Visiting Uncle Ho
Portrait of Ho Chi Minh.
Background
Ho Chi Minh, revered as the father of Vietnam and the Communist Party's founder, is highly regarded by the Vietnamese, while being a contentious figure for those who do not support communism. Having served as North Vietnam's president for 25 years, Ho's dominant reign in the communist country embodies the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence from the anti-communist regime in the south, as well as from the southern allies of that regime, including the United States.
Known affectionately as "Uncle Ho" by many Vietnamese, the former Communist Party leader is an important historical figure, and visiting his mausoleum is considered a privilege by most Vietnamese, despite the arduous journey many undertake to get there.
Ba Dinh Square, the vicinity around Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, located not far from the bustling Old Quarter of the capital city, is strictly focused on business. While a few vendors selling pho and drinks can be found behind the Mausoleum later in the day, it is nothing like the rest of the city.
Security around the mausoleum is stringent, and signs in both Vietnamese and English warn visitors every 20 feet or so: "Do not enter," "No chewing gum," "Restricted area, no trespassing."
At the early hour of the morning, the admiration and respect for Ho Chi Minh are tangible among the mostly Vietnamese people who gather and patiently queue for entry to the mausoleum.
The Rules
Visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is a unique and humbling experience that offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Vietnam's most revered leaders. The Vietnamese treat a pilgrimage to see Uncle Ho with great seriousness so no messing around! Follow the rules.
Here is a guide on how to visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum:
Plan Your Visit: It is best to plan your visit in advance, as the Mausoleum can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. The Mausoleum is usually closed Sep-Oct for maintenance of Ho Chi Minh’s body. Opening times are a confusing mix of varying hours:
April to October:
Tue-Thu 7:30am to 10:30am
Sat, Sun and public holidays from 7:30am to 11am
November to March:
Tue-Thu 8am to 11am.
Sat, Sun and public holidays from 8:30am to 11:30am.to the public from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends.
Dress Appropriately: The Mausoleum is a place of respect and solemnity, so it is important to dress appropriately. Visitors are required to dress conservatively, covering their arms and legs, and to remove their hats and sunglasses before entering. You will most likely need to store bags, cameras and phones before queuing.
Get in Line: Visitors are required to queue up outside the Mausoleum and are led into the building in small groups. It is important to be patient and respectful while waiting in line.
Follow the Rules: Once inside the Mausoleum, visitors are required to walk quietly and refrain from taking photos or videos. It is also important to keep your hands by your side, do not put them in your pockets, and do not touch anything inside the Mausoleum.
Pay Your Respects: When you reach the main chamber of the Mausoleum, you will see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh lying in state. Visitors are required to walk around the body and pay their respects quietly.
Visit the Surrounding Area: After visiting the Mausoleum, take some time to explore the surrounding area, which includes the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh and the history of Vietnam.
The Experience
A red carpet leads visitors inside the building and to the cool, dark room where Ho’s body resides. There’s a damp, heavy silence inside the chamber; people’s footsteps on the thin carpet mostly muffled.
Ho is flanked by four guards, and there are five other stoic officials monitoring the room as well. As visitors file into the hall, many offer a small bow to Ho’s right side, waiting for their turn to face the body, which rests peacefully in an elevated glass case with soft, yellow lights.
This positioning provides an opportunity to bow facing Ho and express appreciation – or, if you’re a curious foreigner, attempt to get a closer look.
Visitors who try to linger are promptly stopped by a guard who oversees the area. With a pat on the shoulder, they are urged to move on. Rather than stopping, visitors simply slow their pace and pause for a millisecond before being directed to continue moving forward.
After all is said and done, visitors spend only a brief moment inside the main hall. There is nothing else to see in the mausoleum, although the grounds are worth exploring if one enjoys flowers and open spaces.
Nonetheless, this strict procedure has a positive aspect. Despite the fact that the line outside, which is covered for the most part, can become quite long regardless of the weather conditions, it moves swiftly.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Other Sites to See
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Complex is part of an area that also includes the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and One Pillar Pagoda. These are all able to be visited after seeing Uncle Ho.
Adjacent to the Mausoleum is the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is comprised of several levels, each dedicated to a particular phase of his life. Behind the Mausoleum, there's the presidential palace that Ho Chi Minh never lived in because he preferred living in a simple house like most Vietnamese people. Also, the palace symbolizes the French colonial era. Instead, Ho Chi Minh resided next to the palace, in a simple stilt house, which is now open to visitors.
Between the Mausoleum and the Museum lies the tiny One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, it is one of the most sacred temples in Hanoi.
If you are a history buff, you can easily spend half a day or more visiting all the these attractions.
Getting There
The easiest way to get there if DIYing is to take a motorbike or taxi. Use the Grab App and just program in where you want to go. Easy! The Mausoleum is only about 2.5km from the Old Quarter so if you are feeling like a walk it only takes about half an hour to get there.
Empower your inner adventurer and DIY an awesome holiday in Vietnam.
