching is allowed inside the room where President Ho Chi Minh’s remains are kept. Do not share any images from inside the mausoleum on media platforms.
- After the Visit: You can retrieve your belongings after the tour.
- Dress Code: Wear neat, respectful attire. Although there is no strict dress code, to show respect, avoid overly short or inappropriate clothing such as mini skirts, tank tops, or backless tops.
Following these guidelines will help you have a respectful and meaningful visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Conclusion
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Hanoi, and it should not be missed during your trip to Vietnam. This activity is included in our Hanoi day tours. Please contact our travel consultants for more details. With the information we have provided, we hope you have a perfect visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
