Explore Kim Lien Village, Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace in Nghe An, Vietnam! Discover its history, cultural relics, and eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic experience.
Kim Lien Village, also known as Sen Village, in Nam Dan Commune, Nghe An Province, is the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revered leader. Located 16 km from Vinh Ward and 290 km from Hanoi, this tranquil rural village attracts over 2 million visitors annually, drawn to its UNESCO-recognized historical relics and serene lotus ponds. With activities costing $3–$35 (75,000–875,000 VND), Kim Lien offers a profound journey for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers seeking to honor Vietnam’s past.
Set in a tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F), Kim Lien embraces sustainable tourism through community-led preservation and eco-friendly tours. Legend Travel Group’s curated experiences blend cultural immersion with environmental care, ensuring a meaningful visit. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for an unforgettable journey.
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform reorganized Nghe An’s districts into wards and communes. Vinh City is now Vinh Ward, and Cua Lo Town is Cua Lo Ward. Use “Kim Lien Village, Nam Dan Commune, Nghe An” or “Vinh Ward, Nghe An” for precise navigation.
With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group offers eco-friendly tours to Kim Lien Village, combining historical exploration with environmental responsibility. Our tours use electric vehicles, support local guides, and feature English-speaking experts sharing insights into Ho Chi Minh’s legacy and Nghe An’s culture. Aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals, we provide transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible pilgrimage.
Kim Lien Village, often called Sen (Golden Lotus) Village, is a peaceful rural enclave with bamboo groves, lotus ponds, and traditional houses, embodying Vietnam’s countryside charm. The Kim Lien Relic Site, spanning 278 hectares, includes Ho Chi Minh’s childhood home in Sen Village, his mother’s Hoang Tru Village (2 km away), Chung Mountain, and the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan, Ho Chi Minh’s mother. Preserved since 1901, the thatched houses feature simple artifacts like bamboo mats, traditional brushes, and a weaving loom, offering a glimpse into Ho Chi Minh’s modest upbringing. The site’s cultural significance, enhanced by local Vi Giam folk singing, makes it a must-visit for understanding Vietnam’s history.
These budget-friendly activities ($0–$35) offer a deep dive into Kim Lien’s heritage:
Explore the preserved thatched house in Sen Village, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), featuring Ho Chi Minh’s family artifacts and museum.
Cost: $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–11:30 AM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable site; supports preservation efforts.
Tip: Respect no-photo rules inside; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Discover Ho Chi Minh’s mother’s village, 2 km from Sen, best at 9:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND), including the ancestral temple and Nguyen Sinh Sac’s house.
Cost: $2–$4.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–11:30 AM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact walking tour; supports local upkeep.
Tip: Walk the 1 km path for scenic views; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Hike to the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan on Chung Mountain, best at 7:00 AM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), with 300 granite steps and panoramic views.
Cost: $2–$3.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on paths to protect flora; supports conservation.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Experience UNESCO-recognized Vi Giam performances, best at 10:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) during festivals or guided tours.
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Varies; check with local guides.
Eco-Friendly Note: Community-led; low-impact cultural activity.
Tip: Book through Legend Travel Group for performances; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Walk around Sen Lake’s lotus ponds, best at 8:00 AM (May for blooming lotuses), for free, capturing the village’s poetic beauty.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal environmental impact; supports local tourism.
Tip: Bring a camera; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration, with moderate crowds (150–400 daily visitors). Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Perfect for lush lotus blooms and fewer crowds (100–250 daily visitors), especially in May. Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for cultural events, with high crowds (600+ visitors); May 19 (Ho Chi Minh’s birthday) for patriotic gatherings. Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Timing Tip: Mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for cool weather; avoid midday closure (11:30 AM–2:00 PM).
Kim Lien Village, 16 km from Vinh Ward and 290 km from Hanoi, is reachable in 30 minutes to 7 hours:
From Hanoi (5–7 hours):
Train: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5.5–7 hours to Vinh Station, then taxi to Kim Lien ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND, 30 minutes).
Bus: $16–$30 (400,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).
Private Car: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours direct to Kim Lien.
Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City (2–30 hours):
Flight: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December 2025), then taxi to Kim Lien ($8–$10 or 200,000–250,000 VND).
Train: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 26–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).
Bus: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 28–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).
From Vinh Ward (30 minutes): Taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) or motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required) via Highway 46.
Navigation Tip: Save “Kim Lien Village, Nam Dan Commune, Nghe An” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow Highway 46 from Vinh. Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Safety: Confirm taxi fares; avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Lightweight, modest attire (long sleeves/pants for respect); comfortable shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Extras: Camera for Sen Lake; notebook for reflections.
Kim Lien Village Entry: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Hoang Tru Village: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Chung Mountain Hike: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Vi Giam Performance: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Cultural Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay in Vinh/Nam Dan: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Souvenirs (Brocades, Local Crafts): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).
From Hanoi: Train: $20–$60; Bus: $16–$30; Private Car: $80–$100; Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $60–$120 + taxi ($6–$10); Train: $50–$100; Bus: $50–$80.
From Vinh to Kim Lien: Taxi: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND).
Budget: $15–$30 (bus, homestay, village entry).
Mid-range: $35–$60 (train, homestay, guided tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium stay, cultural tour).
Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for activities ($2–$35) and transport ($10–$180).
Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM to avoid midday closure; November–April for dry weather; May for lotus blooms. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–250 vs. 150–400 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy entry tickets on-site.
Sustainability: Support local guides; use reusable bottles to reduce waste. Respect no-photo rules inside houses.
Navigation: Save “Kim Lien Village, Nam Dan Commune” in offline maps; follow Highway 46 signs from Vinh.
Safety: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths; secure valuables. Avoid touching artifacts.
Weather: Dry season for easy walking; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (no revealing clothing); speak softly at relic sites; greet locals with “xin chào.”
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Kim Lien Village and beyond:
Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Visit Kim Lien and Hoang Tru Villages, enjoy Vi Giam singing, local lunch ($3–$5). Includes guide, eco-transport.
Nghe An Coastal & Cultural Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Combine Kim Lien with Cua Lo Beach, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide.
North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Explore Kim Lien, Pu Mat National Park, Thanh Hoa, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transports.
Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Kim Lien Village, also known as Sen Village, in Kim Lien Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province, is a serene pilgrimage site honoring President Ho Chi Minh, offering a glimpse into his humble beginnings amidst fragrant lotus ponds and historic relics, located 16 km from Vinh City and 300 km from Hanoi. This cultural haven, featuring the preserved thatched houses of Ho Chi Minh’s family and the Nguyen Sinh Sac House, draws thousands yearly, enhanced by sustainable practices like community-led preservation and eco-friendly tours. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours ensure an authentic, responsible Nghe An Travel experience, guiding you through Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace, nearby Chung Mountain, and cultural treasures like the Kim Lien Relic Site. Whether exploring historic homes or hiking scenic trails, Kim Lien promises a profound journey. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to visit Kim Lien Village? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into an authentic historical adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Kim Lien Village Information: vietnamonline.com, vinpearl.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vietnamcoracle.com, asiakingtravel.com
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