Top of things to see in Hanoi

Fine Arts Museum

This Hanoi museum housed in a fine building has exhibits of artworks from prehistory to the present day. The displays on the first floor show fine art from the prehistoric era, while early 20th century work can be found on the second floor including examples of Soviet-influenced socialist realist works with peasants striking patriotic poses. In addition there are some fine examples of bronze drums from the Dong Son civilisation and Cham sculptures. Don't miss the silk and oil paintings and ethnic minority art on the third floor. The collection is housed in a French colonial building dating from the 1930s.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 0830-1700.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc , Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3733 2131.

Website: http://www.vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Designed by Soviet architects, and the shape said to represent the lotus flower, Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of the former president, with displays and photographs relating to his life and featuring many of his personal items. Inaugurated on what would have been Ho Chi Minh's 100th birthday in 1990, it depicts his epic struggle for the liberation of Vietnam from imperial powers. The museum is closed in October and November.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0800-1130 and 1400-1600.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 3 Ngoc Ha, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3846 3752 or 3757.

Ho Chi Minh's House

This simple stilt house in Hanoi is modelled along the lines of a traditional communal house and was where Ho Chi Minh occasionally lived when he was president, until his death in 1969. The two simple rooms, a study and bedroom, still contain many of his personal effects, and his cars are on display nearby. He is said to have preferred to live and work here, next to a large pond containing carp, rather than use the stunning colonial Presidential Palace next door which was originally built for the Governor General of Indochina.

Opening Times: Daily 0730-1100 and 1400-1600 (summer); daily 0800-1100 and 1400-1600 (winter).

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 1 Bach Thao, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: 0804 3226.

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Former President 'Uncle Ho' lies in state here, despite his request that he be cremated and his ashes scattered around Vietnam, and people come from all over the country and the world to pay their respects. His embalmed body is displayed in a granite monolith modelled after Lenin's tomb in Moscow, and visitors have to walk round in a respectful silence. No photos are allowed inside so bags and cameras have to be checked in at the entrance. Between September and November check whether he is in situ as he is sent to Moscow every year for specialist preservation work.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0730-1100 (summer); Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0800-1130 (winter).

Admission Fees: No

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3845 5168 or 3734 5484.

The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an enchanting maze of 36 narrow streets named after the products that were traditionally sold here - such as ‘paper street and medicine’ street - and home to the amazing tunnel houses which have a very narrow frontage hiding very long and deep rooms. Now the streets are more likely to have a mix of shops including places selling household items, silk clothes, funerary items and traditional medicine. Interspersed will be bars, boutique hotels and even karaoke clubs. A great way to see the Old Quarter is to cruise through the chaotic traffic in a cyclo.

Admission Fees: No

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: The Old Quarter, North of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Temple of Literature

This beautifully preserved temple dating from 1070, originally dedicated to Confucius, became the first university in Vietnam where the sons of mandarins were educated. The temple is an oasis of calm in the heart of Hanoi. The central entrance gate was reserved for the king and the two side entrances for the mandarins. The interior is divided into walled courtyards with both sides of one courtyard lined with stone stelae mounted on the backs of tortoises engraved with the names of the students who passed their exams.

Opening Times: Daily 0730-1730.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3733 5586 or 3823 5601.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visitors to Asia in general often skip temples and pagodas, but a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is well worth your time as it is one of the oldest in Vietnam. This well-used pagoda is perfect to watch the locals performing simple ceremonies. They don't seem to mind the visitors mingling around them as they pray and make offerings. Attractively located on an islet on the West Lake, it has a tranquil garden and a spectacular centrepiece.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 0700-1130 and 1310-1800, Sun 0700-1800.

Admission Fees: No

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: Thanh Nien, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam Military History Museum

This is one of the most visited museums in Hanoi and houses a vast array of military memorabilia in indoor and outdoor collections. The museum initially covers military history right up to the 20th century before going into more detail from 1930 until the victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and then concentrating on the People's Armed Forces up to 1975, including the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In the grounds of the museum are old planes, tanks, guns and bombs, captured equipment, including a Huey helicopter, and a wrecked B-52.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0800-1130 and 1300-1630.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3733 4682.

Website: http://www.btlsqsvn.org.vn

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This absorbing museum in Hanoi covers the 54 ethnic tribes that live throughout Vietnam, preserving their culture and history. The enormous collection of artefacts includes everyday objects, clothing, jewellery, musical instruments and many photographs. In the museum grounds are examples of Tay and Yao stilt houses, an Ede long house and a Garai traditional tomb. There are regular exhibitions and occasional dance performances.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 0830-1730.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: Yes

Unesco: No

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3756 2193.

Website: http://www.vme.org.vn