Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

NKSTTSSHNVN · CC BY-SA 4.0

A block of grey granite on Ba Dinh Square, holding the body of President Ho Chi Minh.

The mausoleum stands on the exact spot where, in 1945, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence to the crowd on Ba Dinh Square. It was completed in 1975, built from stone gathered from regions across the country; the squared-off mass recalls Lenin's mausoleum in Moscow, while the sloping roof borrows the line of a stilt house. Entry is tightly regulated: a long queue, no large bags or cameras, no stopping, no talking, filing two abreast past the body in a matter of seconds. Outside, the changing of the guard runs to a fixed rhythm, and Vietnamese visitors from distant provinces still queue here from dawn.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

Early morning, before the queue builds

How long do you need at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

1 - 1.5 hours including the queue

What are the opening hours of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

Mornings on most weekdays, closed Monday and Friday; check the published calendar

Did you know

The mausoleum was completed in 1975 on Ba Dinh Square.
This is where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on 2 September 1945.
The stone used in its construction was brought from regions across the country.
The mausoleum closes for a period each year for scheduled maintenance.

Travel tips

Check the opening calendar before you go — it closes for maintenance for months at a time.
No large bags or cameras inside; wear long trousers and sleeves, and keep absolute silence.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_Mausoleum

Updated: 2026-08-16