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1 day excursion – Lai Xá village – FULL
June 27, 2020 @ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
350,000VND
This excursion is now full. we will have a waiting list
Lai Xá (photography) village is associated with many former notable and prominent people. The village, in Kim Chung Commune 15km west of Hanoi, is recognised as the birthplace of photography in Vietnam – and the hometown of many special talented photographers and scholars.
NOTE: Due to the more academic nature of this activity, it will particularly interest those who:
- love museums
- love photography
- want to explore Vietnamese history and society in more depth through the story of one family and through the camera lens
- the chance to speak to the Director of the Ethnology Museum and leading authorities on photography in Vietnam
Khánh Ký – born in the village in 1874. He taught photography to Hồ Chí Minh and is regarded as the father of photography in Vietnam.
Dr. Nguyễn Văn Huyên (1908-1975) historian, ethnologist and culture researcher. And Minister of Education for 29 years
Vũ Đinh Hồng – Hồ Chí Minh’s photographer (1960-69)
Nguyễn Quang Quyền – former president of the Hồ Chí Minh University of Medicine
Nguyễn Quang Thái– a very popular mathematician
Nguyễn Văn Chánh– photographer
Morning part 1 (Nguyễn Văn Huyên museum)
We are guests of Mr Nguyễn Văn Huy (founding Director of the Museum of Ethnology). He established the Nguyễn Văn Huyên museum. On display are nearly 400 objects and documents on the life and career of his father Nguyễn Văn Huyên and family. This is a wonderful, high quality family museum. Spread over 4 floors it tells the story of the former Minister’s life and his family. The way it has been curated also gives us a great insight into society, the politics and history of Vietnam – through the eyes of one family. Huy is our guide and he is a wonderful person and a longtime friend of FVH.
Lunch – bring a packed lunch to eat in the museum courtyard or we will go to a nearby local restaurant
Afternoon part 2 (Lai Xá photography museum)
On 15 May 2017, the village opened a new museum dedicated to photography, the brainchild of leading village/community figures.
The villagers funded the construction themselves and designers employed modern technologies in the installation of exhibits as well as seeking advice from local and international experts.
Photography flourished in this village in the first half the 20th century thanks to one man, Khánh Ký (real name – Nguyễn Đình Khanh). Born into a poor farming family in 1874 he trained and inspired generations of photographers – his influence is still felt today. He turned the village into a ‘photography village’. Up to 150 photos, 25 panels/graphics and 15 glass cases containing 150 objects are displayed at two-storied photography house museum. The exhibits, occupying 300sqm of space, illustrate stories of the photography trade, culture and society and document how Khánh Ký, his peers, supporters and successors turned this once agricultural village into a prominent photographic centre.
Timing: arrive 8.15am ready to depart at 8.30am. We return to Hanoi about 4.30pm
The day is arranged and led by Phuong Anh and Mai. Please register by 14 June via
Meeting point. Outside Pan Pacific Hotel, Yên Phụ Street, corner of Thanh Niên Street
350,000 VND adult, 180,000 VND under 15s to cover transport cost based on a 16 seater bus and contributions to both village museums. Limited to 14 people to keep the group compact for this event and enough quality time for people to be get the most of the museums.
Vietnamese with English translation
