How to spend 48 hours in the ancient capital of Hue
Above The resort features 122 rooms and suites (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Above The building is a classic showcase of Art Deco flair (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Commanding a prime spot on the banks of the poetic Huong River, Azerai La Residence Hue is an elegant retreat set amid over 2.5 hectares of gardens, with more than 200 metres of frontage along the water. The resort features 122 rooms and suites, anchored by a striking central mansion that once formed part of the French Governor's residence, dating back to the 1930s. With sweeping curves, intricate maritime motifs and crisp geometries, the building is a classic showcase of Art Deco flair. Flanking wings, added in 2005, offer modern comfort with a refined nod to traditional architecture, creating a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary style. Watch the sunset on the Huong River and explore Dong Ba market
Above The Truong Tien Bridge appears like a glowing brushstroke, illuminating the twilight canvas of the ancient capital (photo: Vietnam Record Institute)
Above As dusk descends, make your way to the Huong River and pause to admire a sunset that casts a golden sheen across the water, turning the river into a ribbon of silk (photo: phongnhalocals)
As dusk descends, make your way to the Huong River and pause to admire a sunset that casts a golden sheen across the water, turning the river into a ribbon of silk. Hire a dragon boat and drift along the gentle current, where the rhythmic splash of paddles mingles with lilting Hue folk songs. From this tranquil vantage point, the Truong Tien Bridge appears like a glowing brushstroke, illuminating the twilight canvas of the ancient capital.
Above As night falls, continue your wanderings with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant soul of Hue (photo: Vinpearl)
Above Before you leave, make sure to browse the fabric section, where flowing ao dai in fine Hue silk whisper of elegance and tradition (photo: Vinpearl)
As night falls, continue your wanderings with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant soul of Hue, a short walk from the river's edge. Inside, a lively yet familiar hum fills the air: vendors calling out their wares, the warm scent of beef noodle soup wafting through the aisles, and stalls brimming with colourful local delicacies. Sample a delicate banh nam right at the stall, or pick up sesame candy and sour shrimp to take home. Before you leave, make sure to browse the fabric section, where flowing ao dai in fine Hue silk whisper of elegance and tradition. Day 2 Start your day with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum restaurant
Above There's no finer way to begin the day in Hue than with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Above This elegant venue pairs culinary finesse with a serene riverside setting (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Above Choose a window seat, sip Hue's signature lotus tea, and watch the river shimmer into morning: an awakening of both senses and spirit (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
There's no finer way to begin the day in Hue than with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum, the refined dining space at Azerai La Residence Hue. Nestled by the Huong River, this elegant venue pairs culinary finesse with a serene riverside setting. Savour local specialities such as beef noodle soup with a fragrant, deeply flavoured broth; crisp banh khoai served with fresh herbs; or a delicately sweet corn pudding. The international spread features classics like eggs Benedict, flaky croissants and fruit preserves made in-house. Choose a window seat, sip Hue's signature lotus tea, and watch the river shimmer into morning: an awakening of both senses and spirit. Visit the tombs of Kings Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh
Above Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time (photo: Discover Hue)
Above Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time (photo: Discover Hue)
Above Each site tells its own story—a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of Hue's soul (photo: Discover Hue)
Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time. Tu Duc's resting place, with its tranquil lotus pond and pine-shaded paths, evokes the heart of a poet-king. Minh Mang's grand mausoleum, framed by undulating hills, reflects imperial balance and strength. Khai Dinh's tomb stands apart with its fusion of Eastern and Western design, resplendent in intricate detail. Each site tells its own story—a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of Hue's soul. Enjoy lunch at Madam Thu, Hue restaurant located in the Western Quarter
Above Madam Thu captures the culinary essence of Hue in a setting both charming and inviting (photo: Madam Thu Restaurant)
Above The scent of beef noodle soup drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle elegance of banh beo chen and the vivid freshness of local herbs (photo: Madam Thu Restaurant)
In the vibrant heart of the Western Quarter, Madam Thu captures the culinary essence of Hue in a setting both charming and inviting. The scent of beef noodle soup drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle elegance of banh beo chen and the vivid freshness of local herbs. Each dish from spicy mussel rice to delicately grilled spring rolls is prepared with quiet precision, telling tales of a regal past and the finesse of Hue's famed gastronomy. Explore Hue Imperial City and experience wearing traditional costumes
Above Step into the Imperial City and find yourself transported to the golden days of the Nguyen Dynasty (photo: Discover Hue)
Above Don a traditional ao dai ngu than or a royal ensemble and feel the silk settle gracefully against your skin (photo: Discover Hue)
Step into the Imperial City and find yourself transported to the golden days of the Nguyen Dynasty. Moss-covered walls seem to murmur stories of centuries gone by. Don a traditional ao dai ngu than or a royal ensemble and feel the silk settle gracefully against your skin in a quiet transformation into another time. Stroll beneath parasol trees, past Ngo Mon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace. With the breeze catching the fabric's flow, and Hue's signature purple in the air, this is an encounter with the living spirit of the ancient capital.
