Day 1020 – Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1020 – 23rd March 2008 +7:00 GMT

We got up early and walked to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh as it is only open until 11am. Unfortunately so had the rest of Vietnam, we had to walk for 25 minutes to find the back of the queue and decided we did not want to wait in a queue of thousands of people to shuffle passed Ho Chi Minh body.

Me Outside Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh

Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh

We did however decided to visit the museum and although it was very busy we got in. We were given an English guide who walked around with Jill and I and explained all the symbolism in the museum about explained about the life of Ho Chi Minh and how he travelled the world for 30 years before becoming the first president of Vietnam. It explained how he started the communist party and was a much loved leader how devoted a lot of time and the country’s resources to teaching the young.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum

After the museum we saw the Dien Huu Pagoda

Dien Huu Pagoda

Then onto the Presidential Palace.

The Presedential Palace

Ho Chi Minh never actually lived in the palace but he preferred a small house next door and always lived on his own. The Palace was a magnificent sight and we then walked around the houses where Ho Chi Minh lived.

Ho Chi Minh's House

Ho Chi Minh's House

Guard Outside Ho Chi Minh's House

Ho Chi Minh's Summer House

Jill At Lake At Ho Chi Minh's House

We had a guide for this part as well but his English was not so great. We then walked back to the hotel.

Lenin Statue

I was not feeling to great so stayed in all afternoon while Jill had a wonder around the old quarter again.

Hanoi Opera House

The Lake In Hanoi

The Temple Gates At The Lake

Temple On The Lake

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi Cathedral

We had dinner at the hotel and then an early night.