Walking in the Footsteps of Uncle Ho : My Family Visit to K9 Da Chong Historical Site
K9 Da Chong Historical Relics – A Sacred Site Honoring President Ho Chi Minh
President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved father of the Vietnamese nation, played an important role in uniting North and South Vietnam. Every place he visited holds deep historical significance, and one such a site is Da Chong in Ba Vi (Hanoi), now known as the K9 Da Chong Historical Site.
About 70 kilometers from Hanoi, K9 Da Chong—located in Ba Vi District—is a site often overlooked by casual travelers. Yet for those who would love to better understand Vietnam’s modern history, especially during the Vietnam War, this place offers a great insight. Originally a revolutionary base, K9 became a strategic command center in the 1960s and later served as a secret site to preserve Uncle Ho’s body before it was moved to the Hanoi Mausoleum.
The Historical Backgroups of “K9 Da Chong”
According to the book “President Ho Chi Minh and Ha Tay”, from 1945 to 1954, President Ho visited the former Ha Tay province 61 times – 12 of which were in Ba Vi. Notably, he stayed and worked at Da Chong Mountain on 9 times.
In May 1957, while visiting the 36th Regiment of the 308th Division training by Da River, President Ho noticed three sharp peaks resembling a spearhead – so he named it Äá Chông or spearhead peaks. He recognized its strategic, secluded location with mild climate and stunning scenery, and saw it as an ideal place to set up a hidden working base for the Central Government to prepare for potential U.S. bombing campaigns in Hanoi capital
On February 23, 1958, after revisiting the site, he officially chose Da Chong as the Central Government’s base. At the time, tensions were escalating, signaling the possibility of air raids from South Vietnam.
The Ministry of National Defense urgently began construction of the Central Base at Da Chong, which was secretly codenamed “Construction Site 5”.
On March 15, 1960, the two-story stilt house was completed, and President Ho officially named it K9 Base. Those are the reasons why this site got its name : K9- Da Chong
A Family Journey to K9 Da Chong: Walking in Uncle Ho’s Footsteps
We left Hanoi early in the morning, eager to escape the bustle of the city and dive into a place rich in Vietnam’s historical significance. The drive to K9 Da Chong took almost two hours, winding through countryside roads and eventually leading us to the peaceful, tree-shaded grounds of the historical site nestled in the Ba Vi Mountains.
Our guide walked us through the beautifully maintained grounds. The quiet pine forest, clean air, and tranquil lake created a solemn yet serene atmosphere. What moved us most was visiting the two-story stilt house where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during critical moments of the Vietnam War.
Seeing the simple furnishings, preserved exactly as they were, allowed us to appreciate the humble and resilient spirit of Uncle Ho. For my children, who had only read about Vietnam’s past in schoolbooks, this was a living lesson—one that made history feel real and personal.
Key Highlights to See at K9 Da Chong
1. President Ho Chi Minh Memorial House
Completed on September 2, 2015, to commemorate Vietnam’s National Day and the date of Ho Chi Minh’s passing, this 400m² house is a beautiful representation of traditional Northern Vietnamese architecture – featuring red-tiled roofs, wooden pillars, and a serene atmosphere.
The memorial house serves as both a place of remembrance and a venue for official events like merit ceremonies, and honors.
Visitors are encouraged to light incense to pay their respects and reflect on his profound legacy.
2. President Ho Chi Minh’s Two-Story House
Constructed under the direction of Comrade Hoang Linh, who also helped build the original Presidential stilt house in Hanoi, this residence features:
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First Floor: A meeting room and resting area.
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Second Floor: Four separate rooms – a meeting room, a private bedroom for President Ho, and two reception rooms for welcoming dignitaries.
The house also includes an underground bomb shelter built to safeguard against American airstrikes during the war.
3. Peaceful Gardens and Miniature Mountains (Hòn Non B?)
President Ho had a deep love for nature. Upon entering the site, you’ll see two gardens:
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Fruit Garden: With mango, soursop, and plum trees.
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Cinnamon Garden: Symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and luck in Vietnamese culture.
In front of the memorial house, carefully tended flowers such as jasmine, mock orange, and orchids perfume the air, creating a peaceful and poetic ambiance.
