Tran Hung Dao Forest Historical Site

Tran Hung Dao Forest Historical Site – birthplace of the Vietnam People’s Army

In the heart of the vast Nguyen Binh forest, at the foot of Slam Cao Mountain, lies a place whose name almost every Vietnamese person has encountered in their schoolbooks. On December 22, 1944, 34 soldiers stood beneath the red flag with a gold star to establish the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army, the forerunner of the Vietnam People’s Army. More than 80 years later, the forest is a Special National Monument and a revered landmark on Vietnam’s journey to its roots.

Where is the historical site?

Tran Hung Dao Forest lies at the foot of Slam Cao Mountain in Tam Kim Commune (former Nguyen Binh District), about 50 km southwest of Cao Bang city center. Before the 2025 administrative reorganization, the historical site spanned Tam Kim and Hoa Tham communes.

Slam Cao is the highest peak in the Den Sinh and Khau Giang mountain range. The forest covers more than 201.7 hectares and retains its pristine character and fresh air.

December 22, 1944 – the birth of an army

In late 1944, following the directive of leader Ho Chi Minh, comrade Vo Nguyen Giap organized the founding ceremony of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army in this forest. The unit comprised 34 soldiers, armed with rudimentary weapons but driven by great resolve and determination.

Soon after its formation, the unit won its first victories, capturing the Phai Khat and Na Ngan outposts and establishing the Vietnam People’s Army’s tradition of “never losing a battle.” From the 34 soldiers in that small forest, the force continued to grow, helping secure historic victories for the nation.

December 22 is observed each year as the founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and, since 1989, as All-People’s National Defense Day.

From forest to Special National Monument

• 1993: The Ministry of Culture and Information designated Tran Hung Dao Forest a National Historical Site (Decision No. 68/VH-QD, dated January 29, 1993).
• 2013: The Prime Minister designated it a Special National Monument (Decision No. 2383/QD-TTg, dated December 9, 2013).
• The Ministry of National Defence invested approximately VND 100 billion in restoring the site.

Five key sites

Tran Hung Dao Forest Special National Monument is the central site in a network of places associated with the founding of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army. The network includes five locations:

1. Tran Hung Dao Forest Complex: The site of the unit’s founding, its rest hut and kitchen, a water source used for daily needs, and the summit of Slam Cao Mountain.

2. Tham Khau Cave: Once used as a communications post and to deliver meals to revolutionaries working in the area.

3. Phai Khat Outpost: The site of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army’s first battle.

4. Na Ngan Outpost: The site of the unit’s second victory, immediately after the battle at Phai Khat.

5. Va Pha: Located in Ban Um Hamlet, this relatively level valley lies at the foot of Slam Khau Hill. It is secluded, with views across Ban Um fields and the road leading to the historical site.

Visiting the historical site

Relief of the 34 soldiers

The first sight to greet visitors is a large relief depicting the 34 soldiers at the unit’s founding ceremony. Standing before it, you can feel the spirit of the first soldiers at this historic moment.

Memorial and exhibition halls

The exhibition hall preserves many artifacts connected with the formation and growth of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army. It helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of those difficult yet heroic early days.

Rest Shelter and Field Kitchen

The team’s rest shelter and row of field kitchens have been reconstructed, offering a glimpse of the simple, difficult life of its first soldiers deep in the forest.

300-Year-Old Sau Tree

The forest is home to an ancient sau tree estimated to be 300 years old. Once closely tied to the team’s daily life, it is now recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.

Climb Slam Cao Peak: 505 Stone Steps

From the memorial stele at the center of the historical site, a path of 505 stone steps leads to the summit of Slam Cao. At the top, visitors will find a place to rest, a flagpole, and a stele marking the former lookout post used to monitor Phai Khat Fort. Climbing all 505 steps through the primeval forest and standing beneath the red flag at the summit, with sweeping mountain and forest views below, is both a challenging and moving experience.

Meaningful Times to Visit

• December 22: Vietnam People’s Army Foundation Day. The site welcomes delegations, veterans, and students who come to pay their respects and honor the soldiers’ achievements.
• Autumn and spring: Mild weather makes these seasons ideal for climbing Slam Cao Peak and exploring the forest.

Avoid visiting during heavy rain, as the stone steps to the summit can become slippery.

Places to Visit Along the Way

• Phia Oac – Phia Den National Park: Explore its primeval moss-covered forest and head to Phia Oac Peak for cloud watching.
• Kolia Organic Farm and Kolia Tea Plantation: Discover organic tea hills atop Phia Den Peak.
• Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest: A lush bamboo forest straight out of a classic martial arts film.
• Dong Mu Fort Historical Site (Xuan Truong Commune): The site of the team’s third battle, where martyr Xuan Truong lost his life.
• Hoai Khao Community Tourism Village: A village of the Dao Tien people.

Visitor Tips

• Dress respectfully and observe a solemn demeanor at the memorial house and historical sites.
• Wear walking shoes if you plan to climb the 505 stone steps to Slam Cao Peak. Bring drinking water.
• Help protect the primeval forest: Do not break branches or carve into the heritage sau tree or rock faces.
• Do not litter; dispose of waste in designated bins.
• Contact the site management board in advance if visiting as a group to arrange a guided tour.
• The road to the historical site winds through hilly terrain. Drive carefully, especially during the rainy season.

Final Thoughts

Tran Hung Dao Forest is more than just a forest. It is where a military unit began its journey through many resistance wars to defend the country’s independence. Standing among the primeval trees, before the relief depicting 34 soldiers, or atop Slam Cao Peak beside the fluttering flag, you’ll understand why December 22 always brings to mind this small forest in the mountains of Cao Bang.