Read more: Are heritage retreats poised to become a new 'revolution' in Vietnamese tourism? Cozy dinner at Alma restaurant and sip with Aura Mixology
Above Alma Restaurant has earned its place among Hue's most esteemed dining destinations (photo: Melia Vinpearl Hue)
Above Alma is ideal for intimate dinners, romantic occasions, or moments worth marking (photo: Melia Vinpearl Hue)
Alma Restaurant has earned its place among Hue's most esteemed dining destinations. Located on the 33rd floor, it offers panoramic views and a refined ambience that lingers in the memory. Step inside and be welcomed by contemporary interiors and the soft murmur of music setting the tone for an elevated dining experience. Known for its premium steaks and warm atmosphere, Alma is ideal for intimate dinners, romantic occasions, or moments worth marking.
Above After the meal, make your way to Aura Mixology, where each cocktail is a story in itself (photo: AURA - Mixology & Karaoke)
Above The ambience offers a perfect close to a day rich in discovery (photo: AURA - Mixology & Karaoke)
After the meal, make your way to Aura Mixology, where each cocktail is a story in itself. Sip on a 'Hue Mong Mo', delicately infused with lotus tea and warm ginger, and watch as the Perfume River shimmers into view. The warm, refined, and luxurious ambience offers a perfect close to a day rich in discovery. Day 3 Rowing and watching the sunrise on Tam Giang lagoon
Above At dawn, Tam Giang Lagoon stirs to life beneath a wash of golden light (photo: vivuvietnam)
At dawn, Tam Giang Lagoon stirs to life beneath a wash of golden light. A wooden boat glides across still waters, reflecting a sky brushed with soft pink and amber. Morning mist drifts gently, carrying a fresh breeze and the rhythmic sound of paddles, steady and serene, echoing the quiet soul of the city. In the distance, the silhouettes of fishermen casting their nets flicker like living brushstrokes on a mirrored canvas. Cradling a cup of warm ginger tea, you may find yourself entirely at ease, your spirit woven into the timeless hush of Hue. Enjoy delicious local seafood
Above Amid the cool morning air of Hue, a local seafood spread awakens the palate with the essence of the sea (photo: lagunalangco)
Amid the cool morning air of Hue, a local seafood spread awakens the palate with the essence of the sea. Begin with a crisp river shrimp pancake that is golden, fragrant, and paired with a broth that dances between spice, sweetness, and savoury depth, conjuring the essence of the Perfume River itself. Then, a modest bowl of mussel rice reveals its quiet complexity: the sweetness of fresh shellfish mingled with herbs and the distinctive edge of shrimp paste. Finally, a steaming bowl of clam porridge infused with ginger brings warmth to the stillness of morning—a gentle, satisfying close to a soulful meal.
