Hanoi

Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội), the capital of Vietnam and its second-largest city, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French je ne sais quoi from its colonial past. It was largely unspoiled by the modern architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is now undergoing a rapid transformation that makes it a rising star in Southeast Asia.

Key highlights:

1. Only party-approved art is shown here with information in English and Vietnamese.
2. On three floors of a colonial building, with another three galleries in the west wing.
3. Pieces include soldiers on boats depicted on prehistoric bronze drums, Buddhist art, and revolutionary art of the 20th century wars.
4. Also some interesting lacquer and silk paintings.
5. The city down south may have his name, but only Hanoi has the man himself, entombed in distinctly Lenin-esque fashion.
6. Against his wishes, but that's how it goes.
7. No talking, revealing clothing (shorts should be knee length and no exposed shoulders), or other signs of disrespect allowed while viewing; photos are allowed only from outside, in the grand Ba Dinh Square.
8. Purses are allowed into the tomb, but expect them to be searched by several bored soldiers along the way.
9. Items checked in at the first office, however, will stay there.
10. The mausoleum is closed for a couple months around the end of the year, when the body is taken abroad for maintenance.
11. It is closed in the afternoons for maintenance.