The structure is 21.6 meters (70.9 feet) high and 41.2 meters (135.2 feet) wide. Flanking the mausoleum are two platforms with seven steps for parade viewing. The plaza in front of the mausoleum is divided into 240 green squares separated by pathways. The gardens surrounding the mausoleum have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam.
The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honor guard. The body lies in a glass case with dim lights. Lines of visitors, including visiting foreign dignitaries, pay their respects at the mausoleum every day. The visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is usually combined with the visit to Ho Chi Minh Museum and nearby One Pillar Pagoda.
The Mausoleum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, except Monday and Friday. In summer, it is open from 7.30 am to 10.30 am; in winter is from 8 am to 11 am. The hours are extended by 30 minutes on Sundays and holidays. The Mausoleum is usually closed from September 5 to December 10 for maintenance. Photography is not allowed inside the mausoleum. 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.
Highlights:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of interesting place should be visited while in Hanoi. Most people are curious of how is his mummy are being preserved inside the mausoleum and learn about Resistance War of Vietnam which mostly related to his biography. The Vietnamese text inside the mausoleum recites one of Uncle Ho's most oft quoted sayings - "Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty". And the large green boards on either side of the mausoleum exterior read - "Socialist Republic of Vietnam forever" and "President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our lives and work".
Each day hundreds of locals and foreigners line up to see Uncle Ho's embalmed corpse in what has become an important rite for any visitor to the capital. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the changing of the guard outside Uncle Ho’s mausoleum. Two solemn rituals took place outside the mausoleum which must not be missed are flag-raising (at 6am) and flag-lowering (at 9pm) ceremonies.
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