14 Oct 2019 - Hanoi Day 3: Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum

From Temple of Literature, we took another Grab ride and alighted in front of the Presidential Palace.  It was constructed in 1900 by French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu and was intended to be Ho Chi Minh’s official residence.  However, the Vietnamese leader had opted for a traditional Vietnamese stilt-house instead.  When we were there, the gate was closed and we were not able to explore the palace ground.

We then walked down the road side and came upon another building, Central Party Commission for External Relations.

Next, we arrived at the entrance of the National Assembly Building.

Across the road is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi.  It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the most iconic and popular leader of Vietnam, known to his people as ‘Uncle Ho’. His body is preserved here in a glass case at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in central Hanoi

Sad to say, we were not able to pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as it is closed on Monday.  Also, Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance and therefore the mausoleum may be closed for that reason.

It was a very hot afternoon and we had to take shelter under the umbrella.

We walked along the perimeter of the mausoleum and arrived at the entrance of Ho Chi Minh Museum.  Before entering into the compound, we had to go through security checks.

When we reached the main entrance of the museum, we realized that it was closed.  Once again, it was because this museum is closed every Monday.  So one advice to whoever intends to visit Hanoi, do check out the opening hours of the various attractions before visiting.

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