Commemorating the 136th Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 2026) – A Proud Journey Back to Our Roots

1. The Significance of May 19 in the Hearts of the Vietnamese People

May 19 each year is not only a special date in Vietnamese history but also an occasion for all Vietnamese people to express gratitude and remembrance for the great leader – President Ho Chi Minh. The year 2026 marks the 136th anniversary of his birth (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2026), a historic milestone carrying profound meaning for the entire nation.

President Ho Chi Minh – born Nguyen Sinh Cung, later renamed Nguyen Tat Thanh and widely known as Nguyen Ai Quoc – was born on May 19, 1890, in Kim Lien Village, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. He was a brilliant leader, the founder of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the one who laid the foundation for the country’s independence and reunification.

Throughout his tireless revolutionary life, Uncle Ho devoted all his passion, wisdom, and his entire life to the cause of national liberation. Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to serve as the guiding principle for Vietnam’s development in the modern era.

The celebration of the 136th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh in 2026 is an opportunity for every Vietnamese person to reflect on the nation’s heroic history while also recognizing the responsibility of today’s generation to continue and promote the values he left behind.

2. Nationwide Activities Celebrating May 19, 2026

On the occasion of the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, numerous cultural, political, and heritage tourism activities will be organized across the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, especially in his homeland of Nghe An.

2.1. Solemn Flower Offering Ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi is the center of commemorative activities. A solemn flower-offering ceremony will be held with the participation of Party and State leaders, delegations from across the country, and international representatives. This sacred ceremony reflects the profound gratitude of the Vietnamese people toward Uncle Ho.

2.2. Photo Exhibitions and Artistic Performances

During the commemorative week, many photo exhibitions about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh will be held at museums and cultural centers nationwide. Special artistic performances praising his contributions, as well as scientific seminars on Ho Chi Minh Thought, will also take place across various provinces and cities.

2.3. “Journey to the Roots” Activities in Nghe An

Nghe An Province – the homeland of Uncle Ho – will host many special events during this occasion, including incense-offering ceremonies at the Kim Lien Relic Site, contests about Ho Chi Minh’s life, and heritage tours to Sen Village and other historical landmarks. This is the busiest tourism season of the year for the Nghe region, attracting visitors from both Vietnam and abroad.

3. Top Heritage Tourism Destinations for Uncle Ho’s Birthday

Traveling back to historical roots during the May 19 celebration is not only a sightseeing journey but also an educational experience that nurtures patriotism, especially among younger generations. Below are some must-visit destinations when planning a trip for the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth.

3.1. Sen Village – Kim Lien, Nam Dan, Nghe An

Sen Village, located in Kim Lien Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province, is where President Ho Chi Minh was born and spent his childhood years. It is one of the most important historical heritage sites in Vietnam.

Attractions in Sen Village include:

• The preserved three-room thatched house where Uncle Ho was born
• The Nguyen family ancestral house
• The Kim Lien Relic Site with valuable historical artifacts
• The majestic Ho Chi Minh monument in the village square

Ideal visiting time: 2–3 hours.
Distance from Hanoi: approximately 300 km southward, accessible by car or train to Vinh City, followed by a 15 km trip to Kim Lien.

3.2. Presidential Palace Historical Site – Ba Dinh, Hanoi

The Presidential Palace Historical Site at No. 1 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, is where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the final years of his life (1954–1969). This important historical complex includes:

• Uncle Ho’s Stilt House – his simple living and working place
• Uncle Ho’s Fish Pond – symbolizing his simplicity and closeness to nature
• Ho Chi Minh Museum (1 Ba Dinh) – preserving thousands of valuable artifacts
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at the historic Ba Dinh Square

This is one of Hanoi’s top cultural and historical attractions, welcoming millions of visitors annually, especially during the May 19 celebration.

3.3. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Rong Wharf (now the Ho Chi Minh Museum – Ho Chi Minh City Branch) is located at No. 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. It marks the historic event on June 5, 1911, when the young patriot Nguyen Tat Thanh boarded the ship Latouche-Tréville and left Vietnam to seek a path for national salvation – a decision that changed the course of Vietnamese history.

The museum currently preserves more than 4,500 documents and artifacts related to Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary life, making it an invaluable historical education site for future generations.

3.4. Pac Bo – Cao Bang

Located about 300 km north of Hanoi, the Pac Bo Historical Site (Truong Ha Commune, Ha Quang District, Cao Bang Province) is where President Ho Chi Minh returned after 30 years abroad and led the Vietnamese revolution from 1941 onward.

