Ho Chi Minh mausoleum was built in honor of late president Ho Chi Minh (born 1890 – pass away 1969). It was built for the preservation of his body. The mausoleum was started in 1873 and finished in 1975 when it was officially open for the public. Ho Chi Minh is also known as “Uncle Ho” a name he was given by the public, fought for his country and led Vietnam to independence and became the president. Although Ho wished for his body to be burnt and ashes scattered in all the corners of his country the government went totally opposite his wishes and reserved his body.So that the memory and honor of their great leader live forever.
Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is built with an architectural design that resembles Lenin’s mausoleums in Moscow. It is a concrete and granite block of 21,6m tall and 41,2m wide built in front of Ba Dinh square. President Ho Chi Minh first declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945 there. The square is covered by beautiful green patches of grass with pathways between.No one is ever allowed to step on the grass.
Entry To The Mausoleum
Entrance to the mausoleum is free. However, you have to be there early if you want to be in front of the line and avoid cutting through the lines. There is always a long queue of both visitors and locals waiting to enter into the mausoleum. As you enter you leave your bags, cameras, and phones behind with the guards at the door. The entrance of the mausoleum is the carvings of the words “Chu tich Ho Chi Minh” meaning president Ho Chi Minh. The Vietnam people have great respect for this place.
Inside The Mausoleum
The interior of the mausoleum is grey, black and red polished stones. Ho Chi Minh body is in the center of the room with his body dressed in a suit in a glass case. The body is protected by guards. The room is dimly lit. As you enter the mausoleum great respect should be shown. You are required to be quiet,no laughing or smiling and walk slowly through the mausoleum.No pointing fingers or taking photographs is allowed. Due to the busy and long queues, visitors are not allowed to stop the queue at any point. In case of any disrespect shown the guards will definitely point you out.
Dressing
Visiting the mausoleum requires great respect and decency.No shorts, sleeveless shirts or mini-skirts are allowed into the mausoleum. Always wear clothes that cover you up.
Opening And Closing Hours
The mausoleum is always open to the public at any other time if the year except October and November. During these two months, the body is normally taken to Russia for further preservations and maintenance.As from April to September it is open from 7.30-10.30 from Tuesday to Thursday and 7.30-11.00am on weekends. As from December to March its open from 8 am to 11 am from Tuesdays to Thursday, and 8 am to 11.30 am on weekends. It is normally closed on Fridays.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
On exiting the mausoleum, there is more to see at the museum nearby. The Ho Chi Minh museum contains president Ho’s documents on all about his life including his personal items like clothes. The museum was dedicated to the late leader. Apart from the late leader’s stories from his upbringing to his death, there are artifacts, and various cultural materials gathered also found in the museum.If you are interested in a guided tour around the museum, all you have to do is make a request.
