London - a place to retrace stories about President Ho Chi Minh

During 30 years of finding a way to save the country, President Ho Chi Minh spent four years in the United Kingdom (UK). Both Vietnamese and international historical researchers share a common view that he stayed in London from 1913 to 1917.
In May 1913, Nguyen Tat Thanh left France’s La Havre port to come to the UK - the center of imperialism. He then took work in the kitchen at the Drayton Court Hotel on The Avenue in West Ealing.
In May 1913, Nguyen Tat Thanh left France’s La Havre port to come to the UK - the center of imperialism. He then took work in the kitchen at the Drayton Court Hotel on The Avenue in West Ealing.
Drayton Court Hotel was in Ealing district of London. This building still exists and is now a pub, but visitors can climb to the 3rd floor to visit the room, where President Ho Chi Minh used to be. It is the smallest of the rooms reserved for hotel staff.
Drayton Court Hotel was in Ealing district of London. This building still exists and is now a pub, but visitors can climb to the 3rd floor to visit the room, where President Ho Chi Minh used to be. It is the smallest of the rooms reserved for hotel staff.
The Drayton Court Hotel is one of the oldest pubs in Ealing, west London.
The Drayton Court Hotel is one of the oldest pubs in Ealing, west London. 
The reception area.
The reception area. 
Documents from Ealing Council record that “the former Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, toiled in the kitchens of the Drayton Court Hotel in 1914, before going on to change his country's history, driving out forces from Japan, France and the United States.”
Documents from Ealing Council record that “the former Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, toiled in the kitchens of the Drayton Court Hotel in 1914, before going on to change his country's history, driving out forces from Japan, France and the United States.”
Until the 1930's, the building was still a hotel, including ballroom. It was used by local groups such as Ealing Rotary Club as a place in which to hold meetings. The building remained a hotel until the 1940's, when it became one of the area’s largest pubs.
Until the 1930's, the building was still a hotel, including ballroom. It was used by local groups such as Ealing Rotary Club as a place in which to hold meetings. The building remained a hotel until the 1940's, when it became one of the area’s largest pubs.
The hotel is decorated in a classic style.
The hotel is decorated in a classic style.
Uncle Ho then went on to work at the Carlton Hotel at the Corner of Haymarket and Pall Mall, now the most notable place during Nguyen Tat Thanh’s stay in London. The hotel was later destroyed during the 1940 bombings and its replacement was the 19-storey New Zealand House, a modern office building.
Uncle Ho then went on to work at the Carlton Hotel at the Corner of Haymarket and Pall Mall, now the most notable place during Nguyen Tat Thanh’s stay in London. The hotel was later destroyed during the 1940 bombings and its replacement was the 19-storey New Zealand House, a modern office building.
The New Zealand building, which began construction in 1959 and completed in 1963 on the Carlton Hotel's ground, now has a blue sign with the content: "Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) - The person who gave birth to Vietnam today - worked at Carlton Hotel, the old building on the ground in 1913”.
The New Zealand building, which began construction in 1959 and completed in 1963 on the Carlton Hotel's ground, now has a blue sign with the content: "Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) - The person who gave birth to Vietnam today - worked at Carlton Hotel, the old building on the ground in 1913”. 
By A.N (Photo: VNA)

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.