Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Museum and Stilt House in Hanoi

Outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam
In Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square, there are several attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his namesake museum, and his former house — the Stilt House. Ba Dinh ...
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Visiting the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi

A painting by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Ngoc Dan showing a red stop light tangled with numerous electrical wires
The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is the main art museum in Vietnam. It was opened in 1966, but it’s very clean and well-maintained inside. There ...
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The Temple of Literature in Hanoi: Vietnam’s First University

The Well of Heavenly Clarity in front of Khue Van Pavilion at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi was built in 1070 and was Vietnam’s first university. Part of the temple (the Khue Van Pavilion and the Well of Heavenly ...
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Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi

Outside the Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi, Vietnam
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is a few minutes south of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. This is a very relaxed museum, spread over a few floors. The museum ...
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Hanoi Train Street Mini-Guide for First-Timers

Looking down the train tracks at Hanoi Train Street, with guests seated at coffee shops
I found it difficult to find clear information on visiting Hanoi Train Street, so after my first clueless visit, I decided to write this mini-guide. First of all, ...
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Visiting Hoa Lo Prison: AKA The Hanoi Hilton

The exterior of Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoa Lo Prison is one of the more historic attractions in Hanoi. It’s also in a very convenient location, easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the Old ...
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Visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi

A Tay House example at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, Vietnam
If you’re visiting Hanoi for a few days, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology should be added to your itinerary. It focuses on the different ethnic groups of Vietnam. ...
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Visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi

The front of the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi, with the 45-meter tall Victory Tower on the right
The Vietnam Military History Museum is a huge and newly opened (November 2024) museum in Hanoi. The museum was originally located within the city, near the Imperial Citadel ...
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Exactly Where to Stay in Hue for First-Timers

Visitors on the front steps of the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam
The good news about choosing where to stay in Hue is that there’s really only one convenient and main area. And the best tip that I can share ...
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Ba Na Hills in Da Nang: Exactly What to Know Before You Visit

Crowds at the French Village in Ba Na Hills
Let me say that you could probably fill up your phone’s entire storage taking pictures of Ba Na Hills in Da Nang. It is one of the most ...
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