Ho Chi Minh Memorial at Na Lan – The Starting Point for Exploring the 1950 Border Campaign
In the green valley of the border region of Duc Long, beneath a range of rugged limestone mountains, a solemn stilt house faces Bao Dong Mountain. This is the Ho Chi Minh Memorial, preserving memories of the days when President Ho Chi Minh went to the front to direct the 1950 Border Campaign. For many visitors, this is the first stop to light incense in his memory before climbing the 846 stone steps to the historic observation post.
Where is the memorial?
The memorial is in Na Lan, Duc Long Commune (formerly in Thach An District), Cao Bang, about 60 km from Cao Bang City via National Highway 4. From the Dong Khe stronghold relic complex on National Highway 4A, it is about 17 km farther to the historic site.
The memorial stands at the foot of the mountain range crowned by Bao Dong Peak. On Google Maps, the location is also listed under a name associated with Lang Don Mountain.
Why is there a memorial at Na Lan?
In September 1950, the Border Campaign Command moved to Duc Long Commune. On September 13, 1950, President Ho Chi Minh, who always stayed close to the troops, left the campaign headquarters for the forward command post at Na Lan.
During those days, he stayed and worked at Khong Hau Cave, near the Vietnam–China border. At dawn on September 16, 1950, he climbed to the observation post on Bao Dong Mountain to monitor and direct the attack on the Dong Khe stronghold, the opening battle of the campaign. After 29 days and nights of fighting (September 16–October 14, 1950), the Border Campaign ended in victory.
To commemorate President Ho Chi Minh’s time at the front, the Ho Chi Minh Historic Site and 1950 Border Campaign Victory was built at Na Lan and inaugurated on May 19, 2004, on the anniversary of his birth.
Architecture and exhibits
The memorial’s modern stilt-house design blends harmoniously with the mountain setting and the traditional stilt houses of the Tay and Nung communities in the border region.
Inside, displays include photographs and artifacts related to President Ho Chi Minh’s activities during the Border Campaign. Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the campaign through archival materials and images.
The historic site has two main sections: the Ho Chi Minh Memorial at the foot of the mountain and the monument marking the site where he observed the battle of Dong Khe from Bao Dong Peak. A path of 846 stone steps, divided into 79 flights to symbolize the 79 springs of his life, connects the two.
Part of a special national heritage site
On December 25, 2017, the Prime Minister designated the sites associated with the 1950 Border Campaign Victory as a Special National Relic Site. The site comprises 19 locations in four clusters across Duc Long and Dong Khe communes.
The memorial at Na Lan is one of the most important locations. Delegations, veterans, school pupils and university students often visit to pay their respects and report on their achievements, especially on major commemorative days.
What to experience at the memorial
Pay your respects: Light incense and take a few quiet moments to remember the beloved leader.
Learn about the Border Campaign: Explore the photographs and artifacts to better understand the campaign’s background, course and significance.
Begin the climb up Bao Dong Mountain: From the foot of the mountain, climb 846 stone steps and pass markers for the Military Intelligence Unit, Campaign Command, and Communications Switchboard before reaching the monument to President Ho Chi Minh at the summit.
Visit the historic caves: Tac Chien Cave, Thong Tin Cave, Quan Bao Cave and Khong Hau Cave, where President Ho Chi Minh stayed and worked.
Meaningful times to visit
- May 19: The anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth and the inauguration date of the historic site.
- September 16: The anniversary of his climb to the observation post, which marked the start of the Border Campaign.
- Autumn and spring: Dry, mild weather makes these seasons ideal for climbing Bao Dong Mountain.
Visitor Tips
- Dress respectfully and modestly, and maintain a solemn demeanor in the memorial house.
- Keep your voice down and avoid joking in the worship area.
- Ask the site staff before taking photos inside the exhibition house.
- Bring walking shoes and drinking water if you plan to climb Bao Dong Mountain.
- Contact the site management board if visiting as a group to arrange a guided tour.
- Do not litter; help preserve the historic site’s surroundings.
Final Thoughts
The Ho Chi Minh Memorial at Na Lan is not an imposing structure, but it holds the deep affection of border residents for Uncle Ho. Standing in the small stilt house, looking at images of Uncle Ho amid the mountains and forests of the campaign, then gazing up at the summit of Bao Dong Mountain, where he once observed the battlefield, you can feel the leader’s spirit of “staying close to the soldiers.” When you visit Duc Long, make this your first stop.
