One of Vietnam's most iconic symbols is the conical hat or non la, and have been made and worn by Vietnamese people for some 3000 years. More than just a recognizable symbol of the country, they are built to withstand rain and sun and the skills to make them are passed down from generation to generation. Non La has its own origin, coming from a legend related to the history of rice growing in Vietnam. Vietnamese folklore tells of a legend of a goddess wearing a giant conical hat woven from four large leaves sewn together. Wherever she went, the clouds cleared, and the weather became mild. Before leaving, she taught people how to farm and live in harmony with nature. To show gratitude for her kindness, the people built a temple and recreated her conical hat using palm leaves and bamboo. When we went on a trip to the Mekong Delta, we wore these hats while on the river, to protect us from the sun. Have you seen photos of these hats?

The Vietnamese flag is flown every where in Vietnam, and is a particular sourse of pride in thee country. Introduced in 1940, It became North Vietnam's official flag in 1945 after independence and was later adopted as the national flag of reunified Vietnam in 1976. The Red background represents the blood and sacrifice of those who fought for Vietnam's independence and freedom. The Yellow five-pointed star symbolizes the unity of the Vietnamese people, with each point representing the five main social classes – intellectuals, farmers, workers, businessmen, and soldiers. The yellow color also represents the golden skin tone of the Vietnamese people, reflecting the nation's identity. The flag is often seen by the Vietnamese diaspora, particularly in the U.S., as a symbol of the communist regime's victory and the subsequent, often traumatic, political changes. In modern Vietnam, the flag is increasingly identified with nationalism and the nation itself, rather than solely with political ideology Do you identify the flag as a symbol of communism?

The Vietnamese traditional costume, the Ao dai, stands among Vietnam's iconic symbols, representing elegance, grace, and national pride. The image of Vietnamese women in flowing áo dài captivates visitors, leaving a deep impression of the country's beauty and cultural identity. Designed with a long, form-fitting tunic worn over loose trousers, the Ao dai accentuates the wearer's figure while maintaining modesty and sophistication. It comes in a variety of colors, each carrying its own meaning- white symbolizes purity, red represents luck and happiness, while blue and violet reflect gentleness and nostalgia. Worn during weddings, Tet, national ceremonies, and school events, the Ao dai embodies Vietnam's rich heritage. Whether worn by students, women, or men on formal occasions, it remains a timeless expression of Vietnamese tradition and cultural pride. When we were there, as previously mentioned, we saw countless photo sessions everywhere with these traditional outfits, which is their custom before Tet -- their New Year. Have you ever owned or worn one of these beautiful outfits?