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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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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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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An Dinh Palace in Hue: Home of Vietnam’s Last Emperor

The front of An Dinh Palace in Hue, with two Vietnamese locals in purple Ao Dais and conical hats taking photos nearby
The An Dinh Palace is one of the lesser-visited UNESCO sites in Hue. I recently spent some time in Hue, and I visited the palace while exploring the ...
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Thien Mu Pagoda: Hue’s UNESCO Site on the Perfume River

Green grass and blue skies on the grounds of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam
The Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) is one of UNESCO’s Complex of Hue Monuments. The pagoda is on top of Ha Khe Hill, right along the Perfume ...
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Tu Duc Tomb in Hue: Visitor Guide and Tips

The entrance to Tu Duc tomb in Hue, Vietnam.
I visited all three of Hue’s most popular royal tombs in one day, starting with Khai Dinh, then Minh Mang, and ending with Tu Duc tomb. As I ...
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Minh Mang Tomb in Hue: Visitor Guide and Tips

A local Vietnamese in a conical hat coming down the stairs of a building at Minh Mang's tomb in Hue, Vietnam
I visited three of the most popular royal tombs on a recent visit to Hue: Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, and Minh Mang. I stayed near the center of ...
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Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue: Visitor Guide and Tips

Stone statues on the grounds of Khai Dinh tomb in Hue, Vietnam
The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh is one of the three most popular and well-maintained royal tombs in Hue. The others are the tombs of Minh Mang and ...
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Hue Imperial City: Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors

Outside the Meridian Gate at Hue Imperial City
The Imperial City is arguably the biggest reason to visit Hue. It is part of the city’s UNESCO Complex of Hue Monuments and is the centerpiece attraction. I ...
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Hoi An Ancient Town: A Local’s Guide for First-Timers

Boats on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam.
Hoi An is about 40 minutes south of Da Nang, and most travelers to the area visit both cities. While My Khe Beach is Da Nang’s biggest draw, ...
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