The sacred bell echoes amidst the vast forests of Viet Bac.

Nestled amidst the vast forests of Viet Bac, atop De Pass in Phu Dinh commune, stands the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House – a work of art and architecture with historical significance – a sacred space that unites people's hearts. For over two decades, the sound of bells has echoed daily from the Memorial House, resonating deep within the mountains and rivers of the country. The bells serve as a bridge connecting the past with the present, reminding each person of their origins and their responsibility to build the nation.

The Ho Chi Minh Memorial House is located on the top of De Pass, Phu Dinh commune.

The Ho Chi Minh Memorial House began construction on November 15, 2004, and was inaugurated on the 115th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (May 19, 2005). The project was a gift from the Party Committee, government, and people of Hanoi , carrying the deep affection of the entire nation for their beloved leader. Since then, it has become a sacred gathering place for people from all over the country.

Located on a hill shaped like a turtle shell, amidst the majestic De Pass, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House is situated in a strategically advantageous position, with its back against Tiger Mountain and its front facing Elephant Mountain. From the foot of De Pass to the Memorial House, there are 194 stone steps, divided into two sections with a resting point in between. The 115 steps in the first section symbolize the 115th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (the year the memorial was inaugurated); the 79 steps in the second section symbolize his lifespan.

More than twenty years have passed, yet the bell at the top of De Pass still rings regularly every day. That clear, sacred sound spreads through the mountains and forests of Viet Bac, permeating people's hearts like a gentle message. Each chime of the bell, released into the air, echoes against the mountain walls, dissipating and spreading far, making the May sky seem to soften the scorching summer sun.

In the pristine early morning, when mist still lingers on the mountain slopes, the sound of the bell awakens the dawn, ushering in a new day full of vitality. But as evening falls, the sound becomes profound and evocative, like an invisible diary recording every passing moment on this land that was once the center of the revolutionary base.

Every year, between 75,000 and 80,000 officials, citizens, and tourists visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House to offer incense.

Located within the complex of the Thai Nguyen National Special Historical Site, the Memorial House is a significant landmark for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions. The Memorial House is considered to have special significance, second only to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and is regarded as the largest "temple" dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in the country.

Spanning over 16,000 square meters, the entire complex is harmoniously planned to blend with nature. Structures such as the Four Pillars, the Three-Gate Entrance, and the Memorial House all feature East Asian architectural styles, combining traditional elements with modern touches. All of this creates a space that is both solemn and intimately connected to the mountainous landscape of Northern Vietnam.

The main building, the Memorial House, is constructed in the style of traditional East Asian temple architecture, comprising two floors with a floor area of ​​over 600 square meters. Inside, a bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh is placed prominently in the center of the shrine.

The altar is made of mahogany, measuring 5.09m long, 4.07m wide, and 0.89m high. The entire incense burner, candlesticks, and flower vases are made of bronze. Above it is a horizontal plaque inscribed with the words "Forever grateful to the great President Ho Chi Minh," opposite which is the large inscription "Ho Chi Minh, the sun that shines forever"...

From afar, on a clear, sunny day, the entire complex appears like a lotus flower blooming in the middle of a vast forest. On that "lotus petal" are thousands of lush green cycads, interspersed with commemorative trees planted by high-ranking leaders and international friends during their visits to pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh. Each tree is a symbol of friendship, trust, and the bond between Vietnam and its friends around the world.

The Ho Chi Minh Memorial House is chosen by many agencies, units, and schools as a venue for political activities.

Beneath the canopy of trees, beside the banks ablaze with the vibrant red blossoms of May, the sounds of bells and chimes blend together, creating a serene and profound harmony. The bell, weighing over a ton, resonates far and wide with each strike, yet feels light, as if carried by the wind through the mountains and forests. Amidst the lingering scent of incense, the sound rises leisurely, inviting and conveying heartfelt sentiments.

Many high-ranking Party and State leaders have come here to offer incense and report their achievements to the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh. Many Party organizations choose the Memorial House to admit new Party members and present certificates of merit to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results in performing their duties. Many international visitors, upon arriving here, respectfully bow their heads to show their reverence for an exceptional leader.

In that solemn setting, the autograph book became a repository of heartfelt emotions. Each page contained the carefully written words, distilling the profound feelings of countless descendants of Lac and Hong, including the handwriting of veterans who dedicated their youth to the nation's victory and reunification.

Each written word is a tribute, a promise of dedication to the future of the nation. In particular, the simple yet profound impressions of international friends further highlight the universal value of Ho Chi Minh's thought and personality.

From the top of De Pass, at the Memorial House, the ringing of the bell evokes memories, urging everyone to strive for progress, to live with love and responsibility. That sound is as regular as the breath of the vast forests of Viet Bac, as warm as the human kindness in the capital of the mountainous region, and reminds everyone of their love for their homeland and national pride.

From the Memorial House, visitors can continue their journey to historical landmarks associated with the life and work of President Ho Chi Minh, such as Khuon Tat Waterfall, Tin Keo hut, Phong Tuong hill..., where he, along with the Central Party Committee and the Government, made important decisions that created Vietnam's "golden history".

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-polit/202605/vong-chuong-thieng-giua-dai-ngan-viet-bac-e114ff4/