This massive tomb houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, a former Vietnamese president.

When the former Viet Minh leader died in 1969, his body was embalmed and placed in the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This site is a place of great importance to many Vietnamese, and one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions.

Ho Chi Minh (also known as “Uncle Ho”) led the Vietnamese independence movement and was a key figure in founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, better known as North Vietnam. The mausoleum is situated in the center of Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence after the Japanese surrendered in 1945.

The line to enter the mausoleum is long but it moves steadily. This is because you are not allowed to stop once you are inside people silently file past the embalmed body encased in a glass box. While inside the mausoleum you are also not allowed to talk, take photographs, carry a bag, eat and have your hands in your pockets. Armed guards see to it that the utmost respect is given to the former president, who is still very much revered.

Learn more about Ho Chi Minh’s life in the elaborate museum or visit his simple, stilt house, which he chose over the former French palace next door. You’ll find all these monuments scattered around the large plaza with its manicured lawns and plant and flower beds. Come back at night to see the ceremonial storing of the national flag at 9 p.m.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located just north of the city center, near Lake Ho Tay. It can be reached by bus or taxi. The mausoleum is open in the morning, but closed for lunch and also on Mondays and Fridays. Entrance is free. Check whether Ho Chi Minh’s body is there during your visit, because it is sent to Russia for maintenance for two months each year

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The Oriental Jade Hotel

Old Quarter

￥107,600

per person

Nov 26 - Nov 29

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Hanoi (HAN)

9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)

Excellent property. Fantastic location right in the old quarter and easily walkable to other major sites/areas. The room was clean and quiet. Staff were very friendly, extremely helpful and welcoming and really did go above and beyond to make this a great experience for us. Breakfast was plentiful (and delicious)

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2026

Tirant Hotel

Old Quarter

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￥164,262

per person

Jan 2 - Jan 6

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Nagoya (NGO) to Hanoi (HAN)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)

My overall experience with Tirant Hotel at Hanoi Old Quarter was exceptional. Just to name a few areas they have impressed me: 1) I was seated comfortably, served a drink and skewer of fruits while the front desk processed my check in. The front desk staff then explained everything I needed to know professionally. Full marks for first impression! 2) Meticulous housekeeping with no visible dust and everything I needed in place. All amenities were well maintained. 3) Breakfast with wide variety of food excellent in both taste and presentation. 4) The warm and attentive service by the hotel’s staff made my experience perfect. Their F&B Manager even got me a cup of ginger tea when he saw me sneezing on my first morning there. I doubt you can find such sincere and personalised service even in international five star hotels. I also wish to thank another of their front desk staff who came to my aid when a GrabBike rider tried cheating me. He handled the situation skilfully and made that rider back off. Tirant Hotel is definitely great value for money, highly recommended for every visitor to Hanoi!

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2026