Vietnamese Oratory Contest 2026: Footprints back to the roots in the heritage land of Thang Long - Kinh Bac
WVR - On August 6, as part of the "Back to the Roots - Following Uncle Ho's Footsteps" Journey of the Vietnamese Language Oratory Contest 2026, overseas contestants continued to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Hanoi and the Kinh Bac region.
Latest
 |
| The organizers and delegates take a commemorative photo at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. |
In the solemn atmosphere of Ba Dinh Square, the contestants visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Nguyen Pham Huyen My, the first prize winner of the Vietnamese Language Oratory Contest 2026 in Japan, emotionally shared: “When I entered the Mausoleum, I felt a very solemn and sacred atmosphere. I am very happy to see Uncle Ho.
Previously, my mother often told me stories and showed me many films about Uncle Ho. Today, being here in person, I understand more about his simple lifestyle, from modest meals with braised fish, boiled vegetables, salted eggplant to his boundless love for the country and the people.”
 |
| Nguyen Pham Huyen My, returning from Japan (far right), expresses her admiration for the great leader of the nation. |
Leaving the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the group continued to visit the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace Historical Site and watched the documentary "The Last Moments of Ho Chi Minh".
The authentic documentary footage about the last days of President Ho Chi Minh provided the students with profound lessons on sacrifice, dedication to the nation, and love for the people.
Bui Trung Dung, the third prize winner of the contest in Japan, expressed his emotions: “Despite his very weak health, Uncle Ho was always concerned about the lives of the people, especially the flood prevention on the Red River. This helped me understand more about Uncle Ho's patriotism and sacrifice for the nation.”
 |
| Bui Trung Dung poses for a photo in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. (Source: Organizing Board) |
In the afternoon, the group continued their journey on the heritage train "Hanoi 5 Gates", departing from Hanoi Station to Tu Son Station (Bac Ninh). The space on the train recreated cultural slices of old Hanoi through historical stories and traditional art performances.
For the Vietnamese language ambassadors, the most memorable experience was enjoying and directly interacting with the xam singing artisans. Tijn Kongs Le, returning from the Netherlands, shared: “For me, this is a very special experience. Not only did I get to see beautiful scenery, but I also had the opportunity to sing xam with the artisans.
Previously, I often listened to xam tunes at home and practiced singing along because I really love this art form. Performing right on the heritage train made me very happy and proud to be Vietnamese. The trip helped me feel closer to my homeland and understand more about the traditional cultural values of the nation.”
 |
| Tijn Kongs Le enthusiastically participates in xam singing with the artisans. (Photo: Minh Hang) |
Departing from the heritage train, the group went to offer incense at Do Temple (Bac Ninh) – the place of worship for eight kings of the Ly dynasty. In the sacred space of the relic, the contestants respectfully paid tribute to the ancestors who contributed to building and defending the country, learning more about the history of the Ly dynasty and important milestones in the nation's development process.
After the incense offering ceremony, the students toured the relic's grounds, exploring the culture of the Kinh Bac region and selecting souvenirs rich in Vietnamese identity as a way to preserve beautiful memories on their journey back to the roots.
Sharing about the program's significance, Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Vietnamese Language Oratory Contest 2026, stated that the selection of destinations in the journey was designed with the desire to help students learn through experience, directly feeling their homeland with their own eyes, ears, and hearts.
 |
| The delegates and contestants perform the incense offering ritual. (Photo: Minh Hang) |
According to Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong, the "Following Uncle Ho's Footsteps" journey is not just a tour but also an opportunity for students to directly engage with the history, culture, and people of Vietnam.
“We hope the students not only understand more about their homeland but also gain confidence in using Vietnamese, seeing it as a motivation to continue learning and preserving the language every day,” he shared.
Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong also noted that for many young overseas Vietnamese, geographical distance makes access to national history and culture challenging. Therefore, the journey back to the roots becomes "living lessons", helping them gain a deeper understanding of President Ho Chi Minh, the nation's glorious history, and the values that define Vietnamese identity.
 |
| Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong introduces the contestants to the history of the Ly dynasty. |
What makes the organizers most delighted is the noticeable change in the contestants after just two days of experience. “Through their eyes, communication, and sharing, we clearly see their increased confidence in using Vietnamese and boldly introducing their homeland. Many have expressed very natural emotions after visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, touring the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, or experiencing the heritage train. That is exactly what we hoped for,” he said.
Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong expressed his desire for the Vietnamese Language Oratory Contest to not only remain within the Vietnamese community in Japan but also expand to many countries with large Vietnamese populations.
“We hope the journey back to the roots will become a bridge for more young Vietnamese generations abroad to have the opportunity to return to their homeland, directly experiencing the history, culture, and people of Vietnam. From there, they will become 'Vietnamese language ambassadors', spreading love for their homeland, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends,” he emphasized.
Concluding the second day of the "Back to the Roots - Following Uncle Ho's Footsteps" Journey, the experiences in Hanoi and the Kinh Bac region not only helped the contestants expand their understanding of national history and culture but also nurtured a love for their homeland in the hearts of those far from home.
Below are the highlights of the group on August 6:
 |
| The "ambassadors" eagerly feed the fish. |
 |
| The organizers and contestants watch footage of Uncle Ho's last moments. |
 |
| The students eagerly try Hanoi's specialty - green rice flakes. (Photo: Minh Hang) |
 |
| The organizers and students take a commemorative photo in front of the "Royal Edict" at Do Temple (Bac Ninh). (Photo: Minh Hang) |
