January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The resting place of Ho Chi Minh, set in a large complex with a palace, a stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.
- Time needed
- From 2 hours
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Early morning, before the queue builds
Overview
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands in Ba Dinh Square, where Vietnam declared independence in 1945. Many Vietnamese visitors travel from all over the country to pay their respects, and the queue moves slowly and quietly.
The visit includes more than the Mausoleum. Around it are the yellow Presidential Palace, the simple stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 to 1969, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda from the 11th century. Allow time to walk the whole complex.
Highlights
- Pay your respects at the Mausoleum
- See the Presidential Palace from outside
- Visit the stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked
- Find the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Apr – Oct: Tue – Thu 7:30 – 10:30; Sat – Sun and public holidays 7:30 – 11:00 Nov – Mar: Tue – Thu 8:00 – 11:00; Sat – Sun and public holidays 8:00 – 11:30 Closed Monday and Friday Closed for yearly maintenance, usually in summer |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Early morning, before the queue builds |
| Good for | History fans, first-timers, school groups |
| Accessibility | Flat paved paths; a long walk in the queue and through security |
| Facilities | Toilets, bag storage at the checkpoint, cafes nearby |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
The complex is in Ba Dinh, about 2.5 km north-west of Hoan Kiem Lake. A taxi or Grab from the Old Quarter takes 10 to 15 minutes. Follow the signs and the queue to the security check.
Tips before you go
- Check the open days and the yearly maintenance break (in recent years from June to about August) before you plan
- Cover shoulders and knees; shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed
- Cameras and large bags must be left at the checkpoint
- Stay quiet and keep your hands out of your pockets inside
Location
Ba Dinh Square, Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
About 2.5 km from Hoan Kiem Lake
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Can I visit the Mausoleum every day?
No. It is closed on Monday and Friday (public holidays are an exception), and for about two months each year for maintenance, which in recent years was in summer. Always check the schedule before you go.
What should I wear?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Wear closed, comfortable shoes because you will walk and queue for a while.
Can I take photos inside?
No. Cameras are not allowed inside the Mausoleum. You can take photos in the grounds outside.