The Best Ways to Soak in the Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Similar to Mao and Lenin, the body of Ho Chi Minh, the venerable Vietnamese communist leader, has been preserved in a massive marble monument. The body is on display deep within the structure inside a glass sarcophagus. Visitors who wish to go inside the mausoleum should dress modestly and be prepared to store their bags before entering.
The mausoleum is only open to the public during certain hours and the wait can be a bit long. Lucky visitors will have the chance to see the changing of the guard, which is quite the interesting experience.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison was a formidable prison that held U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this time, Americans referred to the prison as the Hanoi Hilton. Most of the prison was destroyed during the 1990s, however the gatehouse has been converted into a museum. The museum mainly shows exhibits related to its prior use by French colonists to hold political prisoners.
However, there are some exhibits related to American prisoners including the interrogation room, war propaganda and other materials including famous former prisoner, Senator John McCain’s flight suit. The museum is small, doesn’t take long to tour and can be an important stop for those interested in history.
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See a Water Puppet Show
Water Puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. The tradition originated in the villages in Northern Vietnam. The shows traditionally depict rice farming and other aspects of traditional life. The puppeteers stand waist deep in water behind a split bamboo screen and the water acts as the stage.
Music is played while the puppets depict a variety of scenes from Vietnamese village life. Two of the most popular places to see a show in Hanoi are Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and Lotus Water Puppet Theater.
