Visitors survey the historic home of patriotic scholar Phan Boi Chau in Nam Dan Town of Nghe An Province

Situated in Nam Dan Town of north-central Nghe An Province lies a unique relic associated with one of Vietnam’s foremost patriots.

The house of Phan Boi Chau (1867-1940), a revolutionary and pioneer of Vietnamese nationalism in the early 20th century, sits on 400 square meters surrounded by lush gardens, 20 km northwest of the town of Vinh.

The site, located in Chau’s hometown, is comprised of two bamboo structures joined together to form an “L” shape with a thatched roof.

An antique mortar and pestle used for grinding rice are among the relics preserved within the house, which are said to have been used by Chau’s two wives. Also within the home are a wooden divan (backless sofa) and a table where Chau studied and held discussions with friends about political issues. A bamboo sofa, a wooden bookshelf and some of his childhood books are also preserved here.

Located beside the home is an exhibition house situated on more than 100 square meters. On display are hundreds of photos, original materials and scientific documents which give an overview of Chau’s life and career. In the center of the exhibition area is a copper statue of Chau accompanied by a tribute written to him by late President Ho Chi Minh. Also on display are photos of Chau’s contemporary revolutionaries including Phan Dinh Phung (1847-1896) and Phan Chau Trinh (1872-1926).

Chau founded the Duy Tan Hoi (Reformation Society) in 1903, basing his concept of an independent Vietnam on modern ideas of Western and Chinese thinkers. The society attracted a large number of youth and intellectuals.

Chau also initiated the Dong Du (Visit the East) movement in 1905, sending Duy Tan Hoi members and Vietnamese students to Japan for training to fight the French but he was deported by the Japanese government in 1909. He moved to China and Hong Kong to continue his fight, despite being arrested several times by Chinese authorities.

Chau was captured by the French in 1925 in Shanghai and sentenced to hard labor in Hanoi’s Hoa Lo Prison. He was later released and placed under house arrest in Hue city Town after widespread public protest. He died in 1940 in Hue at the age of 73.

Chau was also a famous scholar and poet, and left behind volumes of writing.

The site is open to visitors from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To get there, take National Highway 46 to Nam Dan Town, then head south for about 500 meters.

Reported by Truong Dien Thang