By aussiematesvietnam 
The Presidential Palace: A Glimpse into Vietnam’s Leadership
G’day fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from my adopted home of nearly two decades – the bustling, beautiful Vietnam. After spending almost 20 years in this country with my lovely wife Tracy, we’ve explored nearly every nook and cranny worth visiting. Today, I’m going to take you on a virtual tour of one of Hanoi’s most significant landmarks that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves from tourists – the Presidential Palace.
This iconic yellow building isn’t just a pretty face on Hanoi’s architectural landscape; it’s a symbol of Vietnam’s complex history and its journey to independence. So grab a cold one, settle in, and let me share what Tracy and I have learned about this fascinating piece of Vietnamese heritage.
[IMAGE:presidential-palace-exterior]
A Bit of History: From Colonial Headquarters to Presidential Symbol
Let’s wind the clock back a bit. The Presidential Palace wasn’t always, well, presidential. Built between 1900 and 1906, this impressive structure was originally designed as the Palace of the Governor-General of French Indochina. If you’ve spent any time in Vietnam, you’ll notice the French colonial influence is still everywhere – from the coffee culture to the architecture – and this palace is perhaps the grandest example.
The French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu designed the palace in an Italian Renaissance style, complete with ochre-yellow walls that have become its signature feature. Trust me, when you see it in person, that yellow practically glows in the Hanoi sunshine – Tracy always says it looks like a massive pat of butter sitting proudly in the heart of the city!
After Vietnam gained independence in 1954, Ho Chi Minh – the country’s beloved revolutionary leader – was invited to live in this grand palace. But here’s where it gets interesting: in a move that speaks volumes about his character, Uncle Ho (as the locals affectionately call him) refused. He considered the palace too opulent and instead chose to live in a modest stilt house within the palace grounds. More on that later!
[IMAGE:ho-chi-minh-stilt-house]
Exterior Splendour: What to Expect on Your Visit
When Tracy and I first visited the Presidential Palace years ago, I remember being struck by how different it looked from other Vietnamese buildings. Standing three storeys tall with 30 rooms, it’s an imposing structure that oozes importance.
The palace sits on 14 hectares of lush botanical gardens that provide a green oasis in the otherwise hectic Hanoi. As you approach from the main entrance on Hung Vuong Street, you’ll be greeted by immaculate lawns, ornamental trees, and flower beds that are maintained with military precision.
The building itself is fronted by ceremonial steps and topped with a distinctly European-style mansard roof. While the exterior is definitely worth a gander, I should mention right off the bat that the inside of the palace is not open to the public – it’s still used for official government business and to receive international dignitaries. A bit of a bummer, I know, but there’s plenty more to see!
The Grounds: More Than Just a Pretty Garden
While you can’t go inside the palace itself, the grounds are absolutely worth the visit. This isn’t just your average garden – it’s a historical treasure trove. After nearly 20 years here, Tracy and I still discover something new every time we wander through.
The first stop for most visitors is Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived from 1958 until his death in 1969. It’s remarkably simple – built in the style of ethnic minority houses from Vietnam’s mountainous regions. There’s something powerfully humble about seeing where this revolutionary leader chose to live, just a stone’s throw from the ornate palace he rejected.
Nearby, you’ll find House 54, where Ho Chi Minh worked before moving to the stilt house. It’s a modest yellow building that now contains exhibits of his personal belongings. The carp pond where he used to feed fish each morning is still there – a peaceful spot where you can pause and reflect.
[IMAGE:presidential-grounds]
The Presidential Car Collection: For the Petrolheads
Now, if you’re anything like me and have a bit of a soft spot for vintage vehicles, you’re in for a treat! Within the palace complex, there’s a garage housing the cars used by Ho Chi Minh. The collection includes Soviet-made ZIL limousines and GAZ cars that were gifts from the USSR during the height of their alliance.
I remember Tracy nudging me and saying I looked like a kid in a candy store when we first stumbled upon these beauties. They’re kept in pristine condition, and while you can’t hop in for a joyride (though wouldn’t that be something!), they provide a fascinating glimpse into the diplomatic relationships of the era.
Visitor Tips: Making the Most of Your Palace Experience
After countless visits showing friends and family around, I’ve got a few insider tips to share:
- Visit early in the morning (around 8 AM) to beat both the heat and the crowds. Trust me, Hanoi’s midday sun can be brutal!
- Dress appropriately – shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect.
- Bring water, but know that you might be asked to leave it at the entrance.
- The palace grounds close for lunch from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, so plan accordingly.
- Consider hiring a guide – the historical context really enriches the experience.
The entrance fee is reasonable (around 40,000 VND last time we checked), making it one of Hanoi’s more accessible attractions. And given that you might spend a good 1-2 hours exploring, it’s fantastic value for money.
[IMAGE:visitor-experience]
Beyond the Palace: The Ho Chi Minh Complex
The Presidential Palace is actually part of a larger area known as the Ho Chi Minh Complex. While you’re there, you might as well check out the other attractions, including:
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – where Uncle Ho’s embalmed body lies in state. It’s an almost surreal experience and one that holds immense significance for Vietnamese people. Just be prepared for strict protocols and no photography inside.
The One Pillar Pagoda – a unique Buddhist temple built to resemble a lotus flower growing out of the water. According to Tracy, it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Hanoi, though back in our day, we just called them “good photo ops”!
The Ho Chi Minh Museum – if you’re keen to learn more about the man himself, this museum offers an in-depth (if somewhat stylized) look at his life and Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
Final Thoughts: Why Aussie Boomers Should Add This to Their Vietnam Itinerary
As fellow Aussies of a certain vintage, I reckon the Presidential Palace offers something special for our generation. It’s a window into a period of history that shaped our world – many of us remember the Vietnam War era, and visiting sites like this helps put those complex times into perspective.
Plus, it’s not physically demanding (gentle walking on mostly flat surfaces), has plenty of shaded areas to escape the heat, and offers genuine cultural insight rather than just tourist fluff. Tracy and I believe these are the experiences that make travel meaningful as we get older – not just ticking boxes but genuinely connecting with a country’s heart and soul.
After nearly 20 years calling Vietnam home, I can honestly say that understanding places like the Presidential Palace has helped me appreciate the remarkable resilience and rich heritage of the Vietnamese people. When you visit, take your time, soak it all in, and I promise you’ll leave with more than just photos – you’ll take away a deeper connection to this fascinating country.
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
Aussie Mates