Ba Dinh Square 2

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Hanoi © Nguyen The Hai

Ba Dinh Square was where, in 1945, Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence and where independence is celebrated each year. Dominating the west side is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the embalmed body of the 'father of the modern state', 'liberator of the Vietnamese people' and beloved public figure is displayed. The body of Ho Chi Min is enclosed in a glass case, the traditional way to honour famous communist leaders. Security is tight, there is a strict dress code and it is imperative to maintain a respectful demeanour while inside. Nearby is the Ho Chi Minh Museum that commemorates his life, housing a collection of military orders, correspondence, manifestos and photographs that illustrates the crucial role he had in the country's history.

Address: Hung Vuong and Le Hong Phong Streets, Ba Dinh Square; Telephone: (04) 845 5128; Transport: Cyclo from the centre; Opening time: Open from Tuesday to Thursday between 7.30am and 10.30am (8am to 11am in winter), and weekends from 7.30am to 11am (8am to 11.30am in winter); closed on Mondays and Fridays. The mausoleum is closed for two months of the year, usually October and November, when Ho Chi Minh’s body goes to Russia for maintenance; Admission: Free, but a donation is expected