Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi

Free entry. Very long queues so arrive EARLY (before 8am, probably before 7am on weekends). We went at 9am on a Sunday and the queue was insane - out the gates, all the way around the perimeter and seemed not to be moving. We decided to come back another day. Got there at 8am on a wed. Queue was still big but nothing compared to the Sunday. We were through the queue, saw Ho Chi Minh and exited all within 45 minutes. Worth the experience. Inside the mausoleum you get a good view, although you are constantly moving. Also worth noting that you need to cover your legs and shoulders (so trousers or long skirt) otherwise you won't get in.

An interesting place to visit where the most respectful president of Vietnam laid to rest. It located in the Ho Chi Minh complex, walking distance to the Presidential Palace. If u planning to visit inside the mausoleum, go early morning because the line can be so long especially during summer holiday in May and it only open for public until noon. You can take nice pictures outside the mausoleum and visit other buildings in the Ho Chi Minh complex area for free. The best time to go is in the afternoon.

Early morning, by 8am we were already standing in the long spilling over queue. Didn't help was the freezing weather. Tight security, no picturing inside, laptop not allowed and handbags scanned, we walked past the guards. A quick walk within the square area to look at Ho Chi Minh without stopping. Over and done. That's it. We then walked to his Palace for history back then, followed by through the huge garden prior to exiting.

The reverence and patriotism you experience in this place is awe-inspiring. Be prepared to follow rules. Be properly clothed. No revealing clothes. Comfortable shoes are ideal for the long walk. There will be lots of people but lines are fast-moving. Big bags have to be deposited at the entrance so small bags are best. Big cameras to be deposited too as they are not allowed inside. No liquids allowed inside. No sunglasses. Hands on your side. Respectful demeanor at all times. It's quite an experience!

Very interesting experience. See tourists and locals alike in this large park facing the mausoleum. The honor guard surrounding the building and park were also quite nice, letting us know where we could walk to get around the building.