Attractions at Pac Bo include:

• Pac Bo Cave – where Uncle Ho lived and worked during the resistance years
• Lenin Stream and Karl Marx Mountain – named by Uncle Ho himself
• The stone table where he translated revolutionary documents
• The memorial house and garden dedicated to him

Pac Bo also attracts visitors with its majestic northern mountain scenery and fresh climate, making it a perfect combination of historical and eco-tou

4. Tips for Planning a Heritage Trip During May 19

To have a meaningful and smooth pilgrimage journey during the celebration of President Ho Chi Minh’s 136th birthday, travelers should note the following:

4.1. Best Time to Visit

May in northern and central Vietnam is usually hot, with temperatures ranging from 30–38°C (86–100°F). Visitors should prepare hats, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. It is best to visit in the early morning (7:00–10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00–5:30 PM) to avoid intense heat.

Important note: May 19 is the busiest period of the year at Ho Chi Minh historical sites. Travelers should book tours and accommodation at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Popular sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Kim Lien Relic Site may require waiting in long queues.

4.2. Dress Code and Behavior at Historical Sites

• Wear respectful and modest clothing; avoid shorts and tank tops
• Maintain silence and order; photography may be restricted in some areas
• Do not bring food or drinks inside
• Keep the environment clean and avoid littering
• Show respect and solemnity during visits

4.3. Suggested 3-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1 (Hanoi): Ba Dinh Square – Exploring the Capital’s History

• Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (7:00–9:00 AM)
• Morning: Ho Chi Minh Museum – 1 Ba Dinh (9:30–11:30 AM)
• Afternoon: Uncle Ho’s Stilt House and Presidential Palace (2:00–5:00 PM)

Day 2 (Travel to Nghe An): Returning to Uncle Ho’s Homeland

• Early departure from Hanoi to Vinh City by car or train
• Afternoon: Kim Lien Relic Site – Sen Village (2:00–5:00 PM)
• Evening: Overnight stay in Vinh City and enjoy Nghe-style cuisine

Day 3 (Nghe An): Discovering More About Uncle Ho’s Homeland

• Morning: Visit Kim Lien Village and the Nguyen ancestral house
• Afternoon: Explore additional historical sites in Nam Dan
• Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon

4.4. Estimated Travel Costs

Most Ho Chi Minh historical sites are free or charge very low entrance fees (approximately 10,000–40,000 VND per person). Main expenses include transportation, accommodation, and meals. For a 3-day trip for a family of four, estimated costs range from 3–6 million VND depending on transportation and lodging choices.

5. The Message of the Younger Generation on the 136th Anniversary of Uncle Ho’s Birthday

The 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth in 2026 is not only an opportunity to reflect on the past but also a moment for every Vietnamese person – especially young people – to reflect on themselves and define their actions for the present and future.

During his lifetime, Uncle Ho often emphasized:
“Youth is the springtime of the nation.”

These words remain deeply relevant and inspiring today. Studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and lifestyle should not merely be a slogan but a concrete action practiced by each individual in daily life.

The movement “Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology, Morality, and Lifestyle” includes:

• Living honestly, simply, and compassionately
• Continuously learning and improving oneself
• Actively contributing to the community and society
• Preserving national cultural identity in the era of globalization
• Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development

The journey back to our roots on May 19 is how each Vietnamese person continues Uncle Ho’s flame – the flame of patriotism, love for the people, peace, and justice. Every step along Sen Village’s roads and every moment spent before Uncle Ho’s stilt house brings us closer to our nation and history.

Conclusion – A Journey Back to Our Roots, A Journey of the Heart

The 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2026) is a special historical occasion for all Vietnamese people to pause, express gratitude, and remember the nation’s great leader. From the familiar Sen Village in Nghe An to the simple Presidential Palace in Hanoi, from the historic Nha Rong Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City to the resilient Pac Bo Cave in Cao Bang – every location associated with Uncle Ho’s life represents a glorious chapter in Vietnamese history.

Heritage tourism during Uncle Ho’s birthday is not simply a sightseeing trip. It is a journey of the heart – a journey in which every step embodies gratitude, respect, and the deepest sense of national pride. Let us plan this meaningful pilgrimage and continue writing the story of our country in the new era.

“No matter how many hardships and difficulties we face, our people will certainly triumph.” – Ho Chi Minh