Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A national symbol of reverence in Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photo courtesy of the official website of the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

History and significance

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was inaugurated on Aug. 29, 1975, after two years of construction. This architectural marvel was designed with significant input from Vietnamese architects and Soviet experts, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations at the time.

The mausoleum preserves the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam’s independence movement and became the first President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945. It occupies the city square where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of modern Vietnam.

Architecture and design

The mausoleum is an imposing structure standing 21.6 meters high, with a base width of 31 meters. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture, the mausoleum's design integrates modernist elements, blending solemnity with simplicity. Its granite facade exudes resilience, while the interior features polished red marble walls and a serene chamber housing the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh.

The surrounding Ba Dinh Square and adjacent sites, such as the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda, create a cohesive cultural and historical complex.

Location and accessibility

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located at 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, approximately 3 km from Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors can access it by:

- Public bus: Routes 09, 22, 33, and 50 stop near Ba Dinh Square.

- Ride-hailing services: Widely available throughout Hanoi.

- Walking or cycling: Recommended for visitors staying near the Old Quarter.

Opening hours and admission fees

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open for visits on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. It is closed on Monday and Friday.

- Summer (Apr. 1 - Oct. 31): Open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Extended hours until 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

- Winter (Nov. 1 - Mar. 31): Open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Extended hours until 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

- Special Days: On May 19 (President Ho Chi Minh's birthday), Sept. 2 (Vietnam’s National Day), and the first day of the Lunar New Year, the mausoleum is open even if these dates fall on a Monday or Friday.

- Admission is free for all visitors, both domestic and international.

Visitors at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photo courtesy of the official website of the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visitor guidelines

Visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are required to follow these guidelines to ensure a respectful and organized experience:

- Dress code: Visitors must wear modest, clean, and respectful attire appropriate for this solemn site.

- Security check: Large bags and belongings must be stored at designated counters. Only small handbags containing essentials like money, phones, and compact cameras (switched off) are allowed. Professional cameras and recording devices are prohibited.

- Conduct: Follow staff instructions and maintain decorum. Avoid pushing, hold hats in the right hand with the inner side outward near the entrance, and show respect throughout the visit.

- Inside the mausoleum: Maintain silence, do not touch walls, and avoid placing hands in pockets. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

- Prohibited actions: Photography, filming, or sketching inside the mausoleum, particularly in the chamber housing President Ho Chi Minh's body, is forbidden. Sharing interior images on any platform is also not allowed to preserve the sanctity of the site.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum offers a profound insight into Vietnam's revolutionary history, celebrating the enduring legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Visitors leave not just with historical knowledge but also a deep appreciation of Vietnam's national spirit.