Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum — Attraction in Hà Nội

This place is pretty cool but there are some serious drawbacks that just make it not reach its potential.

The grounds are large, clean, impressive and peaceful. It's worth visiting for sure but the experience is a bit of a mess all things considered.

So before we get into issues, just know that yes it is worth the issues for the visit, but it could be improved.

Before we get onto the bag checking mess I'll cover the main issues.

You get ushered around like sheep until after you exit the mausoleum, but you don't get any time to really observe Ho Chi Minh because you can't stop, look and reflect. You are basically walked through the room where he sits as you try to get a good glimpse without being able to stop, turning your neck to the side but making sure to be moving. I don't need a photo but it would be nice to get 10 seconds to just stop and observe in silence.

The mausoleum is linked to the Presidential Palace and the museum but the museum closes for 2 hours from 12:00-14:00 and any bags that you have checked you're expected to pick up at the luggage retrieval centre before 12:00. This is infuriating because that whole process is a pain in itself, so if you want to take in everything slowly, getting photos of the mausoleum and then reading all the plaques at the presidential palace you will likely be left with only 1-2 hours to both see the museum and then also get back to the building to collect your bag. The museum is the kind of place you'd ideally spend multiple hours but you can't if you have taken your time with the two previous attractions on the grounds. If you rush around and don't really read anything it's doable.

Otherwise you have to get your bags and leave for 2 hours and then come back, but I am not sure it's worth it as it takes so much time out of your day and you have to go through the security stuff again.

An alternate is visiting the museum first, but the body of Ho Chi Minh is only open to see until 11am from what I can gather so you'd want to spend less time in the museum to make sure you see the body.

As for the bag checks, I had my bag searched before lining up, then got told all good to go through security. Then at the other side of security was told to check the bag and separate the camera from it. So I can take photos on the other side of the mausoleum, but can't carry a miniscule gimbal with me? It makes no sense at all. I can take photos and videos with the camera but I put the camera, taking two lenses also not an issue.

Then I have to check the little red bag again at another window and pick it up later. It's just a mess and doesn't really follow any...

I would do directions to the museum as if you follow Google maps to the mausoleum it’s like a wild goose chase trying to workout where to go. We arrived about 9:30am on a Thursday in trousers and t shirts and there were no issues. Queuing system at the first point is chaos, you’re being told one line and people are just constantly shuffling between lines or in between groups. Just be prepared to be ruthless and just sort of roll with it, you’ll eventually get through. Security check was airport style which was easy enough and you can take your phones in your bags just can’t use them. Staff seem to hate you for no apparent reason but just put your stuff in a tray as quickly as possible. Once you’re through you then walk to another point where you slowly move towards the mausoleum. At this point when you turn the corner to the road the mausoleum is you will be put into two queues. Try and be in the left hand queue as this is the side closest to Ho Chi Minh once inside. It’s very cold in there so don’t worry if you’ve had to cover up on a hot day the mausoleum will cool you down. Guards have no qualms aggressively tapping you to keep you in two queues and then yelling at you to be in two queues despite it being quite cramped when you’re viewing Ho Chi Minh to be in two lines and have guards placed around you to ensure you keep moving through at a relatively fast pace. So if you end up in the right hand queue you’re looking at HCH and the guards back and forth to ensure you don’t crash into one. When you come out, if you don’t want to go to the other attractions that you have to pay for don’t follow the crowd straight once outside, go left and you will end up back at the entrance/Ho Chi Minh museum. It’s a free activity but wouldn’t say it’s a must do as a non Vietnamese tourist unless you’re a...

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important historical attraction of Hanoi, known for honoring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh. About Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important historical attraction of Hanoi, known for honoring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh. The building is where visitors can express their admiration and gratitude towards the common father/uncle of Vietnamese who has led the country to independence and reunification. It is popularly known among Vietnamese as Uncles’ Mausoleum, for the intimate and familiar atmosphere Ho Chi Minh always created when he was alive. Built over 2 years from 1973 to 1975, the Mausoleum is also a lively illustrator of national unity. Infrastructure The materials that constitute the building, from exterior granite to interior wood, were contributed by people from all over the country. Even the garden that surrounded the Mausoleum has a collection of plants and bonsais donated from all regions in Vietnam. This shows the Vietnamese’s wish to forever keep their dear father/grandfather company. In fact, the construction of the Mausoleum was against Ho Chi Minh’s will. As he passed away, he wished to be cremated and his cremation to be scattered all over the country, so that land can be saved for agricultural production. Travel Tips Visiting the Mausoleum is free of charge but involves a set of strictly enforced regulations. No short skirts or tank tops are allowed and there is high level of security check upon arrival. Day packs can be put in a safe deposit before you enter but make sure you do not carry many valuable items with you. Taking photos, talking or finger-pointing are strictly prohibited inside the mausoleums. The mausoleum might be closed occasionally for maintenance so check...