Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam is a vast granite and red marble structure which houses the tomb of Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known by some Vietnamese as Uncle Hồ.

History of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Founder of the Viet Minh, the Vietnamese Communist Party, Ho Chi Minh went on to fight for Vietnam’s independence from the Japanese. The site on which the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located was where Ho declared independence from the Japanese in 1945. However, this was followed by a war with the French, after which Vietnam was divided. Ho Chi Minh became the leader of the communist North Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh was still the President of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, the notorious conflict between the USA and the North Vietnamese backed Vietcong which aimed to prevent the spread of communism. However, he died in on 2 September 1969, before the end of the war.

Ho Chi Minh expressly stated he only wanted a simple cremation, but between 1973 and 1975, a majestic mausoleum was constructed for his body using materials from all over Vietnam. Ho’s preserved body is on display in a glass sarcophagus for 10 months a year

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum today

The mausoleum is open today the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, free of charge – hours vary slightly between summer and winter seasons. Ho’s body is normally removed for maintenance between September and early November.

There is almost always a queue to get in, and rules on entry are strict: you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, remove headwear, check bags, phones and cameras before entry, and you will be expected to walk round in respectful silence. Guards are on hand to tell you off if you don’t adhere to the rules.

Getting to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum is located in Hanoi, at the south end of the Presidential Palace complex. Enter on Ba Dinh Square: buses 22A, 45, 50, 09A, 09ACT and 18 all stop a short walk away. Any driver in the city should be able to get you here without any problems.