By aussiematesvietnam 
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A Tribute to a Leader
G’day mates! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where I’ve been calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades now. My wife Tracy and I have explored every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, and we’ve learned a thing or two about the local customs, history, and must-see sights.
Today, I want to take you through one of Vietnam’s most significant landmarks – the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It’s not just a tourist attraction; it’s a deeply meaningful place that offers insight into the heart and soul of Vietnam. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me share what you need to know before visiting this remarkable memorial.
[IMAGE:ho-chi-minh-mausoleum-exterior]
Who Was Ho Chi Minh?
Before we dive into the mausoleum itself, let’s chat about the bloke it honours. Ho Chi Minh (Uncle Ho, as the locals affectionately call him) was the revolutionary leader who fought for Vietnam’s independence. Born in 1890, he led the Vietnamese nationalist movement for more than three decades and served as Prime Minister and President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).
What’s fascinating is that despite being such a revered figure, Ho Chi Minh was known for his humility and simple lifestyle. He requested cremation after his death, wanting his ashes scattered across Vietnam. Instead, the government decided to preserve his body and create this magnificent mausoleum – a testament to how deeply respected he remains.
Tracy always says that understanding Ho Chi Minh helps you understand Vietnam, and after living here for almost 20 years, I couldn’t agree more.
The Mausoleum’s Architecture and Design
The mausoleum stands proudly in Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. It’s a massive grey granite building with distinct Soviet-influenced architecture – not surprising since it was modelled after Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow.
The structure stands at 21.6 meters high and 41.2 meters wide, making it an imposing sight against Hanoi’s skyline. The exterior features marble and granite sourced from across Vietnam, symbolically bringing together materials from the entire country to honour their beloved leader.
[IMAGE:mausoleum-architecture]
When Tracy and I first visited back in the early 2000s, we were struck by the solemn grandeur of the place. Unlike many tourist attractions, there’s a reverent hush that falls over visitors as they approach.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Tips
If you’re an Aussie boomer planning to visit the mausoleum, here are some crucial tips I’ve gathered over countless visits (often when showing our visiting mates from Down Under around):
- The mausoleum is open from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM Tuesday through Thursday, and on weekends. It’s closed on Mondays and Fridays, and also closes annually for about two months (typically September to November) when Ho Chi Minh’s body is taken to Russia for maintenance.
- Arrive early! The queues can get lengthy, especially during Vietnamese holidays or weekends.
- Entry is free, but you’ll need to store bags, cameras, and phones before entering.
- Dress respectfully – no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or miniskirts. Long pants and covered shoulders are a must.
- Inside, no talking, hands must be out of pockets, and you need to keep moving at a steady pace.
One thing that caught me off guard during my first visit – you can’t stop to linger inside the mausoleum. The guards ensure everyone keeps moving in a continuous flow, giving you just enough time for a respectful glance at Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body.
The Viewing Experience
Nothing quite prepares you for the actual experience of entering the mausoleum. After queuing outside, you’ll pass through security checks before entering the dimly lit, temperature-controlled central hall.
Inside, Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body lies in a glass case, illuminated by soft lighting. He appears to be sleeping peacefully, dressed in his trademark simple khaki suit. The atmosphere is solemn and dignified, with armed guards standing at each corner of the room.
Tracy was deeply moved during our first visit. There’s something profoundly human about seeing someone so revered by millions preserved in such a way. It connects you to Vietnam’s history in a tangible, visceral manner that history books simply can’t match.
[IMAGE:viewing-hall]
The Broader Ba Dinh Complex
The mausoleum is just one part of a larger complex worth exploring. After your visit, take time to check out:
- Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House – where he actually lived, rejecting the opulent Presidential Palace in favour of this simple dwelling
- The Presidential Palace – a beautiful French colonial building with stunning grounds
- The One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic Buddhist temple dating back to 1049
- Ho Chi Minh Museum – if you want to learn more about Uncle Ho’s life and legacy
Tracy and I often recommend visitors allocate at least half a day to properly explore the entire complex. The gardens alone are worth lingering in, especially in the cooler morning hours.
[IMAGE:stilt-house]
Cultural Context and Respectful Tourism
As Aussies, we might find the concept of visiting an embalmed body a bit unusual, but understanding the cultural context helps. For Vietnamese people, the mausoleum is not macabre – it’s a place of profound respect and remembrance.
I’ve watched locals of all ages visit, many bringing their children to connect with their country’s history. Some elderly Vietnamese approach with tears in their eyes, especially those who lived through the revolutionary period.
One of the most touching sights I’ve witnessed over my years in Vietnam is seeing Vietnamese families from overseas bringing elderly relatives to visit – sometimes fulfilling a lifelong wish to pay respects to Uncle Ho.
Final Thoughts
After nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I have visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum countless times, and each visit offers a moment of reflection. It’s more than a tourist attraction; it’s a window into understanding the soul of modern Vietnam and its complex history.
If you’re making the journey from Australia to Vietnam, don’t miss this significant landmark. It might not have the obvious appeal of Halong Bay or the bustling energy of the markets, but it offers something equally valuable – insight into the heart of a nation that has endured and evolved through extraordinary circumstances.
As we always tell our mates visiting from back home – you haven’t really seen Vietnam until you’ve paid your respects at Uncle Ho’s final resting place.
Until next time, happy travels!
– Aussie Mates (with Tracy’s seal of approval, as always)