tEhings E S ottosgSEE n i ht ba dinh district
9:00am-12:00pm
Free
Ho Chi Minh’s House Built in 1958 as a representation of a traditional stilt house for then-president Ho Chi Minh, he preferred this modest abode to the opulent Presidential Palace next door. This simple house contains only a bedroom and study, which reflects Ho’s humble beginnings. The well-tended garden and pond are a great place to escape from the crowds. Ngoc Ha and Doi Can, Ba Dinh D 7:30am-4:30pm, except Mon & Fri afternoon VND40,000
Ancient Citadel While digging the foundation for a new national assembly building in 2002, workers began to unearth remnants of a much older building. Archaeologists discovered the ancient foundations of an imperial city that dated back 1,300 years to Dai Viet, when Hanoi was known as Thang Long. 12 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ba Dinh D Tue-Sun 8:00am-11:30am & 2:00pm-5:00pm VND30,000, free for children under 15
Local insight: There's an old building (D67) on site where communists plotted during the American War.
Ho Chi Minh Museum Located near Ba Dinh Square, this museum depicts the revolutionary struggle of the man affectionately known as Uncle Ho. While there's a clear lack of English information, it is worth a visit for its spectacular third-floor exhibitions, which include photographs from the life of the man himself.
Quan Thanh Temple Built in the 11th century, this is one of the four sacred temples, each built in one of the cardinal directions to protect Hanoi’s Citadel from evil spirits. The namesake spirit of the temple, Huyen Thien Tran Vu, is remembered for feats like driving away the ghosts in Co Loa Citadel and protecting Vietnam’s northern border.
Local insight: Make sure that you abide by the strict no photography policy of the museum. citypassguide.com
Local insight: Many of the paintings were kept in safe storage during the American War and were temporarily replaced with copies.
Local insight: Clap your hands above the carp pond to summon the fish to the surface.
19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh D VND40,000 8:00am-11:30am & 1:30pm-4:00pm, except Mon & Fri afternoon
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66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh D 8:30am-5:00pm VND40,000, VND20,000 (students)
ba dinh district
Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh D
Local insight: Visitors have to leave bags and cameras at a luggage area.
Fine Arts Museum First opened in 1966, this museum is a perfect introduction to traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art. It is also the country’s main art museum, with the second in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the various exhibits, including impeccably crafted 1,000-year-old silk paintings.
things to SEE
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum The mausoleum stands on the side of the imposing Ba Dinh Square in the heart of Hanoi. The queues to see the great man lying in state are huge every day. They do move very quickly, though. 'Uncle Ho' lies in a glass sarcophagus guarded by four soldiers in smart white uniforms. It is a sobering experience to look at the man of whom so much is thought by so many.
Gates are on the corner of Thanh Nien and Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh D VND10,000
Local insight: Adherents of vo co truyen, a Taoist, Buddhist and Confucianist martial art, train here. hanoi
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