You will find the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum standing prominently in central Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, serving as the monumental resting place of Vietnam's legendary revolutionary leader. Opened in 1975, this striking grey granite structure draws inspiration from Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow while blending traditional Vietnamese design, including a distinctive sloping roof. Step inside to explore a venue steeped in national history.
Within the cool, marble-lined central hall, protected by a military honor guard, you can view the preserved body of President Ho Chi Minh lying in a dimly illuminated glass case, dressed in his faded khaki outfit and rubber sandals. As you walk through, admire details like central highland wood doors, pink-veined marble walls adorned with gold-inlaid quotes, and national flags crafted from thousands of ruby pieces. Outside, you can wander across a sprawling plaza featuring hundreds of green grass squares, flanked by native bamboo, frangipani, and gardens boasting nearly 250 native plant species from across Vietnam.
Watching the military honor guards change posts every hour adds an undeniable solemnity to your visit, making this site an essential stop during your travels in Hanoi.
What to see at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- View President Ho Chi Minh's preserved body rests in a glass case adorned with bronze lotus patterns.
- Observe the military honor guards who stand guard and change posts every hour at the entrance.
- Explore surrounding gardens containing nearly 250 plant species, native bamboo, and 79 cycad trees.
- Witness the daily flag-raising ceremony at 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. and flag-lowering at 9:00 p.m.
Visiting tips
Ensure you wear modest clothing covering your shoulders and legs, turn off mobile phones, leave cameras behind, and maintain silence inside.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is easy to reach on Hanoi’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hanoi travel guide.
See the full Hanoi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.