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The conical hats made by the Nung An ethnic people are unlike any other in Vietnam. They have unique patterns, are made from special materials, and are crafted in a distinctive way. The hats are meticulously handcrafted using bamboo slats and bamboo/banana leaves. The bamboo used must be locally sourced and have a diameter of 5-8cm with a straight stem. The most crucial step in hat making is splitting the slats, a skill that requires precision and expertise. Skilled artisans never use a knife for this task. Once split, the bamboo slats are woven into a double-layered frame, with an outer and inner layer. The outer layer of the frame is intricately woven by the craftsman, as it greatly impacts the final appearance of the hat. The bamboo leaves used for the hats are carefully selected, bundled together, and naturally dried until they turn brown and develop the desired strength. Longer bamboo leaves are used for the middle layer of the...

Each flower boasts five pink petals like peach blossoms, but when they bloom, they form clusters with thick, long, and red pistils. When the flowers are in bloom, they make the mountains and villages throughout the region become even more picturesque. The tree is a woody plant featuring a wide canopy. It is grown on hillsides and mountainsides in the area. The flowers normally bloom a few weeks before the Lunar New Year festival. It is also the time when the Mong ethnic people go to spring festivals. The flowers are also often featured on the costumes of Mong girls. In Dien Bien province, the wild peach tree is mainly grown in areas such as Tay Trang of Dien Bien district, along with the high-deo villages in Sa Dung, Na Son, Pu Nhi, Keo Lom, and Tia Dinh communes. The flowers bring a message of happiness and marks the arrival of a new spring to the Mong community in the highlands and mountainous areas. The post...

The images showcase the Lunar New Year gifts that are given to the Spratly islanders. These gifts are a token of appreciation and support for the hard work of those defending national sovereignty and integrity. This special trip is made as the lunar New Year festival approaches. It signifies the importance of the occasion. The Fourth Regional Command of the Vietnam People’s Army’s Brigade 146 recently received several gifts from organizations and individuals. These gifts are meant for officers, soldiers, and people residing on the islands. With the Tet gifts brought from the mainland, the islanders of Truong Sa feel the continuous support of their compatriots both materially and spiritually. Colonel Le Dinh Hai, deputy commander of Brigade 146 and chairman of the People’s Committee of Truong Sa island district, Khanh Hoa province, expressed his gratitude. The gifts include kumquat trees, symbolizing wealth and good luck. There are a...

“Vietnam’s culture captivates me, and the best way to delve into it is through its objects. With 54 ethnic groups, each having their own unique items and perspective on the world, Vietnam offers a treasure trove for collectors,” states Mark Rapoport, a dedicated collector and connoisseur of Vietnamese ethnic cultures. Mark, who has spent 20 years in Vietnam, has amassed a remarkable collection of over 10,000 objects representing the ethnic minorities in the northern and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. For Mark, these antiques are not merely decorative items but windows to the history and culture of the country. Mark’s love affair with Vietnamese culture began during his time as a medical student in Vietnam in 1969. Working as a medical volunteer in Da Nang City and Quang Ngai province, he was enchanted by a basket used by a local ethnic woman to hold cooked rice. That basket was the first of many antiques that Mark would go on to collect. Mark eventually returned to New York...