HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM

2/9/1969 is day our country suffered from the biggest pain and loss in history. It is that the uncle Ho passed away forever. In his will, Ho Chi Minh wanted to state his wish to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered in the hills of north, central, and southern 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. So the construction is against his will.

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 incorporates 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. 79 cycad trees on one line symbol for his ages and 2 bamboos was grown in the north and south of mausoleum. Surrounding has small pond, flowers garden and green grass areas.

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 broke 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. Not bring cameras into the mausoleum.

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