Ho Chi Minh in History

The grey Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the distance against bright orange flower bushes

One would not miss visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum if they were in Hanoi. Vietnamese or not, everyone is there to pay their respect to Uncle Ho (as he is popularly known to the Vietnamese). We got ourselves a taxi to the mausoleum entrance. We had to figure out our way there as the driver had dropped us at the  other entrance where we could deposit our bags and belongings (which we did not).

The wide walkway in front of the mausoleum

We should have asked the hotel about the entrance before we came. Anyway, we just followed a group of tourists to the correct entrance. At the fence, we needed to queue up before the security guard allowed us to enter. The traffic was controlled by the guards.

The walkway was a maze to us so, we just followed the ones in front of us and walked silently. By the way, the guards were armed and looked serious. The security was tight and they would scan our handbags and belongings before entering. We did not know that the water tumbler was not allowed. Otherwise, we would have deposited it at the counter earlier. The lady guard had asked us in Mandarin whether we came with a tourist guide. But we did not. She said she would keep the tumbler for us until we finished the tour. I was petrified by the heavy security and the fierce look of the guards. 

The next thing I remembered was the long queue going into the heavily guarded mausoleum of  a  well respected Vietnamese figure, Ho Chi Minh. I read that the body of Uncle Ho was mummified like Lenin. Photographs were forbidden inside the mausoleum. We just had to walk up the stairs and maybe paused for a second or two when we were around Uncle Ho's glass coffin before being ushered away.

Presidential Palace that Uncle Ho had refused to live in

After visiting the mausoleum, we went to Uncle Ho's residence. The entrance to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House was near the mausoleum. We bought our tickets without a guide. The tickets with a  guide were a bit pricier than the normal ones. The brochure in English was informative enough and came with pictures. So, we did not need a guide. The entrance ticket to the Stilt House actually included the viewing of the Presidential Palace from outside, Ho Chi Minh's other houses and garage.

Ho Chi Minh's quarter

One of Ho Chi Minh's vintage cars parked in the garage for display

A glimpse of his bedroom

We also photographed the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's vintage cars and his house. The late Uncle Ho had stayed in a stilt house in Northwest Vietnam when he was on the run. He had liked the stilt house design, so a stilt house was built for him in Hanoi. We also viewed from far the house No. 67 where he had stayed when he was ill.

Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House with guards

The study area of the Stilt House

Stilt house is made of solid wood

Ho Chi Minh's humble abode

House No. 67 where Ho stayed when he was ill

We also visited his favourite fish pond where he would spend time there unwinding.  On our way out, we saw the amazing Cypress's roots at the fish pond that resembled statuettes of Buddha.

The beautiful reflection of Ho's house in the pond

Carps in the pond

Cypress's roots resembling statuettes of Buddha

Rippling effect on the pond

As we walked out, we stopped by the One Pillar Pagoda. Yes, it was built on a pillar but no one was supposed to be inside the Pagoda. Therefore, it should be stable enough. Believers could offer their prayers here. But we were in a hurry to retrieve my poor water tumbler before the security office closed for the day (and we were lost.) Luckily, we met a couple who could speak English and we eventually found our way and retrieved my water tumbler. 

One Pillar Pagoda

Praying in front of the pagoda

Unfortunately, we had to give the Ho Chi Minh museum a miss as it was already closed for lunch. 

Details of the attractions:

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum opening hours: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Closed on Monday and Friday)(Also closed in November) (Free admission)

Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House opening hours: 8 a.m - 11 a.m., 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) (Entrance fee: 20,000 dong (RM 3) (USD 1)

Address of the attractions above: Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi

For more info: http://www.vietnam-travel-guide.net/hanoi/attractions/