Vietnam, a nation steeped in history and culture, has endured numerous wars to safeguard its independence and freedom. Among these, the resistance war against the French (1945-1954) stands as a heroic historical period, leaving profound imprints across the country. The remaining relics from this era are not merely architectural structures but living witnesses to history, marking significant events and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. This article will guide you through prominent historical sites, unveiling the historical narratives concealed behind walls, roads, and mountains, to deepen your understanding of the French resistance war and the cultural and historical values we must preserve.
Tan Trao – “Resistance Capital” and Historical Landmarks
Tuyen Quang, a land rich in revolutionary tradition, proudly boasts 546 historical and cultural relics and scenic spots, including 435 revolutionary and resistance war relics. It is hailed as a “Revolutionary Museum” of the nation. Among these, Tan Trao, a commune in the northeast of Son Duong district, stands out as a symbol of the resistance spirit. In Tan Trao, you can witness over 17 historical relics, marking crucial events from the early days of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Key relics in Tan Trao include Na Lua Hut, Tan Trao banyan tree, Tan Trao communal house, and Hong Thai communal house. The Tan Trao National historical, cultural, and ecological relic site is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Vietnam’s revolutionary history.
Na Lua Hut: Where Ho Chi Minh Made Historic Decisions
Na Lua Hut is a particularly significant historical site where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from late May to late August 1945, preparing for the General Uprising. The hut is simply constructed from bamboo in a basic stilt house style. 
Na Lua HutNa Lua Hut where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked to prepare for the General Uprising in 1945 On June 4, 1945, at Na Lua Hut, President Ho Chi Minh convened a cadre conference to prepare for the establishment of the “Liberated Zone, Liberation Army,” leading to the National Congress and the General Uprising. Today, Na Lua Hut is preserved in its original state and is a captivating tourist attraction, drawing visitors to learn about President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary life and activities.
Tan Trao Banyan Tree: Witness to the Historic Send-off Ceremony
The Tan Trao banyan tree, located in Tan Lap village, was the venue for the send-off ceremony of the Vietnam Liberation Army on the afternoon of August 16, 1945, witnessed by the people of Tan Trao and 60 national delegates attending the National Congress. Under the shade of the banyan tree, Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap read Military Order No. 1, and immediately after, the Liberation Army set off through Thai Nguyen towards liberating Hanoi. The Tan Trao banyan tree is not only an ancient tree but also a symbol of unity and the determined spirit of victory of the Vietnamese nation.
Tan Trao Communal House: Site of the Historic National Congress
Tan Trao Communal House is a place of worship for the village’s tutelary god and river and mountain deities of Tan Lap village. The communal house was built in the year of the Quy Hoi (1923) in a stilt house style, with wooden columns, 3 compartments and 2 wings, and a palm leaf roof. Under this roof, on August 16, 1945, delegates from all over the country gathered for the National Congress. Here, the delegates approved the Party’s policy of launching a General Uprising, adopted the Uprising Order and 10 major policies of the Viet Minh, stipulated the national flag as the red flag with a yellow star, the national anthem as the “Forward Marching Song,” and elected the National Liberation Committee of Vietnam, i.e., the Provisional Government led by President Ho Chi Minh. On the morning of August 17, 1945, on behalf of the National Liberation Committee of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh delivered a sacred oath during the National Congress debut ceremony here. Tan Trao Communal House is a priceless historical relic, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Hong Thai Communal House (Kim Tran Communal House): President Ho Chi Minh’s First Stop
Hong Thai Communal House, located in Kim Tran village (now Ca village), Tan Trao commune, Son Duong district, was built in 1919. The communal house features pure wooden architecture, a palm leaf roof, comprising 3 compartments and 2 wings, reminiscent of a mountain stilt house. Hong Thai Communal House worships the village’s tutelary god, river and mountain deities, and deities of the surrounding area. Additionally, the communal house also worships a human deity, Princess Ngoc Dung. The communal house is not only a place for cultural activities and village meetings but also the first stop for leader Nguyen Ai Quoc when he arrived in the Tan Trao Revolutionary base area from Pac Bo, Cao Bang on May 21, 1945.
Other Relics Marking the French Resistance War
Beyond the Tan Trao relic site, numerous other relics across the country commemorate the French resistance war.
Bong Cave: Where President Ho Chi Minh Directed the Border Campaign
Bong CaveBong Cave, a place where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the French resistance war Bong Cave served as President Ho Chi Minh’s residence and workplace during the French resistance war. The cave is situated on the mountainside of Bong Mountain, with the Phó Đáy River meandering at its foot. It was here that President Ho Chi Minh directed the Border Campaign in 1950 and the 2nd National Party Congress in 1951.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Su’s House: A Historical Witness
Mr. Nguyen Tien Su’s house, the Head of Viet Minh in Kim Long village (now Tan Lap village), is associated with President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities when he returned to Tan Trao from Pac Bo, Cao Bang on May 21, 1945. President Ho Chi Minh stayed here before moving to Na Lua Hut. The house is not only a revolutionary historical relic but also holds architectural value as a typical traditional stilt house of the Tay ethnic group in Tan Trao.
House and Safe Tunnel Relic of Comrade Ton Duc Thang
The relic site, located in Chi Lien village (now Dong Ma village), Trung Yen commune, Son Duong district, is where Comrade Ton Duc Thang, Acting Head of the National Assembly Standing Committee, Chairman of the Lien Viet Front, lived and worked from late 1952 to 1954. The wooden stilt house with 2 compartments and a palm leaf roof served as Comrade Ton Duc Thang’s workplace, reception area, and resting place. Adjacent to the house is a safe tunnel dug deep into the Chi Lien mountainside. These two relics are typical landmarks associated with Comrade Ton Duc Thang’s revolutionary activities in Tuyen Quang during the French resistance war.
Kim Quan – Safe Headquarters of the Central Party and Government
The Kim Quan relic site, sprawling across the Na Loi and Vuc Nhu forests in Khon Dien village, Kim Quan commune, Yen Son district, served as the workplace for the Central Party and Government during the French resistance war. The Phó Đáy River encircling the forest provided convenient transportation and living conditions while ensuring secrecy. Here, there were meeting halls, the residence of General Secretary Truong Chinh, the residence of Comrade Hoang Quoc Viet, Le Van Luong, and departments of the Central Office: radio station, archives, library, and security forces. Vuc Nhu was the location where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. President Ho Chi Minh’s residence was a stilt house built on the mountainside, with a bomb shelter. Kim Quan was also where President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Party, and the Government received international guests.
Nha Cong An Cultural – Historical and Ecological Tourist Site
Located in Minh Thanh commune, Son Duong district, within the Tan Trao Revolutionary Relic complex, Nha Cong An was the headquarters of the Central Public Security Department and units directly protecting President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Party, and the Government from April 1947 to September 1950. Numerous significant events unfolded here, contributing to the victory of the resistance war against French colonialism.
Conclusion
The relics from the French resistance era are living museums, reenacting a heroic period in Vietnam’s history. We must cherish and preserve these heritages so that future generations can better understand the country’s history, culture, and traditions. Visit these relics, listen to the historical narratives, to deeply appreciate the patriotism, resilience, and noble sacrifices of past generations. Through this, we will enhance our pride in our national history and become more responsible in building and protecting our Fatherland.