Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hanoi Telephone: +84 4 3733 2131 Open Hours: 08:30 – 17:00 Ticket: VND 30.000 https://www.vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn/   Previously, the French had used this building as the Ministry of Information, but now this large building opposite the Temple of Literature houses samples from Vietnam's finest artists. Although some works are modern, the majority of art is traditional lacquer, oil or ceramics. For people interested in Asian art and design, this is a good place to see the development of Vietnam's artistic culture.

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Hanoi Telephone: +84 4 3756 2193 Open Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 8:30 – 17:30. Close on Monday Ticket: VND 40.000 https://www.vme.org.vn/   The French-designed building and surrounding grounds, which simulate life in the provinces, warrant the trip even before you step inside. The museum displays a dizzying array of artifacts from all over Vietnam. Brief descriptions in French, English and Vietnamese of tools, clothing and recreated homes provide a sketch of several Vietnamese ethnic minorities. A craft shop sells books, bags and other items from various ethnic communities at reasonable prices.

Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hanoi Telephone: +84 4 3824 6358 Open Hours: 08:00 – 16:30 Ticket: VND 20.000   The French built this prison in 1896 to house up to 450 opponents of colonialism. However, in reality more than four times this number was imprisoned in appalling conditions. Indeed, the tiny, damp and dark cells evoke eerie claustrophobia, which would be multiplied by the use of manacles and the presence of rats. More recently, American prisoners of war were kept here, including the first ambassador to Vietnam, Pete Peterson. Today, only a small section remains and it is preserved as a museum.