Hong Gai is a capital city of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. After 10 years of peace in 1964, US aircraft launched bombs on the area, opening the war on the North. In the town of Hong Gai not one house remained intact. Quang Ninh's citizens joined the resistance; striking back against the more than 7,000 jets that flew over dropping bombs and napalm. Over 200 U.S. aircraft were shot down. While people on the mainland fought against U.S. aircraft, those on the islands resisted by firing on enemy warships. After the war the city went through 10 years of restoration, to get the town back to prominence. With opportunities for open thought, democracy has been brought into play, resources have been developed and creativity has been enhanced. The political state is stable, defense has been united, the economy is developing and cultural lives are improving.
One place to see is the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. It was built between 1900 and 1906 to house the French Governor-General of Indochina. It was constructed by Auguste Henri Vildieu, the official French architect for Vietnam. The palace hosts essential government meetings. It is not open to the public, but visitors may walk around the grounds.