Whether you are a history buff or a casual traveller, a tour of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must during a trip to the Vietnamese capital. Here’s how to visit this iconic attraction.
A Local Hero
Dubbed the Father of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the capital of the country is named, was also the founder of the Communist movement in Vietnam. Although the statesman is viewed as a controversial and divisive figure in world politics, in his home country, he is nothing short of an icon that is revered by the young and the old alike for his struggle to gain independence for the country from first the anti-communist factions in the south and then the USA.
The Flag Ceremony
Travellers based at PentStudio West Lake Hanoi or any similar apartment for rent in Tay Ho can witness the daily flag ceremony which takes place in the wee morning hours. This ceremony, which is held outside of the mausoleum proper, begins at 6 am on the dot and lasts only a few minutes.
What to Expect
Entry to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is free and the doors of the venue open at 7:30 am so visitors must line up outside the barricades. A security check will follow where cameras and water bottles will be confiscated as these items are not allowed inside. A red carpet leads one to a room in which the statesman has been laid to rest. Surrounded by 4 guards, the body lies in a glass case.
Faux Pas
It is acceptable to bow before the remains as a sign of respect but one should not linger long.
