The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. When the great man died in 1969 his body was embalmed against his wishes and kept safe until the huge grey granite mausoleum was constructed. “Uncle Ho” as he is affectionately referred to by the Vietnamese was the most important modern day figure in the country. He had a huge stabilising effect on his people and is remembered with great love and affection.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was inspired by that of Lenin in Moscow and the austere looking building was completed in two years being finally inaugurated on 29 August 1975. The structure is very large 21.6 metres (70.9 feet) high and 41.2 metres (135.2 feet) wide. It stands on one side of the equally imposing Ba Dinh Square.
The glass sarcophagus is flanked permanently by 4 white uniformed honour guards. People queue up daily to file respectfully past the incredibly well preserved body. It is open to the public between 9am and 12 noon daily. The queues are very long, but move surprisingly quickly. It is worth noting not to bring bags or cameras etc. These have to be left in a complicated left luggage space which adds a lot of time you your excursion.
In 2009 a team of Vietnamese and Russian embalmers, arrived at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Their mission was to ensure he was looking as good as possible. They inspected the one-time revolutionary leader’s corpse. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, said at the time ,”The embalmers will evaluate the situation and status of the body of President Ho Chi Minh and how to maintain the corpse in the years to come,” Nowadays the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every October as the body is sent to Russia for preservation work to be carried out.
Rules regarding dress and behaviour are strictly enforced by staff and guards at all times. Legs must be covered (no shorts or miniskirts). Visitors must be silent, and walk in two lines. Hands must not be in pockets and arms must not be crossed. Smoking, eating & drinking, photography and video taping are also not permitted anywhere within the mausoleum.
The mausoleum is adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
