The mausoleum overlooks Ba Dinh Square, where Ho read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. You may not understand a thing about what you're seeing, but the experience is all the more surreal for it. Allegorical exhibits are arranged chronologically, though even after you've read the labels their meaning is never entirely clear. Allusions are also drawn to events outside Vietnam. Ornamented eaves and louvered shutters, once brilliant green or crimson, have been left to peel and fade.
Few locals pay such rents, butthroughout Vietnam rates are far higher for expats.
But there is money being made here, and expats in the right income bracket can live very comfortably. If you wished, you could create a reasonable facsimile of your Western home life. You could work out on the StairMaster at the Clark Hatch gym. The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in July 1998, but we suggest you confirm all details and prices directly with the service establishments before making travel plans. View Corporate Entities and Important Disclosures , Web Site Rules and Regulations , Trademarks , and Privacy Statement .