This is a relic complex which has vital memories connecting to the former president Ho Chi Minh’s 15 years of living and working from December 1954 to September 1969. Visitors can see the Presidential palace, fish point, Pergola, Orchard, cars, the house of 1954 and especially the historic house on stilts of Ho Chi Minh which symbolize his way of living, and how he worked as a President. The whole area is full of light and fragrant flowers from gardens around. This is one of the historic sites of Hanoi and must visit location.

Presidential Palace is situated on the premises of HCM Mausoleum area - a huge complex with several attractions within it. The Palace itself is very beautiful painted in vivid yellow with red tiles roof. It was built in 1900's for the French Governor of Indochina. Later, the resident was Mr. HCM and nowadays it houses the Vietnam President. Unfortunately you cannot visit the Palace, it's only for officials. DO NOT be confused with many reviewers here writing about and posting pics of visit. This is for the Stilt House HCM used, which is 5 min walk away and open for visits with a small fee.

As we walked around the HCM complex, it appeared that the major attraction is the HCm Mausoleum. This attraction is one of the several attractions located in the vicinity. My guide pointed it to me and learned that it is not open to the public. Since there are other open attractions to visit in the area such as the Museum, Pagoda, the wide open space, etc. we proceeded to visit them.