In the heart of Nghệ An Province, the birthplace of Việt Nam’s revered national hero, President Hồ Chí Minh, a unique cultural event is set to unfold. From May 10 to 20, 2025, the Sen Village Festival will host a captivating photographic exhibition, showcasing the vibrant diversity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This event, coinciding with the 135th anniversary of Hồ Chí Minh’s birth on May 19, promises to bring together stunning visual stories of the region’s landscapes, people, and heritage.
A Window into ASEAN’s Cultural Tapestry
Organized by the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition under Việt Nam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with Nghệ An’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the exhibition will feature 200 carefully curated photographs. Of these, 50 images captured by Vietnamese photographers will highlight the nation’s breathtaking scenery and cultural depth, from the rolling hills of Bac Son Valley in Lạng Son to the bustling streets of Hà Nội. The remaining 150 photographs, taken by artists from across ASEAN member states, will offer a broader perspective on the region’s shared yet distinct identities.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect to be transported into the heart of Southeast Asia, where ancient traditions meet modern dynamism. The images are more than mere snapshots; they are windows into the lives of communities across the region, reflecting both unity and diversity. Whether it’s the serene rice terraces of Indonesia or the vibrant festivals of Thailand, the collection aims to foster a deeper appreciation of ASEAN’s interconnected cultural heritage. 
Honoring History at Sen Village Festival
The timing of the exhibition is deeply symbolic, as it forms a key part of the Sen Village Festival, an annual celebration in Nghệ An Province honoring President Hồ Chí Minh. Born in 1890 in this very region, Hồ Chí Minh remains a towering figure in Vietnamese history, celebrated for his role in the nation’s struggle for independence. The festival, marking his 135th birthday in 2025, will draw thousands of locals and tourists alike, eager to pay tribute to his legacy through cultural events, traditional performances, and now, this unique photographic display.
By embedding the ASEAN exhibition within the festival, organizers hope to underscore the values of unity and cooperation that Hồ Chí Minh championed throughout his life. The event serves as a reminder of Việt Nam’s integral role within the broader Southeast Asian community, reinforcing ties with neighboring nations through shared cultural expressions.
Bridging Nations Through Art
The power of photography lies in its ability to transcend language barriers, offering a universal medium to tell stories. For the people of Nghệ An and beyond, this exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to engage with the wider ASEAN region without leaving their homeland. It also highlights Việt Nam’s growing prominence as a cultural hub, capable of hosting events that resonate on an international scale.
As visitors wander through the display, they will encounter authentic portrayals of daily life across ASEAN countries—fishermen casting nets in Cambodia, artisans crafting intricate designs in Myanmar, and urban skylines pulsating with energy in Singapore. Each photograph is a testament to the region’s resilience, creativity, and spirit of collaboration, echoing the ASEAN motto of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
A Celebration of Shared Futures
As the Sen Village Festival approaches, anticipation is building in Nghệ An for an event that promises not only to honor a national icon but also to celebrate the rich mosaic of Southeast Asia. The photographic exhibition stands as a bridge between past and present, connecting Hồ Chí Minh’s vision of unity with the modern aspirations of ASEAN’s diverse peoples. For those who attend, it will be a chance to reflect on how far the region has come—and to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.
