Hanoi Vietnam – Imperial Citadel UNESCO World Heritage Site

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

This is the central portion of Hanoi’s Imperial Palace. Closed but they let us in so we have great pictures of an empty palace. The tour does not include this for reasons I do not understand — it’s one of Vietnam’s top historical treasures. (We went off tour today).

Instead, we’ll visit the Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh rests in peace.

Then on to Danang, Phong Nha National Park, and Hue for more great history, then Hoi An which is often the favorite destination of foreigners,

Hanoi Vietnam – Imperial Citadel UNESCO World Heritage Site

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Hangin’ in Hanoi at the Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Flag Tower. Even though we arrived during the closed hours of 11:30 to 1:00pm the guy let us in, which I really appreciated. This is Vietnam’s “Forbidden City” where the early Emperors ruled the roost with their iron fist.

Hanoi is colder than Saigon both in temperature (60s vs 80s) and temperament (few smiles here)

Hanoi Airport to Halong Bay Feb 12 172

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

halong bay cave system