Sen Village, a gem in Nghe An, beckons travelers with its historical allure. This is the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, respectfully known as Uncle Ho, a great national hero of Vietnam. On your Vietnam travel, consider visiting this village to catch a glimpse into the nation's rich history.
1. A glance at Sen Village (Kim Lien Village)
Sen Village, also known as Kim Lien Village, is a site marked by countless historical imprints. It was where the national hero of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, was born. Situated just 16 kilometers away from Vinh City, Sen Village is located in Kim Lien Commune, Nam Dan District. It is a source of pride for the people of Nghe An, a place visited by a large number of tourists every year.
All the artifacts here have been preserved in their original state from the time when Uncle Ho lived here. This ensures a wonderful experience for history and culture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore Sen Village Vietnam at any time of the year. However, May is considered the most suitable time, as it allows visitors to fully enjoy the sight of blooming lotus flowers. There is no entrance fee to this village, but visitors should be aware of the opening hours for convenient visits:
- Summer: 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Winter: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
>>> Read more: Who is Ho Chi Minh: Facts about Vietnam’s beloved leader
2. How to get to Sen Village in Nghe An?
There are various ways for tourists to travel to Sen Village. If you depart from neighboring provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh, traveling by car or bus is the most convenient option, taking only a few hours. For visitors from the northern region or southern region, you can take a bus or train. Alternatively, you can book a flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh, which takes about 1 hour. Considering the considerable distance, flying to Vinh City is the best option as it saves time and energy.
3. What are some unmissable places in Sen Village?
Sen Village Vietnam is the birthplace of many national heroes, especially President Ho Chi Minh. Here, tourists can explore many interesting historical and cultural sites.
3.1. Nguyen Sinh Sac's house
The first stop when visiting Sen Village is the house of Mr. Nguyen Sinh Sac, Uncle Ho's father. It is a 5-compartment house where Uncle Ho and his family lived from 1901 to 1906. This was where Mr. Nguyen Sinh Sac welcomed patriotic intellectuals, helping Uncle Ho absorb the love for the country and people from a young age. The house is made of bamboo and wood with a simple yet warm design, surrounded by a small garden with flowers, all preserved as it was during Uncle Ho's time.
3.2. Nguyen Sinh Nham’s house
Tourists to Sen Village should also visit the house of Mr. Nguyen Sinh Nham, President Ho Chi Minh's paternal grandfather. This historic site witnessed all the patriotic activities which were done in secrecy by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh and Mr. Nguyen Sinh Khiem, Uncle Ho's brother and sister. It is also the birthplace of the international martyr Ly Nam Thanh, who sacrificed himself bravely in the Soviet Union's national defense war.
3.3. Nguyen Sinh’s ancestral house
Nguyen Sinh’s ancestral house in Sen Village was built in 1843 to worship the ancestors of the Nguyen Sinh family, the family of Uncle Ho. This is where Uncle Ho often went with his parents to burn incense and pay respect. In 1957, when he returned to the village, Uncle Ho also came here to pay homage to the ancestors. This is also a place to worship the parents and siblings of President Ho Chi Minh after their passing.
3.4. Vuong Thuc Quy’s house
Another point of interest in Sen Village is the residence of scholar Vuong Thuc Quy, the teacher of President Ho Chi Minh during his adolescence. The intelligence, sense of filial piety, and patriotic ideals of Vuong Thuc Quy deeply influenced the young student Nguyen Sinh Cung (Uncle Ho). Here, Nguyen Sinh Cung learned a lot about history and the era, nurturing his determination to save the country.
3.5. Other relics in Sen Village
In addition to the houses of those who had a profound impact on President Ho Chi Minh's life, this village has many other interesting sites for visitors to explore. Examples include Co Dien Forge, Coc Well, Chung Mountain, the banyan tree, and the Sen Village temple. Visitors should also stroll around Sen Lake with its many lotus flowers spreading their fragrance every summer, which brings a sense of peace, freshness, and the unique characteristics of Vietnam.
>>> Discover: Kim Lien relic site: Discover the hometown of President Ho Chi Minh
4. Things to know while visiting Sen Village
- Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Choose modest attire to show respect.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking. Also, wear a hat and sunscreen because it can be hot.
- While at Uncle Ho's house: Follow the rules and instructions of the staff, do not take photos inside the house, speak softly, and do not move the artifacts without permission.
>>> Check out: Central Vietnam itinerary: An A-to-Z guide for exploration
In the heart of Vietnam lies the captivating Sen Village, an enduring testament to the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. This cultural haven in Vietnam preserves the intimate stories of Uncle Ho's early years, inviting visitors to connect with the rich history that unfolded in its quaint surroundings. Sen Village Vietnam stands as a poignant reminder of the nation's past, a place where the echoes of history resonate, inviting all to embrace the profound heritage it holds.
In addition to Nghe An, Vietnam boasts numerous other alluring destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. They all beckon travelers with stunning natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, and exquisite cuisine.
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