In 2025, marking the 135th anniversary of his birth, the Relic Site will host a range of meaningful activities to honor and further spread the profound values President Ho Chi Minh left behind for the Vietnamese people and international friends.

Artifacts that tell stories of Uncle Ho

This May, visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace not only enjoy the peaceful grounds of gardens, fishponds, and the iconic stilt house, but also experience significant events such as the National Exhibition titled “President Ho Chi Minh – Essence of the Nation, Stature of the Times”, showcasing rare images and documents that retrace the life and career of the great leader.

A notable highlight is unveiling a new exhibit titled “Artifacts that Tell Stories” under the theme “Uncle Ho and the South – The South and Uncle Ho”. The exhibition features 45 original documents and artifacts carefully selected from the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site, the National Museum of History, the family of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the Nguyen Chi Thanh Museum, and other valuable sources.

These items bring visitors back to the heroic years of the nation's history, illustrating President Ho Chi Minh’s deep affection for the South and the unwavering devotion of Southerners toward him.

The exhibition showcases documents and artifacts that reflect President Ho Chi Minh’s constant concern for the South and his yearning for national reunification. The original manuscript of “Letter from President Ho Chi Minh to Soldiers and People of the Southern and South Central Regions” is among them, dated December 4, 1945. In the letter, President Ho Chi Minh expressed firm belief that with national unity, the country would never again be lost.

Also on display is a photo of the grave of Nguyen Sinh Sac, President Ho Chi Minh’s father, in Cao Lanh, Dong Thap — carefully placed by the President in an inlaid box on the top shelf of his stilt house office. The South held a special place in his heart, not only because it was home to beloved compatriots, but also because it was where his father lay resting, waiting for his visit — a wish he could never fulfill.

Other emotional items include a wool blanket gifted by President Ho Chi Minh to veteran revolutionary Nguyen Van Manh from Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, on his 70th birthday in 1963; a handbag presented by Mother Tam of My Chanh, Binh Dinh; and a red flag with a yellow star, embroidered and offered by the “Mothers of Soldiers Association” from Binh Tot Hamlet, Binh Phu Commune, Hong Dan District, Bac Lieu Province on June 1, 1958.

A particularly touching highlight is the manuscript of President Ho Chi Minh's letter to comrade Le Duan, discussing arrangements for a secret visit to the South. Dated March 10, 1968 — just 18 months before his passing — the letter was marked “Absolutely Confidential” in red ink along the margin.

In the letter, President Ho Chi Minh affectionately addressed “Dear comrade Duan” and recalled advice given during Christmas 1967 about visiting the South after a final victory. He agreed, but preferred to change the timing from after to before, wanting to go while the soldiers were preparing for their next campaign. The letter detailed plans for the journey, including traveling incognito on a boat with comrades Bao and Ky, a 10-day preparation, 6 days at sea, and 5 days in the South — a month-long mission. The President advised that only a few Politburo members should be informed to maintain secrecy.

A representative from the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site emphasized that this thematic exhibit is especially significant, vividly portraying the deep and sacred relationship between President Ho Chi Minh and the people and soldiers of the South. More than a historical display, it is a deeply emotional journey that enhances public understanding and pride in this bond, rekindling national unity, resilience, and the will to build a prosperous and civilized Vietnam — a dream President Ho Chi Minh always cherished.

Promoting and preserving the Legacy of President Ho Chi Minh

Alongside the Artifacts that Tell Stories exhibit, visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site this month can also explore the exhibition of 135 archival photos capturing President Ho Chi Minh’s 15-year residence at the Presidential Palace (1954–1969).

According to Ms. Le Thi Phuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site, while President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in many places throughout his revolutionary life, the Presidential Palace was where he spent the most time, the final 15 years of his life. The site preserves a lasting memory of his ideology, morality, and lifestyle as a great leader, national hero, and a revered figure among peace-loving people around the world.

“These 135 photos are not only invaluable historical documents, but also a bridge to evoke sacred and lasting memories of Uncle Ho. They remind us of a simple yet noble life devoted entirely to the nation and its people — a legacy that continues to shine in the hearts of Vietnamese people and international friends,” a site representative shared.

On this occasion, the site also launched an experiential heritage program for students titled “Uncle Ho in Our Hearts – A Journey of Heritage Discovery”. The program, developed in collaboration with educational institutions, aims to instill patriotism and reverence for President Ho Chi Minh among younger generations. A key feature is “Listening to Artifacts Tell Stories”, spotlighting the Peugeot 404 car that once served President Ho Chi Minh — now a recognized National Treasure. Through the story of this car, students gain insights into his simple lifestyle, thriftiness, and dedication to the people.

The program allows students to engage with history firsthand, inspiring pride and awareness in preserving national cultural and historical values. Students also participate in interactive activities, share reflections, and tour the living and working spaces of the President, deepening their understanding of his life, thoughts, and moral example.

In celebration of the 135th anniversary of his birth, the Relic Site has also embraced digital transformation by integrating QR codes across key locations. This practical solution enables domestic and international visitors to easily access verified information and vivid imagery of President Ho Chi Minh’s life, career, and ideology during their visit. By scanning QR codes, visitors can learn about 11 key landmarks including: the Presidential Palace, House No. 54, the Politburo Meeting Room, vehicles used by the President, the A Kitchen relic, Ho Chi Minh’s fishpond, Mango Road, the floral trellis, the stilt house, House No. 67, and the garden.