English
French
Spanish
ItalianThe Great Poet Nguyen Du Memorial Site
In the history of Vietnamese literature and art, there is only one person who has been praised as the Great poet, and that is the Great poet Nguyen Du. He is the author of "The Tale of Kieu," which has been translated into 20 different languages, along with countless other literary works. UNESCO has recognized Nguyen Du as a World Culture Celebrity.
The statue of Nguyen Du in front of the historical site captures the spirit of a Confucian scholar. Photo: Phap luat online
In his hometown in Ha Tinh, the Great poet Nguyen Du Memorial Site was built to preserve the priceless cultural heritage he left behind. The memorial area is constructed spaciously and attracts many domestic and international tourists every year. Join Asia King Travel to take a tour with the article below.
The Great poet Nguyen Du was born in 1766 and passed away in 1820, in Tien Dien Village, Nghi Xuan District, Ha Tinh Province (which is why he is also known as Nguyen Tien Dien). Born into a prestigious family yet he became an orphan, losing both his parents within the first decade of his life, and had to wander from place to place.
In 1783, he passed the imperial examination and obtained an official position. In 1788, he traveled throughout China for three years, following the example of Li Bai. It is believed that "The Tale of Kieu" was written during this period. In 1790, he returned to Vietnam and developed an affection for Ho Xuan Huong (a famous female poet of the time).
The Tale of Kieu is the most classic work of Vietnamese literature. Photo: VTC
When the Nguyen Dynasty ascended to the throne, he returned to serve as a court official. He was often appointed as an envoy to the Qing Dynasty. In 1820, before an envoy mission, he contracted cholera and passed away at the age of 54.
With a life rich in experience and shaped by historical upheavals, he became a profound poet with a deep knowledge of both Vietnamese and Chinese literature. “The Tale of Kieu” written in 3254 verses is a literary masterpiece.
The Great poet Nguyen Du Memorial Site was built in his hometown, just across Lam River from Vinh City in Nghe An Province. You can fly directly to Vinh International Airport or travel from Hanoi via National Highway 1A. From the city, follow Nguyen Du Road across the river, then turn left and continue for another 5 kilometers to reach the site.
Suggested for you: Hau Dong – Exploring Vietnam’s Unique Spiritual Tradition
The relic site is open year-round, but you should note that summers in Nghe An and Ha Tinh are hot. The best time to visit is at the beginning of the new year when the site hosts events and festivals celebrating Nguyen Du’s birth. The weather is also very favorable, with just a slight chill in the air.
The Lam River in the background enhances the scenic beauty of the area. Photo: Phap luat Online
Visiting the relic site, you will immerse yourself in a peaceful, lush green space. The architecture recreates five-compartment wooden houses, characteristic of the North Central region's style from the 18th century.
Nguyen Du Tomb is made of marble and bears a Chinese inscription: “The Tomb of Master Nguyen of Tien Dien”. Every day, visitors from all over come to pay their respects, leaving behind offerings of incense and flowers.
Tomb of Nguyen Du. Photo: Collective
Nguyen Du’s worship hall was built by his descendants in 1825. Inside, there is an altar made of lime and sand, above which hangs a horizontal inscribed board gifted by the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. Outside, there is an incense burner and a pair of parallel sentences personally written by Emperor Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The museum preserves between 700 and over 1000 rare artifacts related to the life of the great poet and the Nguyen Tien Dien family, including the first printed editions of The Tale of Kieu, collections of prose and poetry, daily items, and more.
The editions of Truyen Kieu in Nom script from the Nguyen Dynasty. Photo: Collective
Nguyen Nghiem was a statesman and an erudite historian. He once held the position of grand chancellor in the royal court. Out of deep respect and admiration for his virtue and talent, the people built a temple in his honor while he was still alive. Most of the worship objects in the temple are made of Thanh Hoa blue stone. In front of the temple, stone horses, stone elephants, and statues of generals holding weapons stand solemnly on guard.
The five-room houses in 18th-century architectural style. Photo: Phap luat Online
The complex was originally built by Nguyen Nghiem as a "Temple of Literature" to worship Confucius and study literature. Every year, at the beginning of spring, local scholars would gather here to recite poetry and discuss literature. Later, the site was used to honor those who achieved high academic success in Nghi Xuan District.
Through a visit to Nguyen Du’s final resting place, you will gain even greater admiration for the legacy left behind by this great poet. If you have a passion for exploring culture and history, be sure to stop by. Asia King Travel is always ready to accompany you on journeys across Vietnam.
Suggested for you: Center Vietnam Tour 4 days 3 Nights: Center Discovery
