If you look at the street names in Vietnam and wonder what they mean, chances are they are named after historical figures in Vietnam. So, who are they, and in what ways did they help shape the country’s history and culture? Find out about Ho Chi Minh and more with us.
Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969)
For the Vietnamese, Ho Chi Minh is a sacrosanct figure. He was the first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, making Vietnamese voices heard to the world with his moving Declaration of Independence in 1945. His integrity and many qualities have been praised and seen as examples of everyone’s behavior until today.
Find out more about him with our blog Who was Ho Chi Minh? and Ho Chi Minh Museum
Thich Quang Duc (1897-1963)
One of the famous Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. This bold Buddhist monk burned himself to death at a crowded crossroads in Saigon to protest against the ruthless persecution of Buddhist monks by the Ngo Dinh Diem government.
To learn more about his story, read our blogs: The Buddhist Crisis of 1963 and Xa Loi Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Vo Nguyen Giap (1911-2013)
One of the greatest military leaders of all time, General Vo Nguyen Giap was the man behind Vietnam’s majestic success against France in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and later the victory of the North Vietnamese army in the Vietnam War. His passing in 2013 was an enormous grievous event for people all over the country, which suffices to prove how revered this man is in Vietnam.
Ton Duc Thang (1888-1980)
Born in southern Vietnam, Ton Duc Thang followed the ideals of Ho Chi Minh, becoming the second president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1969, after Ho Chi Minh, and later the first president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976 (after the Vietnam War).
Read more: Ton Duc Thang Museum
Nguyen Hue – Emperor Quang Trung (1753-1792)
Overthrowing the then-corrupt Le dynasty and freeing the country from separation and feud by gaining control with force from the Trinh and Nguyen governments in the north and south at the time, Nguyen Hue was a great leader who built a prosperous Vietnam in the 18th century, sweeping even the hostile Chinese invaders.
Check out the attraction: Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Tran Hung Dao (Tran Quoc Tuan) (1228-1300)
A world-renowned military leader. He came up with a brilliant strategy, leading the Vietnamese army to defeat the intimidating Mongols in the 1280s. He opened his eyes with excellent leverage of guerilla warfare.
Read more about the Tran Hung Dao Temple in Ho Chi Minh City
Pham Tuan (1947)
By becoming a cosmonaut on a moon mission in 1980, he made Vietnam proud and brought the country more recognition worldwide. Before that, he was also a notable pilot in the Vietnam War, flying combat missions against the American air force.
Bao Dai (1913-1997)
The last emperor of Vietnam (Nguyen dynasty), he succeeded the throne in 1926. He was educated in France and eventually died in France. He intended to build a modern Vietnam using French power but failed. One of his mansions is still well-preserved in Da Lat.
Vo Thi Sau (1933-1952)
A national heroine from Ba Ria – Vung Tau. A fearless young girl who threw grenades at French soldiers as a teenager. Also, as a teenager, she became a prisoner of war, shaking enemies by refusing to wear a blindfold on her execution. Her story lives on among the Vietnamese, and a famous song celebrates her brave life.
Hai Ba Trung (First half of the 1st century)
The Trung Sisters (“Hai” means “two”), including Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, are the first heroines of Vietnam. They led a groundbreaking uprising in AD 40 against the first Chinese invasion of Vietnam.
Summary of Famous Vietnamese People
Many schools and streets are named after these amazing, famous Vietnamese people. They embody Vietnamese spirits – a small country that never falters in the face of seemingly stronger forces.
Oh so the Vietnamese streets are named after these famous people. Now it all makes sense
Comments are closed.