Famous Vietnamese People: Icons Reflecting a Nation’s Resilience and Spirit
Hoai Trinh
Discover famous Vietnamese people who shaped history and modernity, embodying the industrious, patriotic spirit of Vietnam. Explore their legacies and plan your cultural journey!
Vietnam’s story is one of remarkable resilience, deep patriotism, and vibrant creativity, embodied by its famous Vietnamese people. From ancient heroes to modern visionaries, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the nation’s culture, history, and global reputation. Rooted in the Vietnamese people’s core traits—hard work, perseverance, and love for their homeland—these figures inspire generations. As of June 2025, their legacies continue to shine, inviting travelers to explore Vietnam’s rich heritage.
The Defining Traits of the Vietnamese People
Facing invasions and hardships, the Vietnamese have shown remarkable endurance.
The Vietnamese are renowned for their exceptional character, shaped by centuries of overcoming adversity, from foreign domination to natural challenges. These traits are the backbone of their success and are reflected in the achievements of famous Vietnamese people:
Hard Work: The Vietnamese are known for their diligence, rising early to tend rice fields or bustling markets like Dong Ba Market in Hue. This work ethic drives innovation, seen in Vietnam’s rise as a tech hub, with startups like VinFast leading globally.
Perseverance: Facing invasions and hardships, the Vietnamese have shown remarkable endurance. This grit is evident in historical resistance against foreign powers and modern feats like building Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline from post-war ruins.
Patriotism: Love for the homeland fuels Vietnam’s unity. From the Trung Sisters’ rebellion in AD 40 to the 1975 reunification, this spirit binds communities, seen in festivals like Tet, where families honor ancestors.
These qualities—hard work, perseverance, and patriotism—form the foundation of Vietnam’s identity, propelling famous Vietnamese people to achieve greatness and inspiring visitors to connect with this vibrant culture through local tours.
Famous Vietnamese People: Past and Present
Below is a curated list of famous Vietnamese people from history and today, showcasing their contributions and how they embody the nation’s spirit. A Local Buddy from Tubudd can guide you to sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or Nguyen Du’s Memorial to deepen your appreciation.
Historical Figures
Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969)
1. Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969)
Who He Was: Born Nguyen Sinh Cung, Ho Chi Minh was Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Contributions: Leading the Viet Minh, he declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945, inspiring the fight against French and American forces. His philosophy, “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,” united the nation. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi (free entry) honors his legacy.
Vietnamese Spirit: His lifelong dedication reflects patriotism and perseverance, enduring exile and hardship for national liberation.
Trung Sisters (Trung Trac & Trung Nhi, c. AD 12-43)
Who They Were: National heroines who led the first uprising against Chinese rule in AD 40.
Contributions: Rallying Vietnamese forces, they briefly reclaimed independence, inspiring future resistance. Streets and schools, like Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District, bear their name.
Vietnamese Spirit: Their courage and love for country embody patriotism, proving even small forces can challenge giants.
Nguyen Du (1765-1820)
Who He Was: A revered poet of the Nguyen Dynasty, born in Thang Long (Hanoi).
Contributions: His epic poem, The Tale of Kieu, a masterpiece of Vietnamese literature, explores love, loyalty, and justice. Translated into over 20 languages, it’s a cultural treasure. Visit his memorial in Nghe An (free entry).
Vietnamese Spirit: His creative diligence reflects the hard-working nature of Vietnamese artisans.
Vo Nguyen Giap (1911-2013) Vo Nguyen Giap (1911-2013)
Who He Was: A self-taught military strategist and general, born in Quang Binh.
Contributions: Masterminding the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory against France and key Vietnam War strategies, Giap’s guerrilla tactics earned him the nickname “Red Napoleon.” His legacy is honored at the Dien Bien Phu Museum (60,000 VND, $2.40 USD).
Vietnamese Spirit: His perseverance and patriotism turned a history teacher into a global military icon.
Ho Xuan Huong (1772-1822) Ho Xuan Huong (1772-1822)
Who She Was: A pioneering female poet, dubbed the “Queen of Sino-Vietnamese Poetry.”
Contributions: Her bold, witty poems championed gender equality in a feudal era, challenging societal norms. Her works remain studied in schools like Chu Van An High School in Hanoi.
Vietnamese Spirit: Her resilience and creative hard work broke barriers, inspiring modern Vietnamese women.
Contemporary Figures
Pham Nhat Vuong (1968-) Pham Nhat Vuong
Who He Is: Vietnam’s first billionaire and chairman of Vingroup, born in Hanoi.
Contributions: Transforming Vietnam’s economy with Vingroup’s real estate, retail, and VinFast electric vehicles, Vuong has elevated Vietnam’s global tech presence. Visit Vinpearl resorts in Phu Quoc to see his vision (rooms from 2,000,000 VND, $80 USD).
Vietnamese Spirit: His relentless work ethic and patriotic investment in Vietnam’s future reflect national pride.
Who She Is: Vietnam’s first female billionaire and CEO of VietJet Air, born in Hanoi.
Contributions: Revolutionizing affordable travel with VietJet, she’s empowered millions to explore Vietnam and beyond. Book a flight to Da Nang (from 500,000 VND, $20 USD) to experience her impact.
Vietnamese Spirit: Her perseverance and hard work turned a startup into a regional aviation leader.
Tran Thanh (1987-)
Who He Is: A comedian, actor, and TV host, born in Ho Chi Minh City.
Contributions: Hosting shows like Rap Viet and starring in films like Nha Ba Nu (2023), Tran has modernized Vietnamese entertainment, reaching millions. Catch his live shows in Ho Chi Minh City (tickets from 300,000 VND, $12 USD).
Vietnamese Spirit: His creative diligence connects younger generations to Vietnamese culture.
Conclusion
The famous Vietnamese people, from Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary zeal to Pham Nhat Vuong’s economic vision, embody the nation’s core traits of hard work, perseverance, and patriotism. These historical and contemporary figures have shaped Vietnam’s identity, from ancient uprisings to modern global influence, leaving legacies in sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and innovations like VinFast. Their stories inspire travelers to delve into Vietnam’s vibrant culture and resilient spirit. To truly connect with the authentic beauty of the Vietnamese people and their legendary hospitality, book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to explore hidden gems and heartfelt stories—download the app now and start your cultural adventure!
