Vietnam Retreat - Visiting "Uncle Ho"

To be honest, I didn’t have a clue of what was it until I got out of the mausoleum. It was really early morning and I just got lost in translation (literally). The tour guide told us to get ready @ 8am and that was the only thing I processed. I thought it was a “museum”, and had a tiny heart attack when I saw Ho Chi Minh's body.

Ho Chi Minh or also known as “Uncle Ho” is venerated as a national hero and father of Vietnam. Though he specifically requested cremation and his ashes to be sprinkled all over Vietnam, they preserved his body and built him a majestic mausoleum. It was rather impressive, as it includes a palace and a museum. I was told by our tour guide that they did it out of love.

Honestly, I find it quite weird because it’s against his wish (and their religion) but from a different perspective, it’s good to allow the new generation to be close to their hero.

Admission to this mausoleum is free but you will find a long queue almost every day. Don’t be surprised if the long queue to see embalmed corpse of Uncle Ho are mostly locals, because they truly respect and love him.

The queue at 8am!

“Uncle Ho” looks very peaceful and serene, his eyes closed as if in deep slumber. The wispy white beards on his face are still and his body is white and pale, almost aglow, in the orange lights. In the super cool air-conditioned room, and surrounded by plenty of army guards who stand motionless at all times, the room is hushed in enforced silence and the atmosphere is surreal.

I was informed that the mouseleum usually dont accept visitors for 2 months every year (Aug –Sept if im not mistaken) for preservation purposes.

Overall it was quite a nice experience. I was particularly moved to see the amount of love and respect the Vietnamese have for their leader.

~Cheers!