The 'Golden Season' of Hai Phong Poetry

Poets and writers in Hai Phong have just experienced a "golden season" of awards both domestically and internationally, opening up expectations for continued success in a new development environment.

Activities involving poetry exchange and the introduction of new works have been intensified among the poetry writers in Hai Phong city.

The sweet fruits of creative work.

The literary landscape of Hai Phong in recent times has been remarkably vibrant. Creative activity has been consistent across various genres: poetry, prose, literary criticism, translation, etc. Not only have many authors maintained their momentum, but they have also made their mark in major literary competitions, affirming the literary standing of the port city.

According to the Hai Phong Writers Association, in 2025 alone, 70 members won awards at various levels. This is an impressive number, reflecting the enduring creativity of the writing community.

On the international stage, poet Mai Van Phan continues to make his mark with the "Poseidonia Paestum" Poetry Prize (Italy), and also won the short story prize from Vatican News. Poet Nguyen Dinh Tam is recognized for his works published in the United States, contributing to the deeper integration of Hai Phong literature into the global community.

Domestically, many authors have won high prizes in prestigious competitions. Writer Nguyen Thu Hang won the A prize with the theme "For national security and peaceful life." Poet Dang Thi Thuy made her mark with awards for studying and following the ideology, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh .

Writer Pham Van Anh made her mark with awards from the Ministry of National Defense , including the A prize for her work on revolutionary war themes. Author Thy Nguyen won the A prize with her epic poem "The Lifeblood". Authors such as Vu Thuy Hong, Hoai Khanh, Pham Anh Sao, Le Nhi… continue to contribute to the diverse landscape of Hai Phong literature. Notably, poet Hoai Khanh won 11 awards in 2025, demonstrating her tireless work ethic.

Not only in major awards, many works