Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Know before you go

What’s Vietnam without some history and culture? A visit to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is sure to take you down the memory lane of Vietnam’s founding father, Ho Chi Minh fondly called Uncle Ho. Learn about his life history and pay respect to this great man. Inaugurated in 1975, this mammoth granite structure is located in the bustling heart of Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi and is said to have been inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Russia. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was built by embalming his body as against his wish to be cremated and scatter his ashes in parts of the country.

Why Ba Dinh Square of all the places?

Ba Dinh Square holds a certain historical significance, this venue is where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence to Vietnam in 1945. The entrance is guarded by armed guards, if timed correctly you can also witness the changing of guards ceremony performed during mid-morning. 

Must know Do’s and Don’ts before you visit:

• Plan to visit early – Beat the long queues of locals and tourists rushing to pay respect to this iconic leader. Pro tip: Avoid May 19 (Uncle Ho’s birthday) and September 2nd (Vietnam Independence day) for longest queues ever!
• Respectful attitude and attire is expected and is checked upon by the honour guards standing next to the glass box inside the inner sanctum. You are expected to walk slowly in a line in a disciplined manner without making much noise or sound. 
• Cameras and phones are prohibited inside the inner sanctum. If taking a group tour, you would be asked to hand over your bags or luggage to the tour guide in the entrance itself. 
• Usually closed between Oct- Nov – as Uncle Ho’s body is sent to Russia yearly once for preservation and maintenance.
• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Opening times are from 8 am – 10:30 am Tuesday – Thursday (April to September) and from 8 am – 11 am on weekends.
• Children under 3 years are not allowed inside the Mausoleum, you will be asked to skip this. 

Sounds like too many restrictions, well that’s how the govt shows their love to their great leader. Post this, you can visit some famous spots in Ba Dinh Square, we’ve curated a list especially for you. 

Places of interest in Ba Dinh Square:

The Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace resembling much of a french architecture was built for the Governor-General of Indochina, however, post-Independence Ho Chi Minh gladly rejected to stay here as it gave away smell of former invaders. Amusing, ain’t it?

Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House

Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House was an alternative built with pleasant garden and greenery for President Ho after he refused to stay in the Presidential Palace. 

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Get to know Ho Chi Minh up close at this museum, built as recognition on his 100th birthday. 

The One Pillar Pagoda

Recognized from its name, this Buddhist temple stands tall on a single pillar alongside a lotus pond, this is the last one on the list of every traveller savvy for some instagrammable picture. 

Vietnam is much more than history, you can travel to experience the raw nature, try relishing local cuisine and go island hopping down south, plan it all with our best Vietnam tour packages at Pickyourtrail. We will be waiting to craft a memorable vacation for you!