Famous Vietnamese people have shaped the nation’s history, culture, and progress across centuries. From revered leaders and literary icons to modern innovators, their contributions highlight Vietnam’s resilience and creativity. Discover the stories of these influential figures and their lasting impact on the country.
Famous Vietnamese politicians and revolutionaries
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, often referred to as “Uncle Ho,” was the leader of Vietnam’s independence movement and the founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. A visionary and unifying figure, he played a pivotal role in liberating Vietnam from French colonial rule. His legacy remains deeply embedded in the nation’s identity, and his mausoleum in Hanoi is one of the country’s most visited landmarks.
General Vo Nguyen Giap
General Vo Nguyen Giap was the mastermind behind Vietnam’s military victories against both the French and American forces. Known as the architect of the battle of Dien Bien Phu, his strategic brilliance ended French colonial dominance in Vietnam. A close confidant of Ho Chi Minh, Giap is celebrated as one of the greatest military leaders in world history.
Emperor Gia Long (Nguyen Anh)
Emperor Gia Long, born Nguyen Anh, was the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty and is credited with unifying Vietnam in the early 19th century. He established a centralized state and moved the capital to Hue, laying the groundwork for Vietnam’s administrative and cultural development. His reign marked the beginning of a new era in Vietnamese history.
Quang Trung Nguyen Hue
Quang Trung, also known as Nguyen Hue, was a revolutionary emperor and military leader who defeated Qing invaders during the late 18th century. His swift and decisive leadership at the Battle of Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da remains one of Vietnam’s most celebrated military victories. Quang Trung is remembered as a unifier and reformer who sought to strengthen Vietnam’s sovereignty.
Emperor Bao Dai
Emperor Bao Dai was the last monarch of Vietnam, ruling during a period of immense political and social upheaval. As Vietnam transitioned from monarchy to modern governance, Bao Dai became a controversial figure, often criticized for his alliances with foreign powers. Despite this, his role symbolizes a significant turning point in the country’s history as it moved toward independence and modernization.
Famous Vietnamese artists and writers
Nguyen Du
Nguyen Du is celebrated as the author of The Tale of Kieu (Truyện Kiều), regarded as Vietnam’s most iconic literary masterpiece. His poetic brilliance and deep understanding of human struggles have left an indelible mark on Vietnamese literature. The Tale of Kieu explores themes of love, fate, and sacrifice, capturing the essence of Vietnam’s cultural and social values.
Ho Xuan Huong
Ho Xuan Huong, often called Vietnam’s “Queen of Poetry,” is famous for her sharp wit and bold social commentary. Writing in the 18th century, her works challenged traditional norms, addressing themes of gender inequality and personal freedom. Her playful and rebellious spirit continues to resonate with readers, celebrating individuality and resilience.
Chu Van An
Chu Van An was a revered educator and moralist who profoundly influenced Vietnamese education during the Tran Dynasty. Renowned for his unwavering integrity and dedication to teaching, he is remembered as a symbol of intellectual leadership. His commitment to moral values and the pursuit of knowledge remains a guiding principle in Vietnam’s educational system.
Nguyen Dinh Chieu
Nguyen Dinh Chieu was a blind poet, patriot, and advocate for justice. Best known for his epic poem Luc Van Tien, his works embody themes of resilience, virtue, and cultural pride. Despite losing his eyesight, he dedicated his life to writing and inspiring generations with his unwavering commitment to Vietnam’s traditions and independence.
Famous Vietnamese heroes and activists
Tran Hung Dao
Tran Hung Dao, also known as General Tran Quoc Tuan, is celebrated as a military genius who led Vietnam to victory against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. His strategic brilliance and unyielding patriotism solidified his place as a revered national hero. Today, his legacy is honored with statues and temples across Vietnam, symbolizing resilience and unity.
The Trung Sisters (Trung Trac and Trung Nhi)
The Trung Sisters are iconic heroines who led a rebellion against Chinese rule in the 1st century. Known for their bravery and leadership, they rallied the Vietnamese people to reclaim their independence. Their story is a symbol of Vietnam’s spirit of resistance, celebrated annually through festivals and monuments dedicated to their memory.
Vo Thi Sau
Vo Thi Sau was a young revolutionary who fought against French colonial forces during the First Indochina War. Captured and executed at just 19 years old, her courage and sacrifice are immortalized in Vietnamese history. Her story inspires patriotism and reminds the nation of the sacrifices made for independence.
Pham Tuan
Pham Tuan made history as Vietnam’s first astronaut, joining the Soviet Union’s space program in 1980. As the first Asian in space, his achievement marked a milestone in Vietnam’s scientific progress and international recognition. Pham Tuan remains a modern symbol of Vietnam’s potential and ambition in the global arena.
Famous Vietnamese figures in business and philanthropy
Pham Nhat Vuong
Pham Nhat Vuong, the founder and chairman of Vingroup, is Vietnam’s richest man and a visionary leader in the country’s business world. His conglomerate spans industries like real estate, healthcare, education, and technology, shaping Vietnam’s economic landscape. Vuong’s efforts have not only revolutionized urban living but also positioned Vietnam on the global business stage.
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is the founder and CEO of Vietjet Air, Vietnam’s first privately-owned budget airline. Her bold vision has made air travel accessible to millions in Vietnam and beyond. Recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit, she has transformed the aviation industry in Southeast Asia while championing women’s leadership in business.
Dang Le Nguyen Vu
As the founder of Trung Nguyen Coffee, Dang Le Nguyen Vu is a key figure in promoting Vietnamese coffee to the world. Known as the “Coffee King,” his innovative approaches have elevated Vietnam’s coffee industry, blending traditional flavors with modern marketing. His dedication to showcasing Vietnam’s coffee culture has earned him international acclaim.
Le Hong Minh
Le Hong Minh, CEO of VNG Corporation, is a trailblazer in Vietnam’s digital economy. Under his leadership, VNG has become the country’s leading technology company, excelling in gaming, cloud services, and digital content. Minh’s work has not only modernized Vietnam’s tech landscape but also connected it to the global digital economy.
Famous Vietnamese figures honored by UNESCO
Nguyen Trai
Nguyen Trai, a scholar, strategist, and national hero, played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s fight for independence against the Ming Dynasty. Honored by UNESCO for his literary and political contributions, his works, such as Binh Ngo Dai Cao (Proclamation of Victory Over the Wu), embody profound patriotism and philosophical depth.
Nguyen Du
Nguyen Du, Vietnam’s literary treasure, is best known for The Tale of Kieu, an epic poem that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Recognized by UNESCO, his masterpiece remains a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture and literature, celebrated for its universal appeal and emotional depth.
Chu Van An
An eminent educator and moralist, Chu Van An was honored by UNESCO for his transformative impact on Vietnamese education. Known for his integrity and dedication, he established educational standards that shaped Vietnam’s academic system and cultural ethos.
Ho Xuan Huong
Vietnam’s “Queen of Poetry,” Ho Xuan Huong, is celebrated for her bold and witty verses that challenge societal norms. Honored by UNESCO, her feminist literary works highlight her progressive views on gender and individuality, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates beyond Vietnam.
