Part 2: The house on stilts
Dear visitors, welcome to this fascinating stop on our
Hanoi city tour: the legendary
Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. After contemplating the serenity of
Tran Quoc Pagoda and paying homage to the Father of the Nation in his majestic
mausoleum, we invite you to delve into the intimacy of this extraordinary man through his modest dwelling.
Ho Chi Minh's stilt house is near the Presidential Palace - Source : Mr Linh's Adventures
Nestled in the lush gardens of the Presidential Palace, this humble abode embodies the very essence of simplicity and humility so dear to Ho Chi Minh. Built between 1958 and 1969, it offers us an intimate and striking glimpse into the daily life of this visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the history of Vietnam and the world.
Let's travel back in time to March 1958. Ho Chi Minh, then 68 years old, returns from a visit to an agricultural cooperative in Thai Nguyen province. Inspired by his stay, he expresses a wish that surprises his entourage: to live in a stilt house, echoing his time in Viet Bac during the Indochina War. This desire reflects not only his nostalgia for a crucial period in the struggle for independence but also his rejection of opulence and his deep attachment to the Vietnamese people.
Architect Nguyen Van Ninh, chosen for this unique project, enthusiastically takes up the challenge. A team of about thirty skilled workers, aware of the historical importance of their task, sets to work with unwavering determination. In a record time of barely a month, from April 15 to May 17, 1958, the house takes shape, combining functionality and traditional aesthetics. On May 19, his 68th birthday, Ho Chi Minh moves into his new home, where he will remain until his last breath on August 17, 1969.
Ho Chi Minh's stilt house - Source : Mr Linh's Adventures
Allow yourself to be transported by the singular architecture of this house, a true homage to the traditional dwellings of the mountain ethnic groups of Northern Vietnam. Its modest dimensions - 10.5 meters long by 6.2 meters wide - house a living and working space spread over two floors. The common wood used for its construction, deliberately chosen for its simplicity, adds to its authentic and warm character. Each beam, each plank tells the story of a man who chose to live in harmony with the values he advocated.
On the ground floor, enter with respect into the office where Ho Chi Minh shaped modern Vietnam's history. It is here, in this sober space charged with palpable energy, that he worked with the Politburo, developing strategies for the nation's future. It is also in this room that he received delegations from around the world, combining diplomacy and simplicity. Imagine the crucial conversations, the historic decisions that were made within these walls.
Climb the wooden staircase, each step of which has supported Uncle Ho's footsteps, to discover two small bedrooms on the upper floor, each measuring only 10 m². In this intimate space, the leader rested and pursued his intellectual work. The modesty of these rooms strongly contrasts with the immensity of their occupant's impact on world history.
The interior of the house will surprise you with its bareness, a faithful reflection of its illustrious occupant's minimalist lifestyle. Observe the modest furniture: a rattan bed with a simple mattress, reminding us that even great men need rest. A small wooden table and chair, where Ho Chi Minh spent long hours reading, writing, and reflecting. Don't miss the closet containing a few worn clothes, testimony to his contempt for material luxury. The bookshelf, supporting important books and documents, illustrates his insatiable thirst for knowledge. And of course, the typewriter, symbol of his tireless intellectual labor and his role as a visionary communicator.
As Pham Van Dong, former Prime Minister of Democratic Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh's comrade-in-arms, so aptly put it: "This house embodies a pure and elegant space, a true mirror of Ho Chi Minh's generous soul." These words resonate with profound truth when observing every detail of this dwelling.
An emotional detail will not fail to touch you: the clock, frozen at 9:47, the time of his death on August 17, 1969. This moment suspended in time symbolizes the eternity of his legacy, reminding us that Ho Chi Minh's ideals and teachings continue to guide the Vietnamese nation.
Ho Chi Minh's stilt house inside view - Source : Collected
Take time to admire the natural environment surrounding the house, as it was an integral part of Ho Chi Minh's daily life. By the edge of a pond where carp swim peacefully, symbols of longevity in Asian culture, the carefully maintained garden houses a variety of fruit trees and plants. It is said that Uncle Ho loved to feed the fish and tend to the garden himself, finding in these simple activities a deep connection with nature and respite from the challenges of national governance.
This stilt house is much more than a simple dwelling. It embodies Ho Chi Minh's humility, his unbreakable bond with the Vietnamese people, and his love for nature. It is a place steeped in history, witness to crucial decisions and the drafting of historical documents that shaped Vietnam's destiny. Here were written letters to world leaders, speeches that galvanized the nation, and personal reflections on the future of Vietnam and the world.
Since its classification as a special national cultural and historical monument in May 1975, the stilt house has become a must-see site in Hanoi. It has welcomed over 21 million visitors, including numerous international delegations and heads of state, testifying to its historical and cultural importance that transcends borders. Each visitor, whether Vietnamese or foreign, leaves with a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth.
The pound, in front of Ho Chi Minh's stilt house - Source : Mr Linh's Adventures
Dear visitors, as you walk through these places, you are following in the footsteps of an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to the liberation and progress of his people. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this house, feed the fish in the pond as Ho Chi Minh did, and let yourself be inspired by the simplicity and greatness of soul of this visionary statesman. For this modest stilt house is much more than a simple building: it is the reflection of an exceptional personality, timeless values, and a deep attachment to Vietnamese culture.
May this visit inspire you and remind you that true greatness often lies in simplicity and humility. In an ever-changing world, where materialism and individualism are gaining ground, Ho Chi Minh's philosophy of life, embodied by this house, offers a precious lesson on the importance of fundamental values and service to the community.
As you leave this sacred place, take with you not only memories but also a reflection on your own values and aspirations. May Ho Chi Minh's spirit continue to guide and inspire future generations, as it does through this place steeped in history and symbols. For it is by understanding our past and honoring those who paved the way that we can build a better future, imbued with compassion, justice, and peace.
Thank you for sharing this moment of history with us. May the memory of this visit and the spirit of Uncle Ho accompany you on your journey through Vietnam and beyond.
This Hanoi-City Tour can be a part of :