Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. In his will, the
President stated his wish to be cremated, and to have his ash buried on the
hills of the North, the Center, and the South of
Vietnam. Yet, in honor of his
huge dedication for the country and for the love of all Vietnamese for him, the
successor Communist Government decided to keep his body so that he can see the
whole country’s reunion, and the following generations can come and visit him.
Accordingly, on September 2nd, 1973, his mausoleum started to be built in Ba
Dinh Square, where he read the Independence Declaration on September 2nd, 1945,
and was completed on August 22nd, 1975, with the Soviet Union’s help.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Mausoleum, which was made of marble and granite, features a three-stored
structure. In the second store places the famous President’s body, lying as if
he were sleeping in the simple clothes worn when he was alive. Outside, visitors
can see his popular quote “Khong co gi quy hon doc lap tu do” (translated as
“Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom”) on the top face of the
mausoleum. In front of the mausoleum is the 79 cycad trees, symbolizing Uncle
Ho’s 79 springs of life. The two bamboo ranges on the two sides whistle in the
wind to commemorate the President!
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi
Opening time: 5 days per week, except Monday and Friday
Cold seasons (from November to March): 8:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m
Hot seasons (from April to October): 7:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m
Closed once per year in October/ November/ or December for the body maintenance
Note: No camera, cell phone, bare-shoulder T-shirts, or mini skirts are allowed
inside.