Thuan Chau Monument - a 'red address' amidst the vast forests of Northwest Vietnam

May 7, 1959, became a special milestone in the memories of the people of the Northwest ethnic groups when President Ho Chi Minh and the Central Delegation visited and spoke with cadres, soldiers, and people in Thuan Chau, Son La.

Báo Tin Tức•19/05/2026

Photo caption — Youth union members view a photograph of President Ho Chi Minh and the Central Committee delegation during their visit and conversation with people of ethnic minorities in the Northwest region at the Thuan Chau National Historical Monument.

Over more than six decades, the Thuan Chau Monument historical site has not only preserved President Ho Chi Minh's sentiments and teachings but has also become a symbol of the spirit of unity, the will to overcome difficulties, and the aspiration for development of the Northwest highlands today.

A place that preserves sacred memories of Uncle Ho.

At the rally on the morning of May 7, 1959, more than 10,000 people of various ethnic groups, soldiers, cadres, workers, and military families, representing over 30 ethnic groups from 17 districts in the region, gathered. Amidst the warm and enthusiastic atmosphere, President Ho Chi Minh cordially inquired about and praised the achievements of the army and people of Northwest Vietnam in labor, production, and building a new life. He urged the people and soldiers to actively compete in production and practice thrift so that their lives would become increasingly prosperous and joyful; cadres, Party members, and youth union members must consolidate their revolutionary stance, raise their socialist awareness, always uphold a high sense of responsibility, and thoroughly serve the people and the revolution; local cadres must constantly study culture, politics , and professional skills, and maintain close solidarity with cadres from other areas.

Uncle Ho wished that the people, soldiers, and cadres would unite and strive together to achieve victory; to compete in eradicating "the enemies of hunger and ignorance," so that all people could have a prosperous life, receive education, and enjoy happiness and peace. Today, Uncle Ho's advice has become a driving force and a source of faith for the people of the Northwest region in general, and Son La province and Thuan Chau commune in particular, to always strive, overcome difficulties, and unite to build their homeland into an increasingly developed, prosperous, and civilized place.

In 1995, the Thuan Chau Monument historical site was classified as a national historical site. With deep respect and gratitude towards President Ho Chi Minh , the site has been renovated and upgraded to be more spacious and beautiful, fulfilling the aspirations of the people. During May 2026, the number of people coming to offer incense and flowers at the Thuan Chau Monument historical site (Thuan Chau commune, Son La province) was higher than usual. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, the image of President Ho Chi Minh seemed to be present in the minds of each person who came here.

Amidst the crowds offering incense at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, Mr. Hoang Dan (81 years old, sub-district 4, Thuan Chau commune) could not hide his emotion as he recalled the years he spent working at the Thuan Chau Monument historical site. He was one of the first people assigned to look after and protect the site during the period from 2019 to 2022. Although he no longer holds that position, on every anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's visit and speech to cadres, soldiers, and people of the Northwest ethnic groups, and on President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, he still joins the people and tourists to offer incense and remember him. For him, each return to this place evokes a feeling of nostalgia and emotion about the sacred feelings he had for President Ho Chi Minh and the time he spent contributing to preserving this meaningful historical site.

Over the years, the Thuan Chau Monument historical site has become a "red address" in the work of propagating and educating the people about Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style, as well as the patriotic and revolutionary traditions. Political and cultural activities such as incense offerings, membership ceremonies for youth organizations, and many cultural, artistic, and sports programs regularly take place here. From the beginning of 2026 to mid-May, the site welcomed more than 1,200 visitors who came to offer incense and flowers in remembrance of President Ho Chi Minh's contributions.

Ms. Quang Thi Toan, a specialist at the Thuan Chau Commune General Service Center and currently working as a tour guide at the historical site, shared that every day working here is a source of pride for her. As a young person, she always proactively studies and improves her knowledge to introduce and convey to the people and tourists the historical and cultural values of the site, as well as the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh; thereby contributing to arousing national pride, solidarity, and the awareness of preserving revolutionary traditions for present and future generations.

Remembering Uncle Ho's words to strive for development.

Bearing in mind President Ho Chi Minh's teachings, over the years, the Party Committee, government, and people of all ethnic groups in Thuan Chau commune have always united to develop socio-economic aspects and build a cultural life. In particular, when implementing the two-tiered local government model, Thuan Chau commune was established on the basis of merging Thuan Chau town and the communes of Phong Ly, Thom Mon, Tong Lanh, and Chieng Pac. This is one of the largest administrative units in the province, with 75 villages, hamlets, and sub-districts; a natural area of over 132 km² and a population of nearly 47,000 people.

Following the merger, the commune focused on developing agricultural production based on the advantages of each region, expanding the area of fruit trees and industrial crops, and forming concentrated production zones. The local authorities also encouraged cooperatives and households to intensify cultivation, increase crop yields, produce according to VietGAP standards, and link production and processing to supply the market with safe, high-quality products.

From a disadvantaged locality, the lives of the people in Thuan Chau commune have gradually improved significantly. The poverty rate has decreased over the years, currently standing at over 8%; the near-poverty rate is nearly 7%. By 2025, the locality had completed the elimination of temporary and dilapidated houses for 67 households. Policies caring for war veterans, social welfare, and job creation have been effectively implemented, contributing to improving the material and spiritual lives of the people. Alongside this, livestock farming continues to develop steadily with a total herd of over 400 buffaloes, 6,000 cows, 3,000 goats, nearly 9,000 pigs, and over 80,000 poultry.

Mr. Do Ngoc Quang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuan Chau commune, said that President Ho Chi Minh's advice during his visit to the Northwest region years ago has always been remembered by local officials, Party members, and people, serving as a driving force and spiritual foundation in building their homeland, as well as in their work, studies, and daily lives. Studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style has become a regular task, linked to socio-economic development and the building of cultural life in the locality.

According to Mr. Do Ngoc Quang, the Thuan Chau Monument historical site is not only a place preserving the historical significance of President Ho Chi Minh's visit, but also a space for cultural and artistic activities, organizing political events and major local holidays; thereby contributing to creating an atmosphere of unity and solidarity among ethnic groups, arousing pride in revolutionary traditions, and educating the younger generation about patriotism and the awareness of preserving the historical and cultural values of their homeland.

Amidst the changing landscape of the Northwest highlands, the Thuan Chau Monument historical site not only preserves the sacred memory of President Ho Chi Minh's visit in the past but also continues to ignite pride, solidarity, and aspirations for progress among the ethnic communities on their journey to build a more prosperous, beautiful, and happy homeland.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/ky-dai-thuan-chau-dia-chi-do-giua-dai-ngan-tay-bac-20260519161937879.htm