Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum on Ba Dinh Square is one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks. Inside, you can see the embalmed body of the Vietnamese statesman, but only on selected mornings.

My tip for accommodation in Hanoi: WECOZY on Train Street – prices and availability. I stayed here in a large, modern flat with a kitchenette. You can find more tips in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

What to see and how much time to allow

This imposing building was opened in 1975. It stands on the square where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on 2 September 1945.

Inside, you walk past the embalmed body under the watchful eye of an honour guard.

The tour itself takes only a few minutes; however, you should allow extra time, particularly for queuing and security checks. I would set aside about an hour to visit the interior, or even longer if there are large numbers of visitors.

You can also view the building from the outside from Ba Dinh Square. Every evening at 9.00 pm, a ceremonial flag-lowering takes place here.

Admission and opening hours

Normal opening hours for entry:

• 💰 Admission: free, including for international visitors.
• 🕒 April–October: Tuesday to Thursday 7.30 am–10.30 am; Saturday and Sunday 7.30 am–11.00 am.
• 🕒 November–March: Tuesday to Thursday 8.00–11.00; Saturday and Sunday 8.00–11.30.
• 🕒 Mondays and Fridays: closed. Exceptions are 19 May, 2 September and the first day of the Lunar New Year.

I recommend arriving first thing in the morning for your visit. The mausoleum is closed annually for maintenance, and the dates vary. Therefore, please check the official visitor calendar before you travel.

Free admission applies to the mausoleum. The surrounding museums and the Ho Chi Minh Residence complex have their own admission fees.

Admission and dress code

When visiting the interior, please be aware that stricter rules apply:

• Clothing: please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Photography: Photography and filming are prohibited inside the mausoleum.
• Luggage: you will go through a security check; larger items of luggage and certain electronic devices must be left behind as instructed by staff.
• Tour: visitors must proceed in single file, remain quiet and follow the guards’ instructions.

How to get to the mausoleum

The mausoleum is situated in the Ba Dinh district, north-west of the Old Quarter. From the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, allow about 40 minutes for the walk, depending on where you set off from.

To enter, head for the visitors’ entrance at 17 Ngọc Hà Street (location on the map). You cannot join the queue directly from the front of the building on the square.

Grab is also a convenient option. We describe how to book a ride and get around the city in the chapter on Transport in Hanoi.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hanoi.