An Xa Village - Le Thuy - Quang Binh: Homeland of General Vo Nguyen Giap

Situated beside the poetic Kien Giang River, An Xa Village carries the rustic, peaceful beauty of a traditional Vietnamese countryside. According to the elders, the shape of the village resembles a musical instrument, symbolizing harmony and culture. With 12 lineages living together, mainly working in agriculture, An Xa is not only a place that nurtures industrious people but also a land that produced many talented scholars, from doctoral graduates of the Le Dynasty such as Pham Dai Khang, Le Da Nang, etc.

The village is also famous for sedge mat weaving, a long-standing traditional craft of the local people. An Xa sedge mats stand out for their superior quality, entirely handmade with the meticulousness and skill of the artisans. An Xa Sedge Mats are not only well-known in the region but also exported to many other provinces, contributing to local economic development.

In addition to sedge mat weaving, An Xa also preserves precious historical relics such as An Xa Pagoda, a structure over 100 years old with a majestic architectural style, serving as a spiritual pillar for the locals. The pagoda was once the venue for vibrant revolutionary movements, closely associated with steadfast soldiers like Le Y and Bui Lu, who sacrificed their lives heroically to protect revolutionary ideals. The banyan tree planted by the General himself in 1999 is still lush green, as a symbol of the longevity and indomitable will of the villagers.

The Kien Giang River is not only a source of life but also a childhood memory of General Vo Nguyen Giap. The melodies of Le Thuy ho khoan folk songs, the vast rice fields, and the peaceful countryside atmosphere were deeply imprinted in his soul, becoming a source of inspiration for his great strategic thoughts later on.

Born on August 25, 1911, Vo Nguyen Giap was born in a simple 3-compartment wooden house in An Xa Village. Coming from a poor Confucian family rich in patriotic tradition, he was soon imbued with an indomitable spirit by his father - Mr. Vo Quang Nghiem, a scholar and traditional medicine practitioner, and his maternal grandfather - a soldier in the Can Vuong movement. Mr. Vo Quang Nghiem was arrested by the French colonialists and died in prison, leaving a deep impression of loyalty in the heart of the young Giap.

From childhood, Vo Nguyen Giap studied Chinese characters, absorbing the principles of sages through works like Au hoc tan thu (New Textbook for Children's Education). These lessons not only shaped his character but also awakened in him a love for his homeland and country. After leaving An Xa Village to study in Dong Hoi and Hue, he soon joined patriotic student movements from 1925, joined the Tan Viet Revolutionary Party in 1927, and later became one of the pioneer soldiers of the Indochinese Communist Party.

Without attending any formal military school, Vo Nguyen Giap, from a history teacher at Thang Long Private School, became the "Commander of Commanders," the leader of campaigns that changed the history of Vietnam. With his concept of "People's War," he led the Vietnam People's Army through glorious victories such as the Border Campaign of 1950, Dien Bien Phu in 1954, Tet Mau Than in 1968, and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.

The Dien Bien Phu victory, "resounding across five continents and shaking the earth," is the clearest testament to his genius military talent. Under the command of the General, the Vietnamese army achieved a miracle, ending the rule of French colonialists and opening a new chapter in the nation's history.

Not only a talented general, Vo Nguyen Giap was also a cultural figure and an outstanding politician. He held important positions such as Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, and especially the head of the National Committee for Population and Family Planning, contributing to shaping the country's development policies.

On December 14, 2024, the General Vo Nguyen Giap Memorial House in An Xa Village was inaugurated, becoming a sacred destination for those who want to find the roots of the national hero. Designed in traditional Vietnamese architectural style, the work possesses a simple yet majestic beauty, with the blue stone ground floor symbolizing resilient will and the exquisite lim wood second floor, engraved with couplets praising the General's talent and virtue.

In addition, the memorial house – where the General was born still retains its simple features with rows of areca trees, a star fruit tree over 100 years old, and the water tank associated with his childhood. Every day, thousands of tourists from all over flock here, bringing incense, flowers, and deep gratitude. Along with relics like Vung Chua - Yen Island (the resting place of the General) and Hoang Phuc Pagoda, An Xa Village has become a part of Quang Binh's unique chain of cultural and historical destinations.

In the past, every time he returned to his hometown, the General always advised the people of An Xa and Le Thuy to unite, comply with the Party's guidelines, and work hard to develop their homeland. Those advices have become a guide for the people of Quang Binh, helping the province transform from a purely agricultural land into a modern economy, with tourism becoming a spearhead economic sector.

The image of the General standing on a canoe, waving to the people beside the Kien Giang River during the traditional boat racing festival in 2004, is still deeply imprinted in the minds of Le Thuy people. The cheers of 'Hurrah for the General!' echoed as proof of the love and respect the people had for him.

An Xa Village is not only the homeland of the General but also a symbol of patriotism, resilient will, and benevolence. Those values continue to be inherited by the younger generation, as in the song lyrics: "Down memory lane to childhood, leaving from the home village of An Xa / Faded memories, the Kien Giang river flows lazily / Indomitable heroic ancestors' family tradition...".

An Xa Village is not only a destination on the tourism map of Quang Binh but also a place that preserves the soul of a land rich in revolutionary and cultural traditions. From the tiny village roads, General Vo Nguyen Giap stepped out into the world, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history. Visit An Xa once to feel the breath of the homeland, to pay tribute to the legendary general, and to feel your heart beat with pride for the country of Vietnam.