NOW READ
Hoi An's shadow in a heritage coffee space
Discover the world of Louis Vuitton trunks: Heritage, innovation and the art of living
Legacy 50: How has the Vietnamese tourism industry changed after 50 years?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
31-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
The Shape of Memory: Humberto Campana's Dreamwork with Louis Vuitton
For more than a decade, Humberto Campana's work with Louis Vuitton has drawn on the textures of Brazilian nature and the complexity of his inner world. His latest creations continue that delicate balancing act. In celebration of Louis Vuitton's formidable history of trunk-making, interior design, and artisanal innovation, the Louis Vuitton: Savoir Rêver event, convened at the Riverfront Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, was a compelling showcase of the maison's heritage and craftsmanship. For Brazilian designer Humberto Campana, whose creations were among those exhibited in the Objets Nomades collection of limited-edition furniture and décor collaborations, the showcase marked another meaningful chapter in a career shaped by deep introspection and emotional depth. Above Brazilian designer Humberto Campana: 'All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Visitors to the exhibition were invited into a narrative journey tracing Louis Vuitton's evolution from its beginnings in revolutionary trunk-making to its present-day identity as a purveyor of luxury lifestyle. Archival photographs and original artefacts, such as the iconic flat-top trunk designed for seamless travel by car, train, or ship, set the stage for the immersive experience. A striking highlight was the exclusive pyramid trunk, hand-painted with an evocative depiction of Vietnam's Halong Bay—a poetic tribute to the meeting of French craftsmanship and Vietnamese heritage. Anchoring the contemporary section was the Objets Nomades collection, where visitors could engage with tactile expressions of global design, such as Humberto Campana's Cocoon chair, the plush Bomboca sofa, and the lushly layered Bulbo chair. The tour concluded with a sparkling display of Louis Vuitton's high jewellery creations, featuring patented diamond cuts such as the Star Blossom and Marquise—each piece underscoring the maison's dedication to artistry, innovation, and storytelling. The Estúdio Campana pieces presented at the event stand amongst the most distinctive works to emerge from their long-standing partnership with Louis Vuitton; the works have won broad admiration as masterpieces of innovative form and function. Even in these bright moments of recognition and success, however, Campana remains grounded by a creative impulse that reaches inward as much as outward. 'I deal with a lot of shadow,' says Campana. 'I have a big gap, a dark side in my soul. So I need to bring my best in order to heal. All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Read more: Louis Vuitton brings Savoir Rêver exhibition to Vietnam for the first time It's a thread that stretches back to Campana's earliest memories. Born with the gift of exquisite sensitivity in what he describes as the hyper-macho rural village of Brotas, Humberto and his younger brother Fernando were raised in a strict Italian Catholic household—one not especially attuned to artistic expression. From a young age, the brothers were drawn to a more poetic way of seeing the world. They found joy in the vibrant hues of nature and the dreamlike beauty of cinema at the local theatre. During Sunday mass, while the padre delivered his sermons, they were often mesmerised by the shifting shapes of sunlight and colour cast onto the floor through the stained-glass windows. When free to roam beyond the town, they would delight in discovering botanical wonders, recreating the scenography of the films they loved in the blush of petals and textures of leaves. 'It was an old generation that belongs to the past,' he says. But I'm still dealing with these beginnings. That's the way that I always come back to my childhood—by creating playful pieces that are very colourful, very happy.' Above Bulbo—a chair inspired by blooming tropical flowers, creating a sitting space that is both luxurious and cosy. The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside. The Cocoon hanging chair is an openwork fibreglass shell lined with calfskin, evoking the protective embrace of a butterfly's chrysalis. Suspended like a nest, it invites introspection and serenity, blending organic form with meticulous craftsmanship. The Bulbo chair, unveiled in 2019, resembles a blooming tropical plume flower, its layered petals crafted from Louis Vuitton leather and fabric, offering a luxurious and intimate retreat. Meanwhile, the Bomboca sofa, named after a traditional Brazilian confection, features modular, cloud-like cushions that assemble into a playful yet functional seating arrangement, reflecting the designers' penchant for combining comfort with imaginative design. Together, these pieces exemplify the Campana brothers' ability to transform natural motifs into innovative, dreamlike furniture that harmonises with Louis Vuitton's artistry and travel-inspired design. 'All of our pieces are inspired by nature,' explains Campanas. 'I love nature. I love to plant trees. I love to make drawings about microorganisms; yes, I'm very fascinated by this world.' Above Bomboca, a sofa named after a traditional Brazilian candy, impresses with a playful, imaginative yet functional design approach. Humberto Campana's love for the natural world is part of what attracts him to Asia, a region he associates with the character of grace and gentleness that was absent from his childhood. 