SAI GON VIETNAM
(Khu Luu Niem Bac Ho). A mix of Vietnamese and French styles, this structure, nicknamed the Dragon House (Nha Rong) for its architectural design, is actually far more interesting than most of the displays within. It was constructed in 1863 as the original French customs house; any individuals coming to colonial Saigon would have had to pass through the building once they docked at the port. Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) passed through here in 1911 on the way to his 30-year sojourn around Europe and America. Inside are some of his personal belongings, including his journals, fragments of his clothing, and his rubber sandals. Ho Chi Minh was an ascetic type of guy, known for wearing sandals made only from tires; these are now scattered at museums around the country. COST: 10,000d. OPEN: Tues.-Sun. 7:30-11:30 and 1:30-5.