Seeing an embalmed human body is a little macabre for some, but for Vietnamese people visiting the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum it is an act of great reverence, a chance to show respect to the man that helped liberate the nation.
The mausoleum is the resting place of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and is set in a six-hectare area of Ba Dinh Square, where you are also able to see various artifacts belonging to “Uncle Ho,” such as his car, personal belongings and stilt house. Aside from the central hall where you get to see the body itself, the gardens boast impressive landscaping, including beautiful lotus and lily ponds and a wealth of bonsai trees.
The mausoleum is an impressive 20-meter-high building, inspired by the Lenin Mausoleum and was actually built in cooperation with the Russians.
A morning here gives a great insight into the history of Hanoi and Vietnam, not to mention Ho Chi Minh’s outsize role within it.
It is recommended turning up early, as such is the esteem in which the Vietnamese hold their former leader that queues can often last for over an hour, and this will only get you a 30 second look at Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body.
People are advised to dress respectfully as you are essentially visiting a grand tomb.
Be careful to check if it is open beforehand as the area is generally closed for restoration in June, July and much of August.
2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình
Tuesday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
