Presidential Palace Hanoi
A French Colonial gem, the Presidential Palace grounds offer a glimpse into Vietnam's governance and history, with limited public access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Limited public access hours
Presidential Palace Hanoi
Best Time
Limited public access hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A French Colonial gem, the Presidential Palace grounds offer a glimpse into Vietnam's governance and history, with limited public access.
"Beautiful architecture, but remember it's an active office, so interior access is not possible."
Check Opening Hours Daily
Hours vary seasonally and by day. Always confirm before you go! :clock1:
Grounds Access Only
You can explore the gardens and exterior, but not the interior of the palace. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Presidential Palace Grounds
Exterior grounds
Explore the elegant French Colonial architecture and manicured gardens surrounding the President's office. A peaceful escape.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Adjacent to Presidential Palace
While not part of the palace, this complex offers significant historical context and is often visited in conjunction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Hours: Know Before You Go
Navigating Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours Daily
Hours vary seasonally and by day. Always confirm before you go! :clock1:
Grounds Access Only
You can explore the gardens and exterior, but not the interior of the palace. :camerawithflash:
Is the presidential palace closed today?
Combo Tickets Available
Tickets often include access to adjacent historical sites. :ticket:
Look for the Right Entrance
Guards are at perimeter entrances; the public access is at the end near buses. :bus:
Impromptu month in Vietnam. I don't plan much but want to check with you all if I'm missing anything
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours Daily
Hours vary seasonally and by day. Always confirm before you go! :clock1:
Grounds Access Only
You can explore the gardens and exterior, but not the interior of the palace. :camerawithflash:
Combo Tickets Available
Tickets often include access to adjacent historical sites. :ticket:
Look for the Right Entrance
Guards are at perimeter entrances; the public access is at the end near buses. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the elegant French Colonial architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of the Presidential Palace grounds. However, many are disappointed by the limited access, as the interior is not open to the public and visiting hours are quite restricted. The grounds offer a pleasant stroll but are not a major attraction on their own.
"Worth a Visit – House No. 6 at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
If you’re in Hanoi and exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, make sure to check out House No. 6. This place was where the president Ho did his presidential work back in the day. Although only a few rooms are open to the public, it’s still quite something to see.
The house is quite grand, but you’ll notice how simple and practical the rooms are — really shows how humble and focused he was. It’s not flashy, but there’s a strong sense of history and purpose in the space.
Definitely worth popping by if you’re in the area — good for a quick but meaningful stop to learn more about Vietnam’s history and leadership. Don’t expect a full tour, but it’s still a solid experience, especially if you enjoy heritage sites."
Jock Suan
"This palace is a part of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex, 6 is the house where Ho did his presidential duties when he was in charge. Only a few rooms of this big house are accessible to the public."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
"The Presidential Palace in Hanoi is a grand colonial-era building located near Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Built by the French in the early 1900s, it was intended as the residence for the Governor-General of Indochina. Today, it serves official government functions and is not open to the public, but visitors can admire its striking yellow façade and elegant architecture from the outside."
Laiju Lazar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Presidential Palace is located in the Ba Dinh district. You can reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by using the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus, which stops at many key attractions.
Yes, the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus makes a stop near the Presidential Palace, offering a convenient way to visit multiple sites.
Many visitors find the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus efficient for covering the Presidential Palace and other nearby attractions in a single day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Presidential Palace itself is the office of Vietnam's president and vice president and is not open for public interior tours. Access is limited to the grounds.
Opening hours are specific and can vary. Generally, it's open from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (April-October) or 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (November-March), on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays/Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.
There is a small entrance fee, typically around 40,000 VND, for access to the grounds and adjacent complex.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site at the entrance to the grounds. Advance booking is generally not required for ground access.
Yes, access is limited to the grounds, and interior visits are not permitted. Be mindful of the specific opening hours and days.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the grounds of the Presidential Palace, allowing you to capture the French Colonial architecture and gardens.
The manicured gardens and the exterior of the palace building itself offer picturesque opportunities. The adjacent Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex also provides iconic photo backdrops.
While photography is permitted on the grounds, it's always wise to be respectful and avoid photographing any sensitive areas or personnel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the limited opening hours and the need to be respectful of the area, as it is a working government site. The Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus can be a fun way for families to travel between attractions, making the journey part of the adventure. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the immediate palace grounds might be limited.
History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Pair your visit with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's revolutionary period. The Presidential Palace Historical Site within this complex provides insights into Ho Chi Minh's life and work. Understanding the limited access and specific opening hours is key to planning a successful visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Access to the Presidential Palace
Access to these grounds is restricted to specific days and times. Typically, the palace grounds are open from Tuesday to Thursday and on Saturdays and Sundays. The morning hours are limited, with specific times varying slightly between summer (April-October) and winter (November-March). For instance, summer hours might be 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, while winter hours could be 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. It's essential to verify these hours before your visit, as they can change.
When you arrive, you might see guards at various entrances. The public access point is usually located at the end of the complex, often near where buses are parked. Purchasing a ticket grants you access to the grounds and sometimes includes entry to nearby historical sites, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in Hanoi's French colonial past and political history.
Exploring the Surrounding Ba Dinh District
Adjacent to the Presidential Palace is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, a major pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese. This complex includes the Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace Historical Site (which showcases stilt houses and offices used by Ho Chi Minh), and the One Pillar Pagoda. Visiting these sites together offers a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam's modern history and its revered leader.
For a more convenient way to explore the Ba Dinh district and other major attractions in Hanoi, consider using the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus. This service allows you to easily travel between sites like the Presidential Palace, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and more, providing commentary and flexibility for your itinerary.
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