Ba Dinh accommodation from AU$40

Ho Chi Minh wished to be cremated and his remains divided among the regions of Vietnam, but the beloved leader was instead embalmed and has been available for public viewing since 1975. Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a highly formal affair. You must leave cameras and bags outside and be guided through the building to the dark and sombre room where he rests. The grand building and the atmosphere of the room makes the nation’s reverence of this man undeniable.

Another top historic site is the Temple of Literature, which has been around since 1070 and is one of the few remaining structures that have stood the test of time since Hanoi’s beginnings. Another is the curious but beautiful One Pillar Pagoda near Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Inside the temple, move through a series of courtyards where you will take in everything from live traditional musical performances to old relics and statues of Confucius and his disciples. There’s also a human chess board – so make sure you bring enough friends to play!

Visits to the Presidential Palace and its serene botanical gardens, as well as the Vietnam Military History Museum and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, will round out the attractions here. The local sights can be spread throughout your Hanoi holiday or all done in one day, going well with the more metropolitan attractions of central Hanoi, which is practically next door. From Ba Dinh, you won’t find it hard to sample standard or quirky cuisine at Hanoi restaurants (the brave can add water bug extract to their noodles), or barter at the local markets.

So wot are you waiting for? Downtown Hanoi beckons and our Ba Dinh accommodation offers that rare mix of being in a great location with quieter surroundings. Book a flight to Vietnam today and start planning!