Ho Chi Minh Monument Square – a gathering place in the heart of the mountain town of Cao Bang
In the heart of Cao Bang City, set within a lush green garden, a white stone statue of President Ho Chi Minh stands solemnly on a stylized pedestal shaped like a mountain and a stream. This is where the people of Cao Bang come to lay flowers on major holidays, where young people meet up on weekend afternoons, and often the very first stop for visitors arriving in the mountain town.
Where is the square located?
Ho Chi Minh Monument Square sits in the central garden of Cao Bang City, now part of Thuc Phan Ward. Thuc Phan Ward was established in July 2025 from the former wards of Song Hien, De Tham, and Hop Giang, along with Hung Dao Commune and Hoang Tung Commune.
The location couldn’t be more convenient: from the monument, it’s less than a 5-minute walk to Kim Dong Walking Street, the riverside walking street along the Bang River, Xanh Market, the food market, and a wide range of hotels, restaurants and cafes.
A wish from the people of Cao Bang
Cao Bang is where President Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1941 after 30 years abroad seeking a path to save the nation. Because of this, the local people’s feelings for him run especially deep.
In 1994, at the wish of the local Party Committee and the ethnic communities, Cao Bang Province petitioned the Party Central Secretariat for permission to build a monument to him in the city center, so that people from across the country and visitors from near and far could admire it and honor his memory whenever they came to Cao Bang.
The monument was inaugurated to mark the 59th anniversary of his return to Vietnam (January 28, 1941 – January 28, 2000) and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – February 3, 2000).
A monument with a distinctly Cao Bang identity
The statue is carved from a single massive block of stone standing 6 meters tall, set on a 3-meter-high pedestal.
What sets this monument in Cao Bang apart is its pedestal. It is stylized to evoke Cac Mac Mountain and Lenin Stream, two landmarks tied to the years President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in Cao Bang. This gives the monument a unique character, capturing his deep connection to this land.
Editor’s tip: walk all the way around the monument to take a close look at the pedestal. The stylized mountain and stream are the “story” the sculptor wanted to tell.
A setting for solemn ceremonies
The square hosts many of the province’s formal events. On major anniversaries such as the founding of the Communist Party, War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day, or Cao Bang Liberation Day, provincial delegations come to lay flowers at the monument to express their gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh.
If you happen to visit during one of these occasions, take a moment to witness the solemn atmosphere of the flower-laying ceremony.
What to experience at the square
Lay flowers in remembrance. You can bring a small bouquet and spend a quiet moment in front of the monument.
Snap some photos. The monument is a favorite check-in spot for both locals and visitors. Early morning light falling on the white stone statue looks especially beautiful, while in the evening the square lights up and the air turns pleasantly cool.
Take a stroll and rest. The leafy, well-tended gardens around the monument make an ideal spot to relax in the middle of the city.
Kick off your exploration of the mountain town. From the square, you can walk over to Kim Dong Walking Street, stroll along the Bang River, or drop by Xanh Market to sample Cao Bang specialties.
Suggested evening itinerary
Visit the square in the late afternoon to lay flowers and take photos → walk to the banks of the Bang River to watch the sunset → on weekend nights, head over to Kim Dong Walking Street for live performances, folk games, and a taste of the mountain town’s local food.
Visitor Etiquette
- Dress neatly and maintain a respectful attitude when standing before the monument.
- Do not climb onto the statue’s pedestal or sit on the steps leading up to it.
- Do not litter, and help keep the grounds clean and tidy.
- During major holidays, the area may be arranged for official ceremonies, so please follow the instructions of the duty personnel on site.
Ho Chi Minh Monument Square is more than just a cultural landmark in the heart of the city. It is a place that embodies the deep affection the people of Cao Bang hold for the leader who chose this land as the starting point of the nation’s path to liberation. When visiting Cao Bang, begin your journey here, where Karl Marx Mountain and Lenin Stream are reflected in miniature at the foot of President Ho Chi Minh’s statue amid the mountain town.
