Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh or ‘Uncle Ho’ as he is affectionately named, is held in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which is open daily for public viewing and is undoubtedly the city’s most popular attraction. Visitors must leave cameras and bags at a checkpoint before entering the building to witness this once great leader’s remains. Proper reverence and decorum must be observed at all times. It sits along side the impressive soviet-styled Ba Dinh Square, rather practical for military parades but otherwise expansive and featureless. Behind the Mausoleum is the former Government house and humble quarters where Ho Chi Minh ran Northern Vietnam from for 18 years. Temple of Literature: originating from the 11th century city that was founded by Emperor Ly Thanth Tong, the Temple of Literature is a fascinating historical building that was once the most holy dwelling of the disciples of Confucius. Several small buildings and a series of walled courtyards comprise the entire structure which is open daily for public viewing and regularly attracts large numbers of visitors. One Pillar Pagoda: constructed in honour of the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the One Pillar Pagoda is a building with some interesting historical significance as well as being one of the city’s most interesting structures from an architectural perspective. As the Pagoda was constructed to mark the bearing of a son by the Emperor and his wife, locals like to come here and pray for fertility and pregnancy. The pagoda is built to resemble as lotus flower. Ngoc Son Temple: located in the middle of the Hoan Kiem Lake central to the city, Ngoc Son Temple is a structure which dates back to the 18th century and is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The temple is of significant historical interest having been built initially as a dedication to various sacred Buddhist figures. On the causeway leading to the temple, visitors can view traditional writings known as ‘cau doi’. Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre: located at the north east bank of the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre is one of the city’s most popular indoor attractions and draws full houses at most performances with both locals and tourists making up the crowd. The ancient art of water puppetry is demonstrated with genuine skill and finesse and it’s easy to get drawn into the short tales that the puppets are used to tell even if you are unable to understand the Vietnamese commentary. | 
