I can imagine Uncle Ho writing in his journal and planning events that would bring the country together sitting at the coy pond just outside the house. He was a very modest leader who is always pictured wearing smart but comfortable clothes and living in conditions unlike many other world leaders. He never lived in a castle or mansion. He preferred a quaint one-story traditional home that showed his compassion for his country’s people. He never asked for anything more and is loved by his nation’s people still today.
Located in Ba Dinh square, where former President Ho Chi Minh gave his speech declaring the independence of Vietnam on the 2nd of September, 1947, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum sits in a central part of Hanoi. It’s easy to get to by taxi, car, motorbike or bus. Many tourists, locals, and Vietnamese from all over the country, and world, make pilgrimage to this famous site. There is no excuse for not visiting this historical spot!
The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex is quite large and a great way to beat the heat on a hot day. The mausoleum sits on an area of land that comprises the embalmed tomb of Vietnam’s most influential revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Uncle Ho, as we call him here, was the President and most iconic leader of Vietnam in all of history. He is still adored by the Vietnamese population, in which nearly every household has a portrait or painting of Ho Chi Minh in their homes.
Ho Chi Minh was President of Vietnam from 1975 to 1969. With his leadership, Vietnam put an end to French colonialism. He is considered one of the most influential communist leaders of the 20th century. He is the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party and was the leader of the Vietnamese nationalist movement for about 30 years. Before becoming President, he was the Prime Minister or North Vietnam from 1945 to 1955. Even though he has long passed, he is still the symbol of Vietnamese liberation and independence today.
For me, visiting this complex instills a sense of respect and solitude. It’s such a peaceful place to be to reflect on life from time to time. The line can get quite long to see Uncle Ho’s embalmed remains so I get here early in the morning to beat the crowds. After paying my respects to the former Vietnamese leader, I walk around the complex grounds and visit a model of the old home that Uncle Ho used to live out his days in.
The gardens surrounding the mausoleum are so beautiful! There are about 250 different species of flowers and plants grown here that are from all over Vietnam. I love walking through the gardens on a bright day and taking as many pictures as I can. Since I can’t take any pictures inside the mausoleum itself, I love to take photos of the outside of the main building, which is a massive granite structure, and the luscious green gardens surrounding this complex. This is really a perfect time for me to feel at peace and reflect on past world events!