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Ancient Mang Thit brick village: A nostalgic destination in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

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Situated in Mang Thit District of Vinh Long Province in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, the Mang Thit brick village, known as the ‘kingdom of bricks’ in the region, has a history of over 100 years, making it very attractive to tourists from near and far.

The uniqueness of the ancient brick village lies in its kilns, with each of them having a height of 5-12 meters and a round tower shape, creating a distinctive architectural complex.

Mang Thit is also regarded as a village of traditional craftsmanship and tourism.

Such a perfect combination drives up the village’s economic growth.

Blocks molded in clay are sunbathed before being put into a kiln for burning

Blocks molded in clay are sunbathed before being put into a kiln for burning in the Mang Thit brick village in Mang Thit District, Vinh Long Province, Vietnam.  

 

Vinh Long Province offers supportive policies to local craftsmen and gives special mechanisms to turn the brick hub into the ‘Mang Thit contemporary cultural heritage’ to further boost socio-economic development.

Nam Lon, whose real name is Le Van Lon, a 72-year-old resident of Nhon Phu Commune, Mang Thit District, has over 40 years of brick-making experience.

In boom times, the village had over 2,800 kilns, but it is now home to only 1,000 furnaces, with a mere 30 kilns burning frequently, he recounted.

Meanwhile, the rest lie idle waiting for tourists, he added.

“Apart from the beauty of kilns, which look like eggs, the secret to burning a kiln becomes unique and exciting,” Nam Lon said.

“As a highly-skilled kiln-man, he must know how to control the fire to burn bricks well.

“Brick-making can make money, depending on the artisan’s experience and skills.

“I am very pleased and excited to see the place used for tourism development.

“If a large number of tourists visit the village, locals can enjoy a more comfortable life and preserve the traditional craft.”

In fact, the Mang Thit brick village is fading into history as many artisans have quit the craft to land a new profitable job, while furnaces have degraded.

The owners of operational kilns are struggling to make a living and wait for a promising start of a ‘contemporary cultural heritage site.’

The village now has only 30 burning furnaces as many artisans have landed another job

The village now has only 30 burning furnaces as many artisans have landed another job.

Mr. Hoa, a resident of Nhon Phu Commune, has pursued the craft for over 20 years

Mr. Hoa, a resident of Nhon Phu Commune, has pursued the craft for over 20 years.

Nam Lon says that in boom times, the village has over 2,800 kilns, but is now home to only 1,000 furnaces, with a mere 30 kilns burning frequently

Nam Lon says that in boom times, the village has over 2,800 kilns, but it is now home to only 1,000 furnaces, with a mere 30 kilns burning frequently.

The Mang Thit Brick Village is a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta region

The Mang Thit brick village is a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta region.

A photo shows abandoned and aging kilns

A photo shows abandoned and aging kilns.

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Situated in Mang Thit District of Vinh Long Province in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, the Mang Thit brick village, known as the ‘kingdom of bricks’ in the region, has a history of over 100 years, making it very attractive to tourists from near and far.

The uniqueness of the ancient brick village lies in its kilns, with each of them having a height of 5-12 meters and a round tower shape, creating a distinctive architectural complex.

Mang Thit is also regarded as a village of traditional craftsmanship and tourism.

Such a perfect combination drives up the village’s economic growth.

Blocks molded in clay are sunbathed before being put into a kiln for burning

Blocks molded in clay are sunbathed before being put into a kiln for burning in the Mang Thit brick village in Mang Thit District, Vinh Long Province, Vietnam.  

 

Vinh Long Province offers supportive policies to local craftsmen and gives special mechanisms to turn the brick hub into the ‘Mang Thit contemporary cultural heritage’ to further boost socio-economic development.

Nam Lon, whose real name is Le Van Lon, a 72-year-old resident of Nhon Phu Commune, Mang Thit District, has over 40 years of brick-making experience.

In boom times, the village had over 2,800 kilns, but it is now home to only 1,000 furnaces, with a mere 30 kilns burning frequently, he recounted.

Meanwhile, the rest lie idle waiting for tourists, he added.

“Apart from the beauty of kilns, which look like eggs, the secret to burning a kiln becomes unique and exciting,” Nam Lon said.

“As a highly-skilled kiln-man, he must know how to control the fire to burn bricks well.

“Brick-making can make money, depending on the artisan’s experience and skills.

“I am very pleased and excited to see the place used for tourism development.

“If a large number of tourists visit the village, locals can enjoy a more comfortable life and preserve the traditional craft.”

In fact, the Mang Thit brick village is fading into history as many artisans have quit the craft to land a new profitable job, while furnaces have degraded.

The owners of operational kilns are struggling to make a living and wait for a promising start of a ‘contemporary cultural heritage site.’

The village now has only 30 burning furnaces as many artisans have landed another job

The village now has only 30 burning furnaces as many artisans have landed another job.

Mr. Hoa, a resident of Nhon Phu Commune, has pursued the craft for over 20 years

Mr. Hoa, a resident of Nhon Phu Commune, has pursued the craft for over 20 years.

Nam Lon says that in boom times, the village has over 2,800 kilns, but is now home to only 1,000 furnaces, with a mere 30 kilns burning frequently

Nam Lon says that in boom times, the village has over 2,800 kilns, but it is now home to only 1,000 furnaces, with a mere 30 kilns burning frequently.

The Mang Thit Brick Village is a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta region

The Mang Thit brick village is a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta region.

A photo shows abandoned and aging kilns

A photo shows abandoned and aging kilns.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230317/ancient-mang-thit-brick-village-a-nostalgic-destination-in-vietnams-mekong-delta/72101.html

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In Vietnam, woman helps disabled husband fulfill wish of organ donation

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The wife of a disabled man in Hanoi who was declared dead from a brain hemorrhage donated his organs to save the lives of others, according to his wishes.