'I feel at home here,' he sighs. 'I left the plane and I smelled the smell of Asia. There is a tenderness. A connection with spirituality, all these elements that make me feel relaxed.' This is his third visit to Vietnam; during a previous trip he was captured by a boat ride he took along the Mekong River, where he purchased a traditional folding bamboo chair to commemorate the experience. The piece reminded him of his own work with natural fibres back home. 'I think I am much more like an alchemist,' Campana explains. 'I love to transform things. Two years ago, I worked in India to create a cabinet made out of grass and brass. I also love to work with charcoal. Now I'm creating chairs in bamboo too, piling them, creating a very complicated structure. Our work is not minimalist, it's extremely complex. Like my soul, because I still don't know who I am today. 'More and more I want to focus on this, because natural elements heal you. It's a kind of calm. There is the smell of the wood, there is the colour of the grass. It brings a nice vibe to the ambience.' Read more: Discover the world of Louis Vuitton trunks: Heritage, innovation and the art of living Above The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside This creative momentum, grounded in memory but oriented toward renewal, continues to propel Campana's vision today. At the heart of his practice is a desire to give back to his country, to his community, and to the natural world that has inspired him since childhood. His latest ambitions include establishing a foundation in the Brazilian countryside, where design, environmental education, and poetic beauty converge. 'It's a way to regenerate nature, to create workshops, and to share our journey,' he explains. The foundation will house a small museum celebrating the Campana studio's four-decade legacy, while also offering space for crafts, contemplation, and connection. 'I don't have kids. I'm not married,' he says. 'This is what I leave behind. It's something for my community.' In that gesture, as in so much of his work, Campana moves to resolve the emotional and material threads of his life into a force that heals, uplifts, and inspires. At the same time, Campana was searching for his own sense of self-worth. 'I love the studio. I love my people working with me, and I love creating things that people can use. Maybe it's a way to be seen, to be validated. Because my work goes into people's homes, and I feel welcome. 'I'm a very shy person, I don't have so many friends. I love to be alone. For me, it's wonderful to be in silence, and that's perfect. I need silence in order to create, to deal with my devils.' READ MORE La Beauté - Louis Vuitton's new chapter in the world of beauty Louis Vuitton brings Cruise 2026 runway to Apostolic Palace heritage Louis Vuitton welcomes global superstar Lisa as new house ambassador
Tatler Asia
28-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels and the desire for a unique path
Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels He is indeed a pioneer—the scion of a notable French family that made its fortune in the children's apparel business. The brash young Arnaud passed on the chance to enter his father's trade, splintering off and co-founding a successful footwear company instead. However, it was his passion for travel in exotic destinations around the world that inspired his most impactful business ideas. Staying in some of the finest luxury hotels during his travels, he soon grew tired of the inauthentic experiences they offered. Dissatisfied, his thoughts turned to founding his own deluxe resort brand perfectly suited to the tastes and temperament of discerning voyagers such as himself. The opportunity to bring his ideas to reality came when his father asked him to reconsider being part of the family business and come back into the fold. Reluctant to take a step backwards, he instead raised his thoughts about a new approach to hospitality, showing how the luxury market was in need of an alternative take with fresh parameters. It was just an idea dropped in conversation—but six months later, Zannier's father called back with a spectacular real estate opportunity in the French Alps. Having his family's full financial resources standing behind their prodigal son, Zannier had a prime opportunity to put his concept to the test. 'I didn't know anything about hospitality,' he admits. 'Never attended any schools about hospitality, nothing. It was just an aspiration for something different. As a consumer, when I was traveling, I was never fully happy—because to me, not all the elements were within the composition of the experience. This is how I proposed the idea to my family. I didn't know anything about hospitality. Never attended any schools about hospitality, nothing. It was just an aspiration for something different. - Arnaud Zannier - 'We started Le Chalet small, with only 12 suites, but we tailor-made the product, every detail—including hiring 40 staff, so it was practically butler service at every level. It worked.' What Zannier created on the snow-covered slopes of the Mont-Blanc mountain range was a remarkable concept, considering the norms of luxury hospitality. Rather than meet any particular niche or respond to trends in a certain market segment, Zannier built a high-end accommodation brand aesthetic based entirely on his own approach and vision. In personally creating the design language for Zannier the brand, there's a stamp on each of his resorts that is Zannier the man. All Zannier Hotels properties in operation today, including Le Chalet and his properties in Cambodia, Namibia, and Vietnam, amongst others, exist as a reflection of their owner. 