Visitors will enjoy free entry to the Hồ Citadel World Heritage Site from February 12 to 17, 2026. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Management Board of the Hồ Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site and key historical relics in the northern province of Thanh Hóa has announced that it will offer free admission to the Hồ Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site and the Lam Kinh Special National Relic, alongside a range of cultural and artistic activities for local residents and visitors during the Lunar New Year (Tết) holiday.

Under the plan, visitors will enjoy free entry to the Hồ Citadel World Heritage Site from February 12 to 17, 2026 (from the 25th day of the 12th lunar month to the first day of the Year of the Horse). Meanwhile, free entry to the Lam Kinh Special National Relic will be available from February 16 to 19, 2026 (from the 29th day of the 12th lunar month to the third day of the Year of the Horse).

Nguyễn Văn Long, deputy director of the management board, said preparations are under way to decorate the sites with festival flags, banners, spring flowers and themed check-in spaces recreating both traditional and contemporary Lunar New Year settings. These efforts aim to create a warm and festive atmosphere at the heritage sites during the early days of the new year.

At the Hồ Dynasty Citadel, highlights will include a photo exhibition entitled Hồ Dynasty Citadel – Outstanding Universal Value, a spring flower and bonsai display themed Spring Flowers of the Ancient Capital, and a recreated traditional Tết space under the theme Old Tết at the Ancient Citadel. A series of heritage education programmes and traditional cultural experience activities will also be held.

Visitors to the Hồ Dynasty Citadel will also be able to take part in ceremonial and cultural events such as the erection of the New Year bamboo pole (nêu tree), the ritual release of carps for the Kitchen Gods within the royal precinct, calligraphy festivals offering auspicious characters for the New Year, and spring-themed art performances staged by local cultural clubs. Notably, all guided commentary services at the Hồ Dynasty Citadel will be provided free of charge during this period, along with access to themed exhibitions, cultural spaces and heritage routes highlighting the site’s outstanding values and the historical land of Tây Đô.

At the Lam Kinh Special National Relic, activities will include photo exhibitions showcasing its historical and cultural significance, a spring calligraphy festival, the opening ceremony at the temple dedicated to King Lê Thái Tổ on the fourth day of the first lunar month, and the Spring Festival at the temple of Prince Lê Lai on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year.

The decision to offer free admission to both the Hồ Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site and the Lam Kinh relic site not only enables residents and visitors to enjoy spring outings and pay homage, but also helps promote the distinctive historical and cultural values of Thanh Hóa Province during Việt Nam’s traditional Lunar New Year. – VNA/VNS