Ho Chi Minh's Residence (Nha Bac Ho) Tours

Just behind the Presidential Palace is the modest wooden stilt house that Ho Chi Minh lived in from 1958 until his death in 1969, preserved just as he left it. Get a glimpse into the life of the founder of North Vietnam at this humble abode, set in a well-tended and landscaped garden across from a lovely carp-filled pond.

 

The 2-floor residence was inspired by a trip Ho Chi Minh took to the northwest of the country. Peer through windows to see the room, including a study with his books, periodicals, and typewriter, plus his walking cane behind glass. A nearby garage houses three classic cars.

Most sightseeing tours stop at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and can be combined with visits to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, or Tran Quoc Pagoda. Opt for a motorbike tour to experience Hanoi like a local, and consider add-on activities like a water puppet show or cooking class.

 

It’s easiest to take a taxi directly to the Presidential Palace, but a number of buses stop at nearby Le Hong Phong Road, including the 9, 22, and 34. From the palace, walk down Mango Alley to reach the house.

 

The residence is open Tuesday to Sunday, with breaks for lunch. Most visitors start at the mausoleum before viewing the residence, then go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The complex can get crowded, so consider visiting in the morning.

 

The Presidential Palace was built in 1901 in an ornate French Colonial style to house the General Governor of Indochina. The Vietnamese government took it over in 1954, but Ho Chi Minh refused to live in it, preferring his simple stilt house instead. The palace is still used for political and diplomatic meetings. Visitors are not permitted inside and are only allowed to explore the grounds and view the stilt house.