Alexandre Yersin Museum
Discover the legacy of bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin, exploring his scientific tools, personal life, and humanitarian impact in Nha Trang.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Alexandre Yersin Museum
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the legacy of bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin, exploring his scientific tools, personal life, and humanitarian impact in Nha Trang.
"A small but meaningful museum, perfect for a cultural detour beyond the usual tourist spots."
🎟️ Buy Ticket at Security
Purchase your 20,000 VND ticket at the security hut in the yard before heading upstairs.
🌡️ Room Can Get Warm
The museum is a single room and can be hot. Visit during cooler parts of the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yersin's Microscope
Main exhibit room
See the actual microscope used by Alexandre Yersin to discover the plague bacillus, Yersinia pestis.
Personal Belongings & Photos
Exhibit cases
Explore Yersin's personal items, including his photography gear and letters, revealing his life beyond science.
Scientific Instruments
Laboratory display
View the original laboratory instruments and scientific tools Yersin employed in his groundbreaking research.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Ticket Purchase & Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Had an Opportunity to visit the Yersin museum in Nha Trang Vietnam, snapped a picture of THE MICROSCOPE used to discover Y.pestis.
🎟️ Buy Ticket at Security
Purchase your 20,000 VND ticket at the security hut in the yard before heading upstairs.
🌡️ Room Can Get Warm
The museum is a single room and can be hot. Visit during cooler parts of the day.
📸 Postcards Available
Pick up unique postcards for only 5,000 VND each as a souvenir.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allocate about 30-45 minutes for a relaxed visit; it's a small but insightful museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Ticket at Security
Purchase your 20,000 VND ticket at the security hut in the yard before heading upstairs.
🌡️ Room Can Get Warm
The museum is a single room and can be hot. Visit during cooler parts of the day.
📸 Postcards Available
Pick up unique postcards for only 5,000 VND each as a souvenir.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allocate about 30-45 minutes for a relaxed visit; it's a small but insightful museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Alexandre Yersin Museum to be a small but meaningful cultural detour in Nha Trang, offering a quiet tribute to a brilliant scientist. While some note the room can get warm, the historical exhibits, including Yersin's personal belongings and scientific instruments, are highly appreciated for their insight into Vietnam's colonial-era science and medicine. It's a recommended stop for those seeking a reflective experience beyond the beach.
"Nice place to visit if you are nearby. Buy ticket on the entrance to the yard at security hut. It costs 20.000d. Inside is a bit hot and air is stuffed so you can’t spend long time there. Interesting story of A.Yersin and his works and belongings. I bought nice post cards there only for 5000d each."
Baktybala Torgautova
"It's like time travel to Indochina times or Indochina Oscar movie to see and know more about all shades of history and science and brilliant brave genius people as Alexandre Yersin. Man of so many crafts and areas of expertise. Small museum but collection and insights are worth every minute you walk and read there."
Mariia
"Alexandre Yersin Museum – Nha Trang’s Quiet Tribute to a Great Scientist 🏛️
Located within the Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang, this museum honours Dr. Alexandre Yersin (1863–1943), the French-Swiss bacteriologist who discovered the plague bacillus (Yersinia pestis) and devoted his life to medicine and the people of Vietnam.
✅ What You’ll See:
Original laboratory instruments, microscopes, and scientific tools Yersin used for research.
Old photographs, letters, and personal belongings that paint a picture of his life beyond science—his love for photography, geography, and exploration.
His work in developing vaccines and studying tropical diseases, which saved countless lives.
Exhibits on how he introduced new crops and livestock to Vietnam, showing his care for local communities.
✅ Why It’s Interesting:
Yersin wasn’t just a colonial scientist—he’s respected by Vietnamese people for his humility and compassion.
The museum shows how Nha Trang became an important medical hub because of him.
You’ll learn how he contributed to the founding of Da Lat as a hill station and his explorations in the Central Highlands.
💰 Entrance Fee: ~20,000 (~RM3–RM8).
⏳ Time Needed: ~45 minutes for a full, relaxed visit.
📍 Location: 8-10 Trần Phú Street, Nha Trang (near the beachfront).
✅ Best For:
Travellers who want a break from the beach and a bit of history.
Those curious about Vietnam’s colonial-era science and medicine.
Anyone who enjoys quiet, reflective museums.
🌟 Verdict:
It’s a small but meaningful museum, perfect if you want a cultural detour in Nha Trang beyond the usual tourist spots. You’ll leave with respect for a man who blended science with genuine humanity."
Imran Azwan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 8-10 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang, within the Pasteur Institute. It's near the beachfront, making it accessible by taxi or a short walk if you're staying nearby.
Yes, you'll need to purchase your ticket at the security hut located in the yard of the Pasteur Institute before proceeding to the museum room on the second floor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 20,000 VND. You purchase this at a security hut in the yard.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the general admission fee is quite affordable at around 20,000 VND.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's best to visit during standard daytime hours, ideally in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and potential closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 30 to 45 minutes is sufficient for a thorough and relaxed visit to the museum.
Yes, the museum room is air-conditioned, which is a welcome relief, though it can still feel a bit warm at times.
You'll find Yersin's original laboratory instruments, microscopes, personal belongings, photographs, letters, and information about his work with tropical diseases and introducing new crops to Vietnam.
Some visitors have reported having fascinating tours conducted by English-speaking staff members from the Pasteur Institute, offering deep historical insights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the museum itself is a small exhibit room. There are no dining facilities within the museum, but Nha Trang has many food options nearby.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the museum to maintain the integrity of the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but it's advisable to check on-site or be discreet. Some visitors have shared photos, suggesting it might be permitted for personal use.
The microscope used to discover the plague bacillus and Yersin's personal artifacts, like his photography equipment, make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a 'detective' or 'discovery' mission, focusing on Yersin's work in finding the plague bacillus. The affordable entrance fee makes it an accessible option for families looking for a cultural experience that breaks from the typical beach activities in Nha Trang.
🤓 History Buffs & Science Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to learn about Yersin's respected status among the Vietnamese people, a testament to his humanitarian efforts. The insights provided by knowledgeable staff, if available, can elevate the experience from a simple museum visit to a deep dive into a significant historical figure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Alexandre Yersin
His contributions extended far beyond medicine. Yersin was also an explorer, a geographer, and an innovator in agriculture. He introduced new crops and livestock to Vietnam, helping to improve local livelihoods. His role in the founding of Da Lat as a hill station and his explorations in the Central Highlands showcase his multifaceted interests and dedication to the country. This museum offers a glimpse into the life of a man who was truly a polymath, blending scientific rigor with a profound humanitarian spirit.
Visitors often express surprise at the breadth of Yersin's work and his respected status among the Vietnamese people, who remember him as a benevolent figure rather than a colonial scientist. The museum, though small, provides a powerful narrative of a brilliant mind and a compassionate heart that left an indelible mark on Vietnam.
Visiting the Pasteur Institute
While the museum is the primary attraction for many, the setting within the Pasteur Institute adds to the historical ambiance. It's a quiet tribute to a significant scientific figure, offering a different pace from Nha Trang's bustling beaches. The staff at the institute are often noted for their knowledge and willingness to share insights, enhancing the visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit