Home Lifestyle The Haven of Dr. Alexandre Yersin: A Mountainous Retreat that Beckons Travelers

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The Haven of Dr. Alexandre Yersin: A Mountainous Retreat that Beckons Travelers

The renovated home of Swiss-French doctor and bacteriologist, Alexandre Emile Jean Yersin, nestled atop Hon Ba peak in the scenic coastal province of Khanh Hoa, has become a magnet for travelers, particularly during national holidays.

Administrator

17 September, 2024

Large crowds, especially tourists, are visiting Hon Ba Mountain during the ongoing National Day holiday (September 2) in Vietnam. With public workers enjoying a four-day weekend, many are taking the opportunity to explore this scenic destination, located over 50 kilometers from Nha Trang City, in Khanh Hoa Province.

Sitting at an altitude of 1,578 meters above sea level, Hon Ba Mountain offers a year-round cool climate and a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. One of the mountain’s most notable attractions is the house of Swiss-French doctor and bacteriologist, Alexandre Emile Jean Yersin, who has a close association with Vietnam.

Built 110 years ago, the house has recently been renovated to preserve its historical significance and better accommodate tourists. The structure has been designated as a national cultural relic site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, recognizing its importance in the country’s history.

To visit Dr. Yersin’s house, tourists must join a tour offered by Kong Forest Adventure Park, who have been granted permission by the provincial People’s Committee to develop the site for tourism. The house holds a rich history, serving as a shelter for the doctor as he climbed Hon Ba peak and conducted his research.

Swiss-French doctor Alexandre Emile Jean Yersin, a bacteriologist with close ties to Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Hoang / Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Van Dao, deputy CEO of Kong Forest Adventure Park, shared that the unit rehabilitated the house, addressing the deterioration of its side walls and roof. The renovation work, completed in early 2024, has transformed the once-dilapidated structure into a welcoming tourist destination.

The house has become a popular attraction, drawing crowds of visitors eager to explore its unique exhibits and learn about Dr. Yersin’s life and contributions. Nguyen Trung Minh, a 27-year-old tourist from Tien Giang Province, shared that he and his family chose to visit Khanh Hoa Province for the National Day celebrations, with Dr. Yersin’s house as their first stop.

“Hon Ba Mountain offers a refreshing escape from the heat, and the natural landscape is breathtaking,” he said, adding, “The house has a lot of interesting exhibits, and I plan to return with my friends in the future.”

A portrait of Dr. Alexandre Yersin on display in his house on Hon Ba Mountain. Photo: Nguyen Hoang / Tuoi Tre

Dr. Alexandre Yersin, born in Switzerland, led a remarkable life. He studied medicine at prestigious institutes in his home country, Germany, and France before arriving in Vietnam in 1891. He dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to his work in Khanh Hoa Province.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, he is renowned for his co-discovery of the bacillus responsible for the bubonic plague in 1894. Additionally, he discovered the Liang Biang Plateau, where the city of Da Lat now stands, in 1893, and founded the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang two years later.

Tourists pay their respects to Dr. Alexandre Yersin by offering incense. Photo: Nguyen Hoang / Tuoi Tre

The house of Dr. Alexandre Yersin, perched atop Hon Ba Mountain, stands as a testament to his legacy. It attracts visitors seeking to learn about his life and contributions, all while enjoying the natural beauty and cool climate of this mountainous retreat.