Two Days of “Connecting the Threads of Heritage” in Thai Nguyen: Discovering More About Our Roots and Vietnamese Identity

The interdisciplinary project “Connecting the Threads of Heritage: From Historical Memory to Global Citizenship” has taken us on a journey to explore Vietnam’s history, nature, and cultural heritage, while reflecting on the responsibilities of young people in an increasingly interconnected world. On October 21–22, 2026, our trip to Thai Nguyen took us to places rich in historical and cultural significance, from the Dinh Hoa Safe Zone (ATK) and the Tan Cuong tea-growing region to Thai Hai Cultural Village and Tien Yen Tea Cooperative. Each destination not only brought us new knowledge but also deepened our understanding of our roots and the values we should preserve as we prepare to step into the wider world.

Our first stop was the Dinh Hoa Safe Zone (ATK), a place closely associated with the difficult yet heroic years of Vietnam’s resistance struggle. As we offered incense in remembrance of President Ho Chi Minh and explored historical sites such as Khuon Tat, Tin Keo, and Pu Don, we gained a deeper understanding of the lives and historic decisions of previous generations - remarkable people who devoted themselves and made great sacrifices for national independence, despite living and working under extremely challenging conditions.

Places we had previously known only through textbooks suddenly felt much closer as we stood in these historic spaces, filled with memories of Vietnam’s past. History was no longer simply a collection of dates to memorize. Instead, it came alive through inspiring stories and meaningful values passed down through generations.

“I now understand more about the importance of Thai Nguyen during the resistance years. This land provided shelter and contributed to the victories of Vietnamese soldiers. Seeing the bunkers, houses, and field kitchens with my own eyes, alongside the peaceful tea hills and rice fields, I felt as though I could glimpse life during wartime and the spirit of previous generations, who were willing to sacrifice their lives so that the nation could live,” shared Hoai Phuong.

At the Tan Cuong Tea Cultural Space, our Grade 12 group enjoyed warm cups of fragrant tea, a specialty of Thai Nguyen. Although the tea had a slightly bitter taste at first, it left a lingering sweetness, beautifully complemented by traditional treats such as peanut candy.

Arriving at Thai Hai Cultural Village, we were greeted by traditional stilt houses nestled in a peaceful setting, a world away from the bustling streets we were used to. Here, we explored the customs, cuisine, and traditional way of life of the Tay ethnic community through hands-on experiences.

One of our most memorable moments was the cultural exchange that evening. Together with local residents, we joined in dances around the campfire, enjoyed traditional Tay performances, and shared lively musical acts prepared by Grade 12 Olympians themselves. In those moments, we truly felt the enduring vitality of Vietnamese traditional arts, as the melodies of Then singing continued to connect young people with the cultural heritage of earlier generations.

On the second day, we took part in three hands-on activity stations, trying our hand at farming, carpentry, and weaving five-colored cords. These activities introduced us to traditional crafts that require dexterity, patience, and years of accumulated knowledge and experience. Our time at Thai Hai not only allowed us to interact and connect with the local community but also helped us understand how cultural heritage is cherished and passed down from one generation to the next.

Our final stop was Tien Yen Tea Cooperative, where we learned about tea production and experienced the entire process firsthand, from harvesting and roasting tea leaves to rolling them and tasting the finished tea. With each step, we came to appreciate the care and craftsmanship required to create tea with such a distinctive flavor.

“At Tien Yen Tea Cooperative, I learned the proper techniques for picking tea leaves, tried roasting them myself, and captured memorable photos with my friends surrounded by lush greenery. These simple experiences helped me realize just how much care and patience goes into every cup of tea we drink,” shared Khoa Thai Uyen.

Listening to the local tea makers share their experiences and patiently answer our questions, we realized that tea production is much more than a means of earning a living. It is also a valuable cultural tradition that younger generations in the community are working to preserve.

Reflecting on this, Nguyen Do Thao Anh shared: “During our conversations, we had many of our questions answered and gained a better understanding of how the tea industry has developed over time. Alongside traditional tea varieties, the production of matcha shows how local tea makers are embracing innovation and adapting to modern consumer preferences while staying true to their traditional craft.”

Although our two-day, one-night journey to Thai Nguyen has come to an end, the reflections it inspired have stayed with us long after our return. As young people preparing to enter a world full of opportunities, we want to remain curious, keep learning, and embrace new experiences while remembering the cultural roots that have shaped us. Because we believe that the further we venture into the world, the more important it becomes to remember where we come from and the values that have made us who we are.

Written by Phan Lan Anh and Nguyen Khanh Vy