Our second day was a fail, so the itinerary we intended for that day were spent today. When it comes to riding a cab, it's best to always ask the hotel staff or the staff of the establishment you're at to talk to the cab driver for you to avoid any confusions or problems. Luckily, the hotel staff from Hanoi Guest House Royale were always so accommodating and nice enough to call us a cab and happily gives us some directions on how to go to the places were interested in going.
Day 3 | Part I
#HistoryAtItsFinest
We first went to the Presidential Palace which used to be the home of the governor-general of Indochina. I'm not sure if they allow visitors to come inside, but we just opted to take some photos outside the palace. It's just literally alongside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which was our next destination. It was located in Ba Dinh Square which was the place where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam. However, it requires a lot of walking since the entrance is on the other side. You cannot step on the grass nor walk pass the large flower boxes which served as barricades. It may be exhausting, but at least we had the privilege to take a lot of photos of the mausoleum from different angles. As well as to appreciate the wonderful view.
Presenting... the oppas of Vietnam! Lol char!
One thing we have noticed is that there were some on-duty policemen in almost each street of Hanoi. I believe this is something each place should have. It somehow makes the people feel more safe and protected. They were also the ones whom we relied on in terms of asking directions. Most of them do understand English, and at least you know that they won't lead you to the wrong way.
We fell into one to two lines and silently walked inside the hall where his body lies. It was in a huge glass case, and military guards were everywhere. We were not allowed to stop and take a closer look of the body. We just literally passed by for more or less than 15 seconds. I must say that it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that you shouldn't miss when you go to Hanoi. Not everyone will have a chance to see one of the most well-known leaders in the world in person... even if it's just his preserved body.
After that, I accompanied my dad inside Ho Chi Minh Museum which shows much of Vietnam's history, as well as Ho Chi Minh's. There were tons of displays, photographs, and even memorabilia. This includes Ho Chi Minh's clothes, work out equipment, books, and a lot more. There were really much to see inside, but if you're not into history, you'll definitely feel bored.
Apparently, this pair of sandals were a bit tiny... Hmmm. Lol. This kind of sandals were known as the distinctive sandals of the Vietnamese sandals and were called by the Americans as Ho Chi Minh sandals. They sell these outside the museum.
And then, we passed by Vladimir Lenin's statue in Vietnam specifically located at Dien Bien Phu street. I didn't know he has quite a lot of statues all over the world.
Part II of our third day in Vietnam will be up this week.
As for now you may check out my posts for
Day 1 and
Day 2 in Vietnam.
Have you ever seen a preserved body in your whole life?
Let me know in the comments below.
Love, Airish
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Labels: travel, Vietnam
