Hanoi is a unique place. Not as energetic or crowded as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s capital exudes history. While the streets are full of culture and the old quarter packed references to the past, much of Vietnam’s history is found in the city’s museums. There are several places worth a visit, ranging from bizarre to exceptional.

Of course the largest (and most popular) curiosity is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. The steel gray affair is a must-see for every visitor. The building is only open in the morning, so go early and expect to stand in line for quite a while. The rules include no bags and no cameras. Once inside, if you stick you hands in your pockets expect to be scolded by the stern but obviously bored army personnel. The changing of the guard outside the tomb is interesting if you are lucky enough to be stuck in a part of the line that offers a good vantage point for this. Inside, it’s Uncle Ho, lying peacefully, if a bit pale in the face, inside a glass case. Perhaps a bit of an anti-climax after and hour or more in line, but an entirely unique experience.

The Fine Arts Museum is another place to visit. There are no lines here. In fact, it seemed a bit deserted at the time of my visit. You will be able to walk around the museum and follow Vietnam’s history. Some of the exhibits are quite stunning. This is definitely worth a visit if you are an art appreciator.

The Army Museum does not cover the Vietnamese-American War, but all of Vietnam’s military history. For that reason it is an interesting place to peruse. There is an element of propaganda here, but also quite a bit of interesting information. The museum is on Dien Bien Phu Street. There is a tank parked out front.

The Hanoi Hilton is, of course, well known to Americans. The former prison housed P.O.W.s during the 1960s and 70s. Ironically, most of the original site has been removed to make way for new buildings. There is a small, rather spooky museum inside the main gate.

Some of the smaller art galleries around town are also worth a visit. Hanoi has long been a center for the arts, and a recent renaissance has again brought international attention to the city.

Hanoi exudes history in its culture and atmosphere. This city’s museums are just one way to experience this storied past.