Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is a solemn, monumental structure in the heart of Hanoi where the embalmed body of the revered Vietnamese leader lies in state. The mausoleum, inspired by Lenin's tomb in Moscow, is a massive granite building with a stark, Soviet-style design. Visitors approach in a reverent, orderly line, passing through the dimly lit chamber to glimpse Ho Chi Minh's preserved body. The experience is deeply moving and a highlight for many travelers, offering insight into Vietnam's history and the enduring respect for 'Uncle Ho.' The mausoleum is part of a larger complex that includes Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945, as well as his stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, with strict rules about dress and behavior. It's a must-visit for understanding modern Vietnam, but requires patience due to long queues and limited visiting hours.

Don't miss

• View the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh in the central hall (no photography allowed).
• Walk through Ba Dinh Square, the historic site where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence.
• Visit the nearby Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's simple stilt house, where he lived from 1958 to 1969.
• See the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple built in 1049, located within the complex.
• Observe the changing of the guard ceremony at the mausoleum entrance, which occurs every hour.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Cheapest way inHo Chi Minh City: Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour4.8★ · 248 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$1 per personSee dates →Best full dayExplore Cu Chi Tunnels: Vietnam War History & Underground Life4.9★ · 4,494 travelers8–9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleHue Royal Tombs Tour: Visit Best Pagoda & King's Mausoleums5★ · 59 travelers3–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Dress respectfully: no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. Cover shoulders and knees.
• Photography, phones, and large bags are prohibited inside the mausoleum. Lockers are available for a small fee.
• Maintain silence and a respectful demeanor inside. No talking, eating, or chewing gum.
• The mausoleum is only open in the morning (usually 7:30-10:30 AM) and closes early. Plan your visit accordingly.

A bit of history

Construction of the mausoleum began in 1973, four years after Ho Chi Minh's death, and was completed in 1975. The body was preserved with assistance from Soviet experts. Ho Chi Minh had expressed a wish to be cremated, but the government decided to embalm him for public veneration.