Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

What the Uncle Ho passed away was a great pain and loss of Vietnamese people. In his will, he wanted to state his wish to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered in the hills of the north, central, and the south of Vietnam so that land can be saved for agriculture production. However, according to the wish of the whole people, the nation decided to preserve his body in good condition.

With the aid of staffs of Soviet, the mausoleum was built in 1973 and was first open to the public in 1975, The construction was inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow but incorporate distinct Vietnamese architectural elements. The structure is 21.6m high and 41.2m wide and made of grey granite, black and red polished stone. the materials that constitute the building, from exterior granite to interior wood, were contributed by people from all over the country. Even the garden around the mausoleum with nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers was donated from all regions in Vietnam. The Uncle Ho is closed to nature and the design based on his hobbies when he lived. In addition, there are 79 cycad trees on one straight line being symbol for his ages. The small garden is full of flowers and green grass all the time.

The design lasted two years. The mausoleum was designed particularly for high durability, protection against bombs and earthquake magnitude up to 7 on the Richter scale. There is also special protection-flooded works in case Hanoi may break dyke. In addition, glass of coffin had to make from special type withstanding high mechanical impulses. Besides, the mausoleum was designed a special chamber to keep the remains in place in the event of war.
The mausoleum is normally open daily from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. Visiting is free of charge but comply with a set of  strictly enforced regulations such as formal customs, silent speaking, no cameras.