'When you're passionate, you need to express yourself and do exactly what you want, otherwise you're no good at it,' says Zannier. 'So for me, it was very important to start with something that I was 200% dedicated to and deeply invested in. 'I don't like boundaries, I don't like to be channelled into anything. I create what I feel is right for the place and hope that guests will see what I see and enjoy it the same way. This is how it started. Luckily, quickly, even after the first property, we had the success we were hoping for. So I simply continue to do what I like to do. I never force myself to do anything I don't like. You won't see any glass or milk pot, anything in our property that I didn't choose. If I don't like it, it's not there. 'I never compromise. Compromise is wrong. You end up having something that's halfway, and it's not as strong.' Read More: How to spend 48 hours in the ancient capital of Hue Leaning into locality Above All Zannier hotels in operation today, including Le Chalet and properties in Cambodia, Namibia and Vietnam, among others, are true reflections of their passionate owner. In many ways, Zannier's instincts were prescient of a broader thirst amongst luxury travellers for more authentic, localised experiences. Whilst he was determined to cleave to his own personal tastes, those tastes extended to a fascination for authenticity of place, for locality and genuine cultural alignment. In the days when Zannier travelled himself—now a rare pleasure for the owner of an ever-expanding portfolio of resorts and private estates—he would always find himself looking outward from his five-star accommodations at the nearby villages and towns, perhaps wishing, as the most sensitive travellers sometimes do, to be able to walk inside any of those foreign dwellings and be home . 'It probably comes from growing up in a family environment and culture where luxury is not always about the material or the branding, but more about the experiences,' remembers Zannier. 'We had a family weekend house where friends were always staying. My father loved to receive them and serve good wine, good food, spend quality moments together—but in a simple way, not to impress. 'I was brought up in this environment, in this surrounding. I believe it reflects what I do today. It's not the most expensive item that's going to create the most incredible or memorable experiences.' Zannier's family memories hearken back to a time before digital addictions and the habit of travelling with devices perpetually in hand, before the Wi-Fi password became the first question resort guests ask when arriving at their rooms. Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels (left) and Alain Bachmann, General Manager Zannier Bai San Ho 'I was raised in a generation where grandparents were still very present,' he says. 'My grandmother cooking, the smell of hot bread and coffee in the kitchen in the morning—these are all emotions, feelings that are printed in your memory. 'My grandparents were farmers in the middle of France, so I used to spend my holidays there, getting fresh milk from the farm next door in the evening, going with my grandfather to collect mushrooms in the forest when the season was right. These are all simple moments that are disappearing from modern life, which I find a shame because these are very grounding moments that procure memories. And this is what I'm trying to do in the hotels—being able to create and imprint simple memories in the mind of a guest. 'For me, those subtle and unique little moments stick better than saying, 'oh, my bathroom had a golden tap'. And as a person, I am not looking for that. When I was traveling, I wanted my kids to taste local food at the market rather than have something that you can get anywhere in the world, such as fancy sushi. You should get sushi when you go to Japan, but why would you want to do sushi if you're in Italy? No—do the best mozzarella and tomatoes. Serve a great paella when you're in Spain. 'This is my philosophy. This is what I'm trying to translate through the creation of all these hotels.' The spirit of wellness Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels Zannier Hotels is currently undergoing a gradual transformation towards a new set of protocols promoting holistic wellness at all resorts, whilst developing fresh, wellness-themed packages for offer to guests during their stay. At Zannier Bãi San Hô, there is a palpable mood of wholesomeness and balance that is swiftly becoming a key focus of the hospitality experience. Six months ago, the group appointed a new regional spa person in charge of both Cambodia and Vietnam, who managed to successfully boost spa revenues by 50 percent since her arrival by reaching beyond the traditional spa menu and developing broader, more impactful programmes. 'We don't want to become just a wellness destination or healthcare specialists,' explains Zannier. 'It's still a leisure hotel, but we want to help people understand why something is good for you or not in terms of nutrition or activities; if you need something that is more calming, or something more active, depending on your body type. 