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Although French, Dr. Alexandre Yersin had a special affection for Vietnam. He spent more than 50 years living in Nha Trang and made significant contributions not only in the field of medicine. Alexandre Yersin Museum right in this land preserves his legacy and honors this remarkable man. Join Asia King Travel in exploring his life and the museum through this article.
Outside Alxandre Yersin Museum
Dr. Alexandre Yersin was born on September 22, 1863 in Switzerland. He studied medicine and earned his Doctorate when just 25. In 1889, he joined the Pasteur Institute in Paris and became one of the distinguished students of the renowned scientist. However, he also had another passion. When he was a student, he was fascinated by adventurers and felt a strong urge to explore the world.
He gave up all fame in Paris to work as a doctor on ships in Southeast Asia. The ship often stopped in Nha Trang, where he was captivated by the beauty of its untouched coastline. He decided to settle down and live permanently in Nha Trang. There, he opened a clinic and provided free medical care for the poor. The people of Nha Trang also grew deeply fond of this foreign visitor.
A photograph of Dr. Yersin at work
In Vietnam, he contributed to the founding of Hanoi Medical University and became its first Rector, while also establishing Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang. Beyond medicine, his passion for exploration drove him to discover new lands. It was he who discovered the beautiful city of Da Lat.
Yersin was also the first to discover the bacterium responsible for the plague, which was later named in his honor. Despite invitations to work in many places, he chose to return and live in Nha Trang, live in that poor fishing village. He passed away in 1943 at the age of 79. In his will, he wrote that he wished to be buried face down so he could forever embrace this land.
Alexandre Yersin Museum is located at 10 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province. The museum is situated within the campus of Pasteur Institute. Also on Tran Phu Street, Alexandre Yersin Park is located to the north of the Institute.
Many people deeply admire his talent and character
Tran Phu Street is a seaside road, so it’s very easy to find. In Nha Trang, just follow the main route October 23rd Street – Thai Nguyen – Le Thanh Ton, then turn left onto Tran Phu and you’ll see the Pasteur Institute. If you land and travel from Cam Ranh, take the coastal road heading north until you reach the intersection with Thai Nguyen Street, then continue as above. Google Maps will get you there in no time, but most Vietnam travel guide recommendations suggest using the coastal route for the best views.
Alexandre Yersin Museum is open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays. The entrance fee is VND 20,000 per person. Admission is free for people with disabilities and children under 1.2 meters tall.
Dr. Yersin’s handwriting documents are preserved in the museum
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The museum is quite small, only about 100 square meters, but its displays present almost the entire life and career of the talented doctor A. Yersin. It begins with Yersin’s biography, followed by meaningful letters he wrote to his mother and sister.
“Mother, you asked me whether I like medicine or not. Yes and no. I am very happy to treat anyone who comes to me for help, but I do not want to turn medicine into a profession. That means I could never ask a patient to pay me for curing them. I see medicine as a calling, a mission. To demand money for treating someone would be no different from telling them: money or your life.”
The telescope that Dr. Yersin purchased to study the weather
Moving to the central room, visitors can admire Yersin’s belongings such as books, old-fashioned items, and the instruments he used for his scientific research. The museum houses around 1,200 books and more than 50 of his personal objects. You’ll be amazed to see firsthand his electrical measuring devices, telescope, and other unique laboratory equipment. All of this reflects Yersin’s wisdom and his deep passion for scientific discovery.
The heartfelt messages left by visitors for Dr. Yersin
Alexandre Yersin Park is located not far from the Pasteur Institute, at the foot of Tran Phu Bridge. The park features flower beds, ornamental trees, fountains, and stone benches, all arranged in a graceful semicircular layout. Its highlight is the solemn statue of Dr. Yersin, carved from ivory-white granite, accompanied by a stone plaque introducing his life and career. The park is free to enter, offering an open and breezy space right by the sea.
The statue of the doctor in the park
Dr. Yersin’s house is located on Hon Ba Mountain, about 50 kilometers from downtown Nha Trang. The two-story house was renovated from an old bunker. The ground floor displays photos and artifacts related to Yersin’s life and career. The upper floor is divided into three rooms: a bedroom, a living room, and a memorial space. Inside the house, there is an altar where visitors can light incense to honor the revered doctor.
The humble hillside home of the world-renowned doctor
On the way there, make a stop at Suoi Dau Waterfall, where Dr. Yersin’s tomb is, and lay a wreath in his honor.
Alexandre Yersin Museum and other memorial sites in Nha Trang are just a small tribute to his great contributions to Vietnam. Get in touch with Asia King Travel to explore this beautiful seaside city, rich in history and culture.
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