In the spring of Lunar New Year of Horse 2026, Kim Lien has taken on a refreshed and dignified appearance, ready to welcome visitors who come to offer incense, explore, and learn about the life, career, and thought of the beloved leader.
A Vibrant spring atmosphere
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year Festival), from the main gate to the memorial area, the site is adorned with flags, flowers, banners, and decorative displays arranged solemnly and harmoniously. Internal roads, reception areas, festival grounds, and pathways to attractions are carefully renovated, creating an atmosphere that is both friendly and respectful. Alongside its inherent solemnity, the site has added traditional spring-themed check-in spaces, harmoniously combining natural landscapes with cultural elements to enhance visitors’ experiences, especially for younger generations returning to Uncle Ho’s homeland.
Nguyen Bao Tuan, Director of the Kim Lien Special National Relic Site, said that during the first days of the new year, the site is expected to welcome between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors per day. Preparations regarding infrastructure, reception plans, security, order, and visitor safety have been completed to ensure smooth service for delegations and the public.
These preparations take place in the context of many important political events in 2026 for both the country and Nghe An Province, including the 80th anniversary of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, the 85th anniversary of Uncle Ho’s return to the country, the 115th anniversary of his departure to seek a path for national salvation, and the 65th anniversary of his second visit back home. It is also the year of the National Party Congress and the elections of the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. Exhibition areas and visual propaganda panels have been completed, creating political and cultural highlights within the early spring setting. Security and order plans have been carefully prepared.
The Kim Lien Special National Relic Site preserves artifacts, documents, and cultural-historical spaces associated with the childhood of President Ho Chi Minh and his family members. Covering more than 205 hectares, the site comprises multiple clusters located 2 to 10 kilometres apart. Each location represents a historical fragment that vividly illustrates the cultural space of his homeland – the cradle that nurtured his character, ideology, and revolutionary aspirations.
Amid the gentle spring hues of Sen Village, the scent of incense spreads through the tranquil air as visitors line up solemnly to offer incense at the Memorial House, expressing boundless gratitude to the beloved leader of the nation.
Despite severe damage caused by successive storms in 2025, the site mobilized maximum resources and coordinated closely with functional forces to promptly overcome the consequences. Landscapes were restored, damaged structures repaired, and trees replanted to ensure safety and aesthetics.
As a result, reception and visitor services quickly returned to normal. The site welcomed more than 88,000 delegations with nearly 1.7 million visitors, including over 1,300 international groups. On peak days, it received more than 2,000 delegations per day. In 2026, it is expected to welcome more than 2 million visitors. These impressive figures demonstrate not only the enduring appeal of President Ho Chi Minh’s homeland, but also the increasingly professional and civilised service quality of the site’s staff.
New attractive highlights
Alongside conservation efforts, Kim Lien has accelerated digital transformation and modernisation of management and visitor services. More than 10,000 artifacts in storage, at paternal and maternal ancestral sites, and in two exhibition houses have been digitised. QR codes are available at all attractions to facilitate information access. A multilingual automated audio guide system and step-by-step tour navigation are being deployed. Currently, more than 90 distinctive stories associated with relic sites have been developed and integrated into digital platforms. According to the roadmap, commentary content will be expanded to nearly 100 languages to meet the needs of domestic and international visitors. The application of technology enhances visitor experience, optimises touring time, and reduces pressure on guides during peak periods.
This year, the site features two new works: the nine-tier Waterfall at the tomb area of Hoang Thi Loan and the statue entitled “Uncle Ho visits his hometown” at Kim Lien commune stadium. These additions enrich the landscape, create symbolic highlights, and attract numerous visitors. In addition, the Bai Duong House area has been renovated and arranged in a linear layout that retraces the journey from President Ho Chi Minh’s departure to seek national salvation to the day of national independence. The exhibition space is organised by historical themes, clearly reflecting his patriotism, major milestones, and revolutionary stages, serving research and educational purposes.
Phan Thi Quy, Head of the Department of Collection, Inventory, Preservation and Exhibition at the Kim Lien Relic Site, shared that in 2025, Exhibition House No. 2 was revised and supplemented. The previous news photo system was replaced with new images and documents reflecting Nghe An Province’s comprehensive achievements under the theme “Nghe An Follows Uncle Ho’s Teachings.” Notably, historically valuable documents and artifacts were added, including President Ho Chi Minh’s letter praising Youth Volunteer Team 333 and the radio he presented to Company 333 in recognition of its outstanding achievements in 1967–1968. These artifacts further enrich the exhibition content and enhance its educational value, especially for younger generations.
Visiting Kim Lien during spring to pay respect to Uncle Ho is a journey back to the roots, nurturing national pride and inspiring aspirations for development. In the peaceful atmosphere of Sen Village, amid the fragrance of early spring incense, each visitor is reminded of the responsibility to study and follow the ideology, morality, and style of President Ho Chi Minh, contributing to building an increasingly prosperous and civilised nation.