'We start with a screening process with the help of a bio-resonance machine. Our Wellness Manager will welcome you and ask you some questions. We'll look at your eyes, your tongue, and try to identify your body type—because we're inspired by Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine, where it's all about energy. Then, after the screening, you get a program that will be a mix of activities. Yoga on the beach at sunrise. Maybe eat a bit more fruit in the morning to better capture your vitamins. Or take a shower in the evening to release the stress of the day, and you might go to sleep faster. They're all just small tips. 'What we want is for our guests to take with them the knowledge of how to continue and introduce all these elements within their daily life routine at home, so that it has a profound and lasting change on their wellness. We want to make a long-term impact.' Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels Of course, it's no accident that Zannier Bãi San Hô is embracing first this new approach. As with all things connected with the brand, this new progression directly follows the spiritual evolution of the man himself. For the first time in this conversation, Arnaud Zannier appears shy. 'Why am I doing this?' he blushes. 'Again, everything is very personal. Six years ago, I separated from my wife, now my ex-wife. After the divorce, I found a new partner, who is my wife today. She was just really into wellbeing, and I educated myself, indirectly, through her.' In this new love, Zannier has found a renewed energy in life, which is now manifest in the resorts that bear his name—and he has much to share about the discoveries he has made through his relationship. I never compromise. Compromise is wrong. You end up having something that's halfway, and it's not as strong. - Arnaud Zannier - 'You know, life changes are done in small steps,' he muses, as rough waves rise and resolve on Zannier's soft sandy beach, the same pale ochre colour of his grandmother's hot bread. There isn't a thing about the Vietnamese resort that doesn't emerge from his world, that doesn't reflect his passion. 'Small things, but you have to be consistent,' he smiles. 'So if we want to bring something positive into the lives of our guests, we have to introduce small steps that they can understand and learn from us while they're here, to carry on when they're back home. 'That's the philosophy of Zannier wellness.' NOW READ Zannier Coral Beach, Phu Yen The story of promotion from the Deputy General Manager of Mia Saigon Luxury Hotel: 'Being a mother and being a leader can go hand in hand' Love, Bonito's Rachel Lim on motherhood and leading a fashion empire with intention
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Legacy 50: 6 museums to visit this April 30
Vietnam Military History Museum Km 6+500 Thang Long Avenue, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi Open since the late autumn of 2024, the new Vietnam Military History Museum is a striking, contemporary project that manages to retain its profound historical resonance. It is a place where the nation's wartime past is preserved through objects, light and architectural space. Situated on Thang Long Avenue, the museum becomes an especially moving destination during the April 30 holiday. More than 150,000 artifacts are housed within—from the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Determination map—each one offering a vivid glimpse into the nation's defining moments, while also capturing the quiet resilience of life during conflict. A key feature of the museum is its chronological exhibition design, blending directional sound with state-of-the-art interactive installations. The experience draws visitors in, encouraging a quiet, deeply personal engagement with history. In a Hanoi that evolves by the day, this museum stands as a firm spiritual anchor, inviting visitors to reconnect with their heritage and reflect on the enduring cost of independence. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or returning after many April seasons, a morning spent here, bathed in natural light and surrounded by artefacts once carried through war, will leave you contemplative and quietly moved. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, HCMC A journey that doesn't require leaving the city, yet manages to open the heart. Tucked away within an old French villa in the centre of District 1, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop for those with an eye for beauty. The creaking wooden staircase, sun-dappled tiled floors and coloured glass windows evoke memories of a bygone Saigon—elegant, expressive and full of artistic grace. Above The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop for those with an eye for beauty (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts) The galleries here guide visitors across the many eras of Vietnamese art—from the days of Indochinese influences to contemporary expressions, from traditional lacquer work to modern installations and video pieces. The paintings hold traces of history, infused with a quiet national pride. They're never overbearing—simple in form, yet stirring in spirit, with a gentle ability to move the viewer. Above Welcome to Vietnam's total victory (Composed: 1975. Author: Tong Ngoc Phong. Material: Lacquer) The museum welcomes visitors this April 30. To walk its halls on a holiday such as this is to find beauty not only in colours and brushwork, but in the cultural weight and memory that art so often carries. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1, HCMC Tucked beside the city's Zoo in a calm, tree-lined enclave, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History offers a quiet retreat—a stillness in the midst of a bustling metropolis. The building itself is a graceful fusion of East and West: curved tiled roofs, wooden pillars, and traditional motifs lend it the charm of a storybook world gently waiting to be explored. Above From stone statues and regal crowns to time-worn woodblocks and delicate ceramics, the museum becomes a gentle stream of memory (Photo: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) Inside, Vietnam's history unfolds through understated and poignant artefacts—from the ancient Van Lang and Au Lac periods to the later feudal dynasties. From stone statues and regal crowns to time-worn woodblocks and delicate ceramics, the museum becomes a gentle stream of memory, carrying its visitors through layers of time with quiet reverence. To pause here on April 30 is to reflect on the nation's long road—not through loud declarations, but through what has been preserved: fragments of once-great cultures and the imprints of their evolution. A morning meandering through cicada song and soft sunlight, among these artefacts, has a way of stilling the heart; a stillness born of remembrance, of heritage, and of a country that has weathered many storms to reach this moment. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi In Hanoi, few places carry the same artistic gravitas as the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Home to some of the nation's most treasured works, its stately French colonial façade blends seamlessly with the deep red tiles and bricks, giving it a presence that is both timeworn and unmistakably Vietnamese. On April 30, the museum's resistance art galleries—portraying the strength of soldiers, the majesty of mountains, and the familiar tones of a not-so-distant past—take on a heightened resonance. Through these works, the national spirit reveals itself not through grandeur, but in quiet resilience, and in the human warmth that so often defines our shared stories. Above As one lingers before each canvas, the act of viewing becomes something more. Photo: Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts As one lingers before each canvas, the act of viewing becomes something more—a quiet dialogue with history, conveyed in the hushed, expressive language of painting. Above The underground struggle (Author: Huynh Phuong Dong. Medium: Watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink.) Spend a little longer here, and you'll notice the museum is not only speaking of the past. Woven between historical epochs is the subtle unfolding of Vietnam's modern artistic voice. Emerging talents continue this narrative, seeking their own place in a shifting world. Some works are rooted in folk traditions, others in bold abstraction—together, they speak of an evolving identity, where personal vision meets collective soul in a delicate yet resonant harmony. Ton Duc Thang Museum 5 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC In central District 1, the Ton Duc Thang Museum offers a quiet, poignant retreat—a space that traces the life of a steadfast, humble figure whose loyalty and depth left a lasting mark. The building itself, with its modern and understated design, allows the artefacts within to tell their story without distraction. Above Here, ideals and integrity speak softly—needing no embellishment, only their sincerity to resonate (Photo: Ton Duc Thang Museum) During the April 30 holiday, the museum's rooms dedicated to the resistance war take on a solemn tone, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and complete commitment that defined President Ton Duc Thang. Black-and-white photographs, an indigo worker's shirt, a simple wooden chair—these modest objects bring history to life not through grandeur, but through quiet conviction, mirroring the man himself. As visitors follow this path of memory, it feels as if time folds back. Here, ideals and integrity speak softly—needing no embellishment, only their sincerity to resonate. Read more: Legacy 50: April 30 legacy through the memoirs of diplomat Nguyen Thi Binh Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC Set within an historic French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a space that exudes time. Its lofty ceilings, grand wooden doors, arched corridors and light-drenched windows create an atmosphere of both elegance and quiet reflection. It feels less like a museum and more like a pause in the city's own timeline—capturing Saigon's transition from its colonial past to the dynamic city it is today. Above Set within an historic French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a space that exudes time. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Museum Around April 30, the museum's thematic exhibitions come into sharper focus. Displays on resistance movements, urban life in decades past, and the city during its liberation feel more intimate, more immediate. Alongside iconic visuals like vintage Lam cars or old street signs, one finds handwritten letters, worn maps, and objects soaked in memory. To wander through these galleries is to feel Saigon's layered soul. More than just observing its evolution, visitors begin to sense the undercurrent of remembrance—woven into every floorboard, every pane of glass, every fragment of history held within. READ MORE Legacy 50: Saigon - City of 'firsts' Legacy 50: Architects who have 'shaped' Saigon's memories Legacy 50: People's Artist Kim Cuong - A life, a life on stage
