Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – A Sacred Tribute to the National Hero

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands as a solemn place, built to preserve the remains of Ho Chi Minh, a revered figure in Vietnamese history. After his passing, the mausoleum became a testament to his relentless dedication to uniting Vietnam. Every year, millions of tourists and Vietnamese people from all corners of the country visit this sacred site.

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Construction and Architecture: A Blend of Inspiration and Vietnamese Identity

Inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, the construction of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum began on September 2, 1973, and it was officially inaugurated on August 29, 1975. While drawing inspiration from its Russian counterpart, the mausoleum incorporates distinct Vietnamese architectural elements, paying homage to the nation’s identity. The exterior boasts a magnificent façade crafted from gray granite, while the interior features polished stone in shades of gray, black, and red. Adorning the mausoleum’s portico are the words “Chủ tịch Hồ-Chí-Minh” (President Ho Chi Minh), serving as a powerful reminder of the man who dedicated his life to his country. Adjacent to the portico, a banner proclaims “Nước Cộng Hòa Xã Hội Chủ Nghĩa Việt Nam Muôn Năm” (Long Live The Socialist Republic of Vietnam).

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Standing at a height of 21.6 meters (70.9 feet) and a width of 41.2 meters (135.2 feet), the mausoleum commands attention. Flanking the main structure are two platforms with seven steps, offering vantage points for parades. The plaza in front of the mausoleum is meticulously designed, featuring 240 green squares interconnected by pathways. Enveloping the mausoleum, the surrounding gardens showcase a diverse array of plants and flowers, boasting approximately 250 different species sourced from various regions of Vietnam.

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The Final Resting Place: Reverence and Guarded Legacy

Within the central hall of the mausoleum lies the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh. This solemn space is meticulously maintained and safeguarded by an honorable military guard. The president’s body rests in a glass case, subtly illuminated by dim lights. Visitors to the mausoleum have the opportunity to pay their respects to this revered leader, as it is generally open to the public.

Adorning the walls of the mausoleum are two significant flags—the national flag and the Communist party flag. These impressive flags, crafted from 4,000 pieces of rubies sourced from Thanh Hoa province, symbolize the enduring spirit of Vietnam.

Preserved in his iconic attire, President Ho Chi Minh’s body rests in a glass case, dressed in the traditional Kaki costume, complete with a pair of rubber sandals. The coffin itself is a masterwork, meticulously created by skilled craftsmen from Vietnam and the Soviet Union. Crafted from bronze, the bed of the coffin features delicate lotus patterns and is placed upon a rock pedestal equipped with an automatic lift system.

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An inscription that reads “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” serves as a poignant reminder of President Ho Chi Minh’s enduring ideals.

  • Address: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000
  • Opened: August 29, 1975
  • Height: 22 m
  • Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Phone: 024 3845 5128
  • Distance from La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel: 4.8 km – 15 min drive