Story: Truong Quy

To Vietnamese people, the southernmost region of the country, where fertile rivers meet the East Sea, is seen as a vast and untamed land, inviting exploration with its boundless horizon:
“Send word to those traveling to the southern land,
Where the blue sky and white clouds reflect on the Mekong River…”

-lines from the song A Love Song for the Southern Land, music by Lu Nhat Vu, lyrics by Le Giang

Spring in the South brings warm, pleasant weather, with sunlight that encourages vibrant flowers to bloom and trees to sway along festive streets. At the start of the year, journeys to the South are colored by the yellow of apricot blossoms and the red of new tiled roofs, peeking out of lush green coconut groves in rural areas. The sounds of spring include the lively drumbeats of lion dances and melodious traditional music, played as people dine on festive Tet specialties.

Flower market at Binh Dong wharf in Hochiminh City

To visit the South during spring is to take a journey tracing the footsteps of the pioneers who settled this region and uncover the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the Tet celebrations of the Southern people, from peace-seeking festivals to ceremonies honoring this area’s settlers and founders.

Những người dân nào đã góp tên Ông Đốc, Ông Trang, Bà Đen, Bà Điểm
Và ở đâu trên khắp ruộng đồng, gò bãi
Chẳng mang một dáng hình, một ao ước, một lối sống ông cha.

(Whoever contributed the names Mr. Doc, Mr. Trang, Mrs. Den, and Mrs. Diem

And  every corner of the fields and hills
Does  carry a shape, a wish, or a way of life from our ancestors.)

(“Country” – poem by Nguyen Khoa Diem)

The names in the first line of this poem refer to exemplary figures in folk culture, highlighting the role of every citizen in nation-building. The middle line is a reminder that the nation includes diverse landscapes and regions, while the final line reflects the importance of preserving our cultural identity, national values, and traditions.

Many places in the Mekong Delta are named after real people, with stories emerging from real life, contributing to the rustic character of this region. Visiting the South during Tet evokes nostalgia for “Dang Trong (Inner Circuit)”, with stories rich in alluvial history.

The Mekong Delta, sustained by its two largest rivers—the Dong Nai and the Mekong—is the lifeblood of thriving communities and home to protected natural areas including the forests of Nam Cat Tien, U Minh, and Tra Su.

The latest issue of Heritage Guide presents fascinating land and river routes for exploring the South. This publication serves as a valuable companion for travelers seeking to visit the red-soiled, forested East or the fertile, alluvial-rich land of the Nine Dragons.