PASSEPARTOUT . eng: July 2015

We arrived in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, and although the weather isn't good, we are more or less happy because temperatures are a little bit lower. Since we arrived in the north, the rain follows us.


Hoan Kiem Lake

One of the attractions to visit in the city, is the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, so we hurried up to get in as it's only open from 7:30am to 10:30am on weekdays and until 11:30am on weekends. Entrance is free but bear in mind that there are often long queues.

If you want to go in, take care because you must go "appropriate dressed". Entry in shorts or sleeveless tops are not allowed, as well as taking photos inside.

Waiting in the queue

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh was a communist democratic politician who was president of North Vietnam from 1954 to 1969. He fought for Vietnam's liberation, when, after being occupied by France, was taken by the Japanese. Although he wanted to re-unite North Vietnam with South Vietnam, this fact didn't occur after his death. It's a popular figure among the Vietnamese and during the visit of his remains you must be in silence and respect.

Near the Mausoleum, you can find Ho Chi Minh's house, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda among other attractions.

One pillar Pagoda

Recommended by Mariona (the catalan girl we met a few days earlier in Hoi An) we visited the Literature Temple.

Roof detail

During our visit in the temple, we found there a group of young people with a photographer. The girls wore the typical Vietnamese dress. It was something like a hight school graduation.

With Mariona, we did a gastronomic route through the city. She took us to some restaurants with typical Vietnamese food. We especially liked one called Net Hue with typical food from this area. She also took us to drink a coffee or chocolate with egg, very famous in the city, and despite our initial skepticism, we tried it. It was pretty good.