D.T.B., 43, passed away but his heart, liver, and two kidneys still survive in the bodies of others, Hanoi-based Viet Duc University Hospital said on Wednesday.

N.T.H., B.’s wife, said she and B. got married in 2008 and have raised their son and daughter together despite obstacles and difficulties.

B. worked as a cargo transporter and H. as a rice farmer, scrap trader, and domestic helper to make ends meet.

Her family lived in a nine-square-meter house before recently moving to a larger home.

H. has been undergoing thyroid disease treatment at an oncology hospital over the past eight years. However, the disease developed into thyroid cancer last year.

While receiving treatment at the hospital, she was informed that her husband had collapsed while resting after work.

B. was rushed to the General Hospital of Agriculture where doctors found that he had suffered brain hemorrhage and his heart had stopped beating.

H. hurriedly returned home to see her husband for the last time.

Suppressing the pain of losing her husband, H. requested that his organs be donated, according to her deceased husband’s wishes.

According to H., B.’s dream of donating his organs was ignited after watching a report on organ donation in 2009 and deciding he wanted his organs to be used to help other continue their lives.

Despite her family’s protest, H. had B.’s body transported to Viet Duc University Hospital where his organs were donated.

“Whenever someone told me that he would hurt, I smiled and replied that was his wish. He left but still did good things for life,” H. shared.

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230916/in-vietnam-woman-helps-disabled-husband-fulfill-wish-of-organ-donation/75566.html

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Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to host first trail race in November

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An Giang Province in southern Vietnam is set to host a trail running competition on November 22 this year at the Cam Mountain tourist area, located in the province’s Tinh Bien Town.

The provincial Center for Investment and Trade Promotion and the administration of Tinh Bien jointly held a press conference on Thursday to announce the Cam Mountain Trail 2023, the first trail race in the Mekong Delta region.

The tournament is co-organized by the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, the Victoria Nui Sam Hotel, Vietrace365 JSC, and the management board of the Cam Mountain tourist area.

The Cam Mountain Trail is expected to promote physical activity habits and the trailing running trend in the area as well as across the country.

Le Trung Hieu, director of the provincial Center for Investment and Trade Promotion, said the event will enable An Giang to promote its tourism, cultural customs, and local specialties, aside from spreading a positive message to keep a healthy lifestyle.

Running enthusiasts from beginners to athletes are welcomed to take part in the sports event, which offers runners 5km, 10km, 21km và 42km races through stunning landscapes including lush forests, mountain passes, and tourist attractions.

Some trails of the upcoming Cam Mountain Trail 2023. Photo: Courtesy of organizer
Some trails of the upcoming Cam Mountain Trail 2023. Photo: Courtesy of organizer

The participants are required to finish their races starting from delta areas to the top of Cam Mountain within 7-8 hours.

The first finishers of the mentioned-above distances will be awarded medals and the respective sums of VND3 million (US$124), VND4 million ($165), VND5 million ($206), and VND7 million ($290).

Up to now, around 1,000 runners have registered to join the trail race, according to the organizer.

Since the Cam Mountain Trail 2023 is the first of its kind in the delta, the organizer limits the number of runners in the competition at some 1,300 only. 

The figure will be revised up in the next few years if local lodging facilities are able to offer their services to more runners.

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230916/vietnams-mekong-delta-to-host-first-trail-race-in-november/75606.html

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40 cruise ships, yachts join parade at Ho Chi Minh City River Fest

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The ongoing Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, taking place from Friday to Sunday this week, features a boat parade every night with the participation of some 40 cruise ships, yachts, floating restaurants, canoes operated by tourism businesses on the Saigon River.

This waterway parade is expected to be one of the highlights of the three-day festival, hosted by the municipal Department of Tourism, in coordination with  the municipal Department of Culture and Sports as well as relevant agencies.

The boat parade starts from the Saigon Cruise Port in District 4 to the waters near the Landmark 81 building, the highest skyscraper in the country, with the participating ships decorated with colorful lights to attract festival-goers.

The boat parade will take place between 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm on Saturday and from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sunday this week.

Illuminated boats stage a parade on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, August 4, 2023. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre
Illuminated boats stage a parade on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, August 4, 2023. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre

Aside from watching the boat parade, festival-goers can access some 150 special deals offered by over 100 travel firms at the event.

They can also explore riverside cultural space, take part in a wide range of traditional folk games, and enjoy various traditional music and dance shows.

These activities are scheduled to take place at the Saigon Cruise Port, the Bach Dang Wharf Park, the Binh Dong Wharf, along the banks of Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal, and in various tourist sites.

Below are some photos of a boat parade held on Friday night:

Illuminated boats are on parade near the Ba Son Bridge, which spans over the Saigon River and links District 1 with Thu Duc City in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
Illuminated boats are on parade near the Ba Son Bridge, which spans over the Saigon River and links District 1 with Thu Duc City in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
The boat parade is seen at the Vinhomes Central Park Tan Cang area. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
The boat parade is seen at the Vinhomes Central Park Tan Cang area. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
Cruise ship guests enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ho Chi Minh City at night. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre
Cruise ship guests enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ho Chi Minh City at night. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre
A sparkling riverside view of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
A sparkling riverside view of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre
A drone light art performance at the festival. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre
A drone light art performance at the festival. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre
A drone light art performance at the festival. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre
A drone light art performance at the festival. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230805/40-cruise-ships-yachts-join-parade-at-ho-chi-minh-city-river-fest/74813.html

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