VietNamNet Bridge – He has worked as a barber for heads of state for many years, but Mr. Han still remembered how thrilling was the first time he gave a haircut for a senior official.




The fate has led Mr. Pham Van Han, 56 to the barber profession. Over 30 years, this work has brought for Mr. Han much fun that not anyone can have: The chance to meet top officials and famous people of Vietnam and the world.

"If there was a next life, I would have chosen to be a barber," he said. In a quiet house located in an alley on Lang Thuong Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Han told the story about his life, as a barber.

The unforgettable memories

Being born and growing up in the northern province of Hung Yen, at the age of 19, Han became a student of an intermediate policeman training school in Bac Kan province. After graduation, he worked at the Guard Command.

Life has many turns. Han desired to become a police officer but suddenly one day he became a barber. One day, his unit established a barber team in order to ensure the safety and confidentiality for international leaders and international VIPs to Vietnam.

Previously, Han had been known as a man of skillful hands, who usually did haircuts for his teammates. When the barber team was set up, Han was recruited.

"Most people only see the heads of state on the media. But the barbers in my team are lucky to be close with them," he said. In his life, Han used to serve the top leaders of Vietnam like Party Secretaries General Truong Chinh, Nguyen Van Linh, Do Muoi, Le Kha Phieu, President Ton Duc Thang, etc,.

In the later generation of leaders of the Party and the State, he has served former General Secretary Le Kha Phieu for many years and has a special relation with him.

Han said: "Mr. Phieu grew up from the army. Although he was the Party Secretary General but his style was characterized by a soldier. So I feel very close to him," Han said.

Until now, Mr. Han is often give hair cut to former Party Secretary General Le Kha Phieu.

Unexpected meetings

The first time Mr. Han gave a haircut for a head of state was late Prime Minister Pham Van Dong. The barber still remembered that day very clearly. That day was the Christmas Day of 1971. He was sent to the West Lake Villa to get a haircut for PM Pham Van Dong. The barber was nervous, anxious and interspersed happy.

"After speaking several words, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong realized that I was nervous. He approached gently to encourage me with a friendly hug. He told me that any job is good, as long as I have passion for it and love my job."

PM Dong’s friendly gestures and words of encouragement made Han feel excited and very happy. Since then, Mr. Han stuck with his job in deep love. That haircut completely changed his perception for his job.

Han was also assigned to give haircut for politicians from many countries to Vietnam, including the head of the Organization of the Soviet Communist Party Central Committee in 1976, Cambodian Prince Xihanuc, Xuvanuvong and many top leaders of Laos, Cambodia and many generations of Ambassadors of the Soviet Union, China to Vietnam.

Mr. Han has retired but he still participates in the training of young soldiers in the barber team.

Compiled by Mai Lan