Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House?
What makes it 81% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers can absorb history at their own pace, photograph the pond, and download an audio tour; the 40 000 VND ticket and short 0.5-1 h duration fit most solo itineraries easily.
Positives:
- Cultural insight: Offers a rare glimpse into Ho Chi Minh’s daily life and simplicity.
- Quiet environment: Smaller crowds than the Mausoleum make it ideal for reflection.
Challenges:
- Limited signage in English: Bring a guidebook or use translation app to read exhibit labels.
- Early closing time: The grounds close at 4 pm, so plan to arrive before 3 pm.
What is Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House?
- A modest stilted wooden residence from the 1950s that served as the private home of Ho Chi Minh
- A single-story structure resting on nine slender pillars that exemplifies traditional Vietnamese rural architecture
- A historic site that preserves original furnishings, including Ho Chi Minh’s study and personal artifacts, set within a tranquil garden and fishpond complex
What is so special about Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House for solo trip?
- Experience Ho Chi Minh’s simple lifestyle in his original stilt house.
- Enjoy personal reflection in a quiet garden under mango trees.
- Observe historic artifacts like his typewriter and fan through windows.
- Feed carp in the pond where Ho once fed fish.
- Use a self-guided audio tour to deepen context.
Recommended visit duration: 0.5–1 hour
Why 0.5–1 hour visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to explore the stilt house, view relics, and relax in the garden.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
Veranda Reflection:
Sit under the stilt house veranda to imagine Ho Chi Minh’s meetings.
Tip: Arrive early for quiet; bring a water bottle and journal.
Artifact Observation:
View Ho’s study items through the barred windows of the house.
Tip: Use a zoom lens or phone for a closer look; avoid flash photography.
Mango Alley Stroll:
Walk the path lined with mango trees leading to the house.
Tip: Come before noon to join locals stretching or jogging; watch for fallen fruit.
Fish Feeding:
Feed carp in the pond where Ho Chi Minh once fed them.
Tip: Buy fish food (≈10,000 VND) at the entrance; clap to gather fish closer.
Self-Guided Audio Tour:
Use a mobile app to learn detailed history as you tour.
Tip: Download GPSmyCity or similar app in advance; charge your phone.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
- Combined ticket: Buy the Palace grounds ticket to include the Stilt House and Mausoleum for one price.
- Light pack: Carry only essentials and water to move quickly and comfortably.
- Offline map: Download a Hanoi map offline; the area has spotty Wi-Fi coverage.
Reviews of Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
Varghese Tony
It is behind the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House is the cozy little spot in Hanoi. It is secured by military officials. Dress respectfully. It’s just a simple wooden house on stilts where Uncle Ho actually lived and worked, surrounded by fruit trees and a pond. You can walk up the tiny stairs and peek into his modest bedroom and study, with the old radio and books still there. I...
clive bethel
It was a little difficult to find the entrance to the grounds when coming from the museum. Once inside the grounds it was very peaceful. Seeing the house that Ho Chi Minh lived in and strategized Viet Nam’s independence from was surreal.
Omega Alpha
In order to access this tourist spot, tourists must proceed through security point. The reason is because the house is inside the incumbent presidental palace safegurarded by the police. Former president Ho spent his political career in his office which look really humble.
Coralie Pattenden
Such a great part of history to witness! Growing up, I studied the Vietnam War and was delighted to be able to see the house where he lived and worked up close. Things were well protected in glass cabinets and behind a wooden fence.
Michael W.
I am happy to have a chance to see Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House up close. I don't know when we will not be able to get any closer to the house anymore like most of the other historical buildings in the world. This is a wood construction, and the type of wood will last more than a thousand years, based on the tour guide.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House (Hanoi, Vietnam)?
Visit in autumn or winter (Oct–Feb) for cooler weather. In summer, go before 9 am to avoid heat and sudden afternoon rains. Carry a light rain jacket in monsoon months (May–Oct).
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | VND 40,000 |
| Fish food | VND 10,000 |
| Bottle of water | VND 20,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 70,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
Address: 1 Đ. Hoàng Hoa Thám, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
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About Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+84 80 4428710 BEST nearby Activities
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