3. Three Legendary Vehicles at K9 Da Chong
Tucked within the solemn grounds of K9 Da Chong lies an open-air display of three historic vehicles (UAZ Ambulance – FH-1468, Zin 157 Truck – 470-189 & PAP Truck – 31-162) that once carried out one of Vietnam’s most delicate and honorable missions: safeguarding and transporting President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body during wartime. Each vehicle tells a powerful story of dedication, secrecy, and national reverence.
4. Site of Ho Chi Minh’s Preserved Remains During Wartime
Following his passing, President Ho Chi Minh’s body was temporarily preserved at K9 during wartime. This involved a well-constructed underground facility comprising a glasshouse, underground chamber, and medication preparation room.
A wartime-standard bunker was also reconstructed beneath the structure to ensure the safety and preservation of his body during bombings.
Travel tips to visit Da Chong
This site is opened daily (except Mondays)
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Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Best way to get there:
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By private car: The convenient and flexible way, especially with family or kids. Follow Thang Long Boulevard → Son Tay → Ba Vi
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Join in a guided tour from Hanoi : The great way to know more about the area thru our guide’s stories. It also ensures respectful navigation through solemn areas, saves time on logistics, and makes the experience more meaningful—especially for first-time visitors or families
What to Wear & Bring?
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Dress modestly and respectfully (as this is a solemn historical and memorial site).
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Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be walking through garden paths and forested areas.
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Bring hat/sunscreen/umbrella – some areas have little shade.
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Carry water and light snacks for kids, but no eating is allowed inside memorial zones
Suggested Places to Visit Near K9 Da Chong
Make the most of your trip by exploring these nearby attractions:
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Ba Vi National Park – A stunning escape into nature with cool mountain air, ancient French ruins, and panoramic views from the summit.
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Thien Son – Suoi Nga – A peaceful eco-resort nestled between mountains and streams, perfect for a relaxing break with family-friendly activities.
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Duong Lam Ancient Village – Step back in time in this well-preserved village, known for its centuries-old laterite houses, village gates, and traditional Vietnamese culture.
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Ao Vua Ecotourism Area – A scenic recreational spot with waterfalls, cable cars, and fun activities for kids and adults alike—great for nature lovers and families.
These destinations pair perfectly with a visit to K9 Da Chong, turning your trip into a well-rounded cultural and nature-filled day out.
K9 Da Chong is a Must for History Lovers
Whether you’re a local or a foreign traveler, this site is a hidden yet powerful destination that should be part of any Hanoi Day Trip itinerary. It’s not just a historical relic—K9 is a living memory of Vietnam’s journey through war, unity, and peace. For our family, it was a day of learning, bonding, and paying respect to a leader who shaped the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The K9 Da Chong historical site is a sacred landmark where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the resistance war. Nestled in the Ba Vi mountains, it later served as the secret location for preserving his remains from 1969 to 1975. Today, it is a key destination for those wishing to learn about Vietnam’s modern history and “Uncle Ho’s” simple yet profound lifestyle.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for families. Unlike the bustling city, K9 Da Chong offers a peaceful atmosphere with fresh mountain air and pine forests. It provides an educational experience for children to learn about national history while enjoying a gentle walk through the preserved houses, meeting rooms, and the “Uncle Ho’s Path,” making it both a historical and nature-focused excursion.
K9 Da Chong is located in Da Chong, Ba Vi, approximately 70 kilometers from central Hanoi. The most comfortable way to visit is by booking a private car with a driver. This allows families to enjoy the scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive at their own pace and easily combine the visit with other nearby attractions like Ba Vi National Park or local ethnic cultural villages.
Key highlights include the three-story house (House 54) designed by President Ho Chi Minh, the preservation room where his body was kept during the war years, and the specialized transport vehicles used at the time. Visitors also enjoy walking through the lush forest trails and viewing the Da Chong rock formations that give the site its name
As this is a site of great national reverence, visitors are expected to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). It is also important to maintain silence and follow the guidance of site staff. Many visitors choose to travel with a licensed tour operator to ensure they have a professional guide who can explain the deep historical context of each building and artifact.
Absolutely. A popular itinerary includes spending the morning at K9 Da Chong for a historical tour and the afternoon at Ba Vi National Park or the Thien Son Suoi Nga ecotourism area. Golden Holiday Travel can organize a seamless day trip that covers both historical education and mountain relaxation, including comfortable transport and local dining.
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