Ho Chi Minh Museum Hanoi: A Guide for First-timers
- Shal & James
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 30
A clear-eyed guide to the Ho Chi Minh Museum Hanoi and the surrounding complex, explaining what to expect, what’s largely symbolic, and how to visit without any awkward missteps.
No visit to Hanoi would be complete without learning more about Ho Chi Minh, the face of Vietnam’s fight for independence in the French and American (Vietnam) Wars.
His complex of monuments, including his mausoleum, museum, and stilt house, serves as both a historical site and a place of deep reverence. Locals affectionately call him Uncle Ho, a nickname intended to reflect his enduring image as a humble, fatherly leader who led Vietnam through its most transformative years.
Truthfully, there isn’t loads to see, and even less in English. We spent two hours, but you could cover the highlights faster. It’s more a Hanoi box-tick and FOMO dodge than a must-do.
Just a heads-up: there’s no combo ticket for all the sites within Ho Chi Minh Museum Hanoi, and you’ll need to pay cash for each one separately.
If you decide to visit, get ready for airport-like security and if you don't want to be panic buying trousers and shawls off the street, remember to arrive with your legs and shoulders respectfully covered. Don't even think about chewing gum.
HO CHI MINH COMPLEX
HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM
Tue-Thu + Sat-Sun 7:30AM - 10:30AM; closed Mon & Fri + Oct-Nov
We didn’t go inside the mausoleum ourselves and opted for a casual stroll-by of the exterior once inside the complex. But if you’re set on seeing Uncle Ho in all his preserved glory, timing is everything. You’ll need to show up before the gates open at 7:30AM to beat the queues, which we hear can get epically long.
As mentioned above: dress code is strict. Shoulders and knees covered (trousers for the gents), or you won’t make it past security. Once you’ve surrendered every belonging at the bag drop (honestly, best to roll in empty-handed), you’ll be herded through the mausoleum single file and dead silent. No phones, no chatter, no exceptions.
Not sure how much it costs, but can't imagine it will set you back much in light of entry for the other monuments in the complex (40,000 VND pp [cash]; converted: £1.12 / €1.29 / US$1.53). If you’re interested, it’s probably worth the early wake-up call.
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Tue-Thu + Sat-Sun 8-11AM + 2-4PM; closed Mon & Fri
40,000 VND pp [cash]; converted: £1.12 / €1.29 / US$1.53
The Presidential Palace is French colonial elegance meets “look but don’t touch.” You can’t go inside (boo), but you can admire its banana-yellow grandeur from the outside while pretending you’ve been invited to a very exclusive garden party.
So, what does Ho Chi Minh have to do with this yellow colonial stunner? Well, technically, it was built for the French Governor-General, but after independence, it became the official Presidential Palace.
But here’s the twist: Ho Chi Minh was not about that lavish life. Instead of moving in, he politely declined the palace and opted to live in a simple stilt house out back (which you can view).
ONE PILLAR PAGODA
Daily 7AM - 6PM
Free
One Pillar Pagoda is teeny but mighty, like a lotus flower doing a balancing act on a single stone pillar. Built way back in 1049 CE by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, it was inspired by a dream (yes, dream) where the Goddess of Mercy handed him a baby boy. Soon after, he married a peasant girl and bam—royal heir secured. As a thank-you, he built this lotus-shaped pagoda.
HO CHI MINH MUSEUM
Tue-Thu + Sat-Sun 8AM - 12PM + 2 - 4:30PM; closed Mon & Fri
40,000 VND pp [cash]; converted: £1.12 / €1.29 / US$1.53
The Ho Chi Minh Museum is housed in a massive building that looks like it could double as a Cold War bunker or the setting for a dystopian spy film.
Inside, it’s packed with exhibits, but sadly, it felt like more style than substance. Most of the info is crammed onto timeline boards with tiny font (bring binoculars or a magnifying glass... or both), and there’s not a ton of storytelling to bring Uncle Ho’s life to life.
There are a few quirky art installations that feel like a fever dream version of 20th-century history, which makes for some fun “what did I just look at?” moments, but overall, more confusing than captivating. Worth a peek if you’re already in the complex, but don’t expect a museum masterpiece.
NOT QUITE DONE EXPLORING?
About to check Vietnam off the bucket list? Start with our 15 Vietnam travel tips for first-timers and exact 3 week Vietnam itinerary, or opt for the pared-back 2 week Vietnam itinerary if you’re travelling on a tighter schedule.
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