The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House served as both the residence and workplace of President Ho Chi Minh during his final years. Join Vntravel as we delve into the history and significance of this renowned landmark in the following article!

Overview of Ho Chi Minh Stilt Houses

The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House stands as a symbol of Vietnamese history and culture, embodying the legacy of the revered leader, Uncle Ho. Built in the traditional style of the mountainous ethnic groups, the house reflects Ho Chi Minh’s simplicity, rustic charm, and deep connection to the people. It is a testament to his love for his homeland, nation, and nature. Eschewing the opulence of the colonial-era Presidential Palace, he chose to reside in this modest stilt house, reminiscent of the homes he lived in during the resistance against the French in northern Vietnam.

President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house is a popular destination, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists each year. Visitors come to learn more about Uncle Ho’s life and work, experiencing the peaceful, serene, and warm atmosphere that reflects his character. Additionally, tourists can visit Uncle Ho’s family stilt house in Nghe An, part of the Kim Lien Historical Site. This is where Uncle Ho was born and spent a significant part of his life. The site preserves many valuable memories and relics, recreating the living space of his youth.

Role and Cultural Significance of Ho Chi Minh Stilt House

The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House holds immense cultural and historical significance. It served not only as Ho Chi Minh’s residence and workplace but also as a venue where he engaged with Party leaders, state officials, and esteemed guests from both within and outside Vietnam. The house witnessed many pivotal events in Vietnamese history, including the anti-American resistance and the struggle for the reunification of North and South Vietnam. It also preserves numerous valuable artifacts associated with Ho Chi Minh, such as his Peugeot bicycle, Vespa scooter, and Remington typewriter. These items reflect his modest and frugal lifestyle, as well as his spirit of creativity and lifelong learning.

The Stilt House also embodies Ho Chi Minh’s love for his homeland, his people, and nature. The house is built in the style of the Tày-Thái ethnic stilt houses, symbolizing the unity of the various ethnic groups throughout the nation. It features large windows that bring in natural light and fresh air, set amidst a lush garden filled with plants, flowers, and wildlife. The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House is a place that reflects his inner spirit and character, inspiring those who love their country and advocate for peace.

Architecture and Design Features of Ho Chi Minh Stilt House

The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, built in 1958 according to Ho Chi Minh’s wishes, is a distinctive architectural marvel. Designed in the style of the ethnic Tày-Thái stilt houses from Vietnam’s northern mountainous region, it reflects the environment where Ho Chi Minh spent both challenging and triumphant years during the fight against the French. Located within the precinct of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, this house witnessed numerous significant historical events that shaped Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary career. The stilt house is a two-story wooden structure with a tiled roof, measuring 10.5m x 6.2m. It is intelligently and scientifically designed with large windows to allow natural light and air circulation. The ground floor served as a space for Ho Chi Minh to park his bicycle and store other items, while the upper floor was his living and working area.

Inside the house, there are three functional rooms: a living room, a bedroom, and a workspace. The interior is very frugal and modest, reflecting Ho Chi Minh’s simple and down-to-earth nature. The living room features a long chair for receiving guests, a small table for reading newspapers, and a bookshelf for Ho Chi Minh’s reading materials. The bedroom contains a wooden bed, a woolen blanket, and a cotton pillow for Ho Chi Minh’s rest. The workspace is equipped with a wooden desk, a swivel chair, a Remington typewriter, and a telephone for Ho Chi Minh’s work and communication.

Admission Fees and Opening Hours

Ho Chi Minh Stilt House is an intriguing destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hanoi. You can enter this house for free, but you should pay attention to its opening hours. The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House welcomes visitors only on working days, from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tourists should note that the Stilt House remains closed on holidays, during the Lunar New Year, and on weekends. It’s advisable to plan your visit in advance to avoid disappointment due to the house being closed.

Transportation Options and Routes to Ho Chi Minh Stilt House

The Ho Chi Minh Stilt House is a well-known tourist spot in Hanoi, situated within the Presidential Palace Historical Site in Ngoc Ha Ward, Ba Dinh District. If you prefer to walk, you can take routes such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Doi Can, Hung Vuong, Le Hong Phong, Hoang Hoa Tham, etc. The Stilt House is about 300 meters away from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. If you want to take a bus, you can catch bus routes 09, 18, 22, 33, 45, or 50 and get off at the 18A Le Hong Phong bus stop. From there, it’s just a 300-meter walk to reach the Stilt House.

Additionally, you can also rent a motorbike or bicycle to get there. There are various motorbike and bicycle rental services in Hanoi at reasonable prices. You’ll only need a valid driver’s license and personal identification to rent a vehicle. However, it’s essential to be mindful of traffic laws and safety when riding on the road.

If you are a foreign tourist, you can choose guided Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house tour for a comprehensive experience.

Engaging Experiences at Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House

When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, you can experience exciting activities such as:

– Admiring the architecture and interior of the stilt house, as well as the artifacts and memorabilia related to Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary activities.

– Immersing yourself in nature within the Presidential Palace Gardens. You can enjoy the lotus pond, flower gardens, plants, or relax by Ho Chi Minh’s favorite fish pond.

– Watching documentary films about Ho Chi Minh at the cinema in the Presidential Palace. You can watch films such as “Ho Chi Minh – The Man and His Career,” “Ho Chi Minh – The Nature Lover,” “Ho Chi Minh – The Art Lover,” and more.

– Listening to your favorite songs of Ho Chi Minh in the music room within the Presidential Palace Gardens, including “The Song of Hope,” “The Song of Quan Doc Banyan Tree,” “The Song of Tet Mau Than,” and others.

– Participating in traditional folk games in the recreation area on the stilt house grounds, such as tug of war, blindfolded goat-catching, and dragon-snake flying.

– Writing words of gratitude and conveying your dreams to Ho Chi Minh at the letter-writing area within the Presidential Palace Gardens.

Notes When Visiting Ho Chi Minh Stilt House

Ho Chi Minh Stilt House is a unique historical and cultural destination in Hanoi that you should not miss when traveling here.

However, when visiting this place, you should adhere to the following rules to preserve the heritage and show respect to Ho Chi Minh:

– Choose appropriate attire, not too short or revealing.

– Remove your shoes before entering.

– Do not touch or move any of the artifacts within the stilt house.

– Refrain from using flash photography or loud sounds when taking pictures or filming inside the stilt house.

– Leave everything as you found it and take your shoes with you when leaving Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house.

– Do not bring food, drinks, cigarettes, or pets when visiting the historical site.

– Avoid making noise, pushing, or disrupting public order while exploring the area.

We hope that the content in this article has provided you with valuable insights into Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and will enhance your travel experience in Hanoi!