Alexandre Yersin Museum, Nha Trang: A journey into the remarkable life of a visionary scientist

Anh Tú

Friday, Aug 15, 2025 15:00

Tucked away within the serene campus of the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang, the Alexandre Yersin Museum is more than a historical site – it’s a deeply moving tribute to a man whose scientific genius and devotion to Vietnam left an indelible mark on the nation.

Quiet and unassuming, this hidden gem invites visitors to explore not only the milestones of modern medicine, but also the life of a humble humanitarian who chose to make Vietnam his home. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of science, or simply curious about Nha Trang’s cultural legacy, this museum offers an experience that is as insightful as it is inspiring.

Introduction to the Alexandre Yersin Museum

Address: 10 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00–11:30 & 13:30–16:30
Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/adult; 10,000 VND/child

Founded in 1997, the Alexandre Yersin Museum offers a fascinating look at the life, discoveries, and legacy of one of the greatest minds of the 19th and 20th centuries. Designed to resemble Alexandre Yersin’s original seaside residence, the museum features a reconstructed study, lab, and living quarters – preserved to reflect the scientist’s quiet lifestyle and deep love for Vietnam.

Alexandre Yersin Museum, Nha Trang (Source: Internet)

Inside, visitors will find a carefully curated collection of over 1,200 artifacts – ranging from rare scientific instruments and maps to personal letters, photographs, and field journals. Among them is the very microscope that Yersin used to identify the plague-causing bacterium – a groundbreaking discovery that revolutionized global medicine.

The life of Dr. Alexandre Yersin

Early life and passion for exploration

Born in 1863 in Switzerland, Alexandre Yersin was destined for greatness. He studied medicine in Paris and quickly stood out for his sharp intellect and unquenchable curiosity. After earning his degree, he traveled to Vietnam in the early 1890s as a ship doctor for the Messageries Maritimes shipping company.

Alexandre Yersin was destined for greatness (Source: Internet)

What began as a professional appointment soon turned into a lifelong journey of scientific exploration and cultural connection. This chapter of his life marked the beginning of many expeditions into Vietnam’s remote highlands – where he documented geography, botany, and wildlife.

A landmark discovery in medicine

In 1894, Yersin responded to a devastating bubonic plague outbreak in Hong Kong. There, he made his most historic contribution – identifying the plague bacterium that would later be named Yersinia pestis in his honor. The anti-plague serum he helped develop would go on to save millions of lives worldwide from one of the deadliest diseases in history. His contribution remains a cornerstone of medical science.

The contribution of Dr. Yersin to modern medicine (Source: Internet)

A life of service in Vietnam

Yersin’s love for Vietnam went far beyond science. He established the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang, which continues to operate today as a center for research and public health. He introduced rubber and cinchona trees (used to produce quinine that cures malaria) to Vietnam, revolutionizing both agriculture and healthcare.

Despite his international acclaim, Dr. Yersin chose to lead a modest and humble life among the local people – offering medical care, mentoring young scientists, and devoting himself to community service until his death in 1943. The museum reflects this simplicity, with displays of his work desk, microscope, bookshelves, and even his bedroom.

Dr. Yersin led a humble life in Nha Trang (Source: Internet)

Highlights of the museum visit

Reconstructed study room

One of the most captivating features of the museum is the reconstructed study room, meticulously arranged with Yersin’s original tools – microscope, surgical instruments, and well-worn scientific volumes. The atmosphere is intimate and authentic, offering visitors a tangible connection to his daily routines and research.

The microscope that Dr. Yersin used to discover the bacterium (Source: Internet)

Insect and botanical collection

Beyond medicine, Yersin had a deep appreciation for natural science. His passion for entomology and botany is reflected in the museum’s insect and plant collections, including specimens he personally gathered during expeditions to Vietnam’s remote highlands.

Personal letters and photographs

What sets this museum apart is its emotional depth. Visitors can browse through handwritten letters, field notes, and black-and-white photographs, many of which reveal Yersin’s introspective nature, cross-cultural friendships, and deep attachment to his adopted homeland.

The museum is filled with Yersin's notes and medical tools (Source: Internet)

The nearly 1,000-page guestbook at the Alexandre Yersin Museum leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Thousands of people from around the world have filled its pages with heartfelt, emotional messages.

Visitors to the museum are free to leave messages in the guestbook (Source: Internet)

Visiting the Alexandre Yersin Museum is more than just a tour – it’s a journey through the life of a compassionate scientist who bridged continents and cultures. It’s a place where science meets humanity and where historical contributions are honored with dignity and depth. The museum is tranquil, thoughtfully curated, and easy to explore in under an hour – making it a perfect cultural detour while visiting Nha Trang’s central beachfront.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of science, or simply curious about Vietnam’s cultural tapestry, this museum offers an inspiring and educational experience. Through its exhibits, Dr. Yersin's story continues to echo: a story of brilliance, humility, and enduring legacy.