The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of Uncle Ho, the nation’s great leader. What should you keep in mind when visiting? What are the opening hours? Join iVIVU as we explore these details in the article below!
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—affectionately known as “Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum”—is located at 2 Hung Vuong Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. This architectural landmark houses Uncle Ho’s remains, fulfilling the wishes of the people. Construction began on September 2, 1973, and was completed on August 29, 1975.
The Mausoleum stands in the heart of the historic Ba Dinh Square, the very place where he read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Construction materials were sent by people from all corners of the country: sand came from highland streams in Hoa Binh Province, contributed by the Muong people, while stones were transported from streams in Tuyen Quang and Chiem Hoa. The structure also features extensive use of granite and marble.
The grounds surrounding the Mausoleum are planted with over 250 species of flora from across the country, with each plant and flower holding its own special significance.
The Mausoleum is a sacred symbol and a cultural masterpiece that radiates Uncle Ho’s moral values and ideology. At the same time, it serves as a place that disseminates the traditional cultural and historical values of the heroic Vietnamese nation. Every Vietnamese citizen should, if given the opportunity, visit Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum to express gratitude, cherish the memory of, and pay their respects to the nation’s great, beloved father figure.
The Mausoleum is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the hot season (April 1 to October 31), it is open from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. During the cold season (November 1 to March 31), it is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
On special occasions—such as Uncle Ho’s birthday (May 19), National Day (September 2), and the first day of the Lunar New Year—the Mausoleum remains open to visitors even if these dates fall on a Monday or Friday. Admission is free for Vietnamese citizens, while the ticket price for foreign visitors is 25,000 VND.
Activities during a visit to President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
When visiting the Mausoleum, visitors not only have the opportunity to pay their respects to the nation’s great leader but also to experience fascinating activities:
– Witnessing the solemn flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies: Ba Dinh Square, located in front of the Mausoleum, is the site of the daily flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies. The flag-raising ceremony takes place at 6:00 AM, and the flag-lowering ceremony occurs at 9:00 PM. Here, visitors can witness a solemn and majestic national ritual, featuring the red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the wind accompanied by the stirring strains of the National Anthem.
– Visiting the Mausoleum: Visitors will be briefed on the necessary procedures before entering the Mausoleum. Afterward, visitors line up in front of Ba Dinh Square and enter the Mausoleum in turn, following the instructions provided. You will walk through the site, observing the solemn atmosphere and the eternal resting place of Uncle Ho.
– Admire the architecture of the Mausoleum: You will see firsthand the solemn, sturdy structure, designed to withstand earthquakes and bombings. The surrounding landscape is also vibrant, featuring a variety of beautiful trees and flowers.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a sacred and solemn site for every patriotic Vietnamese person. Therefore, when visiting, please keep the following in mind:
– Maintain a serious and respectful demeanor; do not joke around or laugh and talk loudly while inside.
– Dress neatly and modestly; avoid wearing clothing that is too short or revealing.
– Deposit any luggage or bags before entering. Only small bags, money, and mobile phones are permitted inside; cameras and video recorders are strictly prohibited.
– Upon reaching the entrance, remove your hat if you are wearing one, hold it in your right hand, and keep the opening facing outward.
– Absolutely no filming or photography is allowed in the chamber where President Ho Chi Minh’s body lies in state. Do not post images taken inside the Mausoleum on mass media platforms.
The Mausoleum is a sacred monument of great cultural and historical significance to the Vietnamese people. If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, be sure to visit the Mausoleum to create beautiful memories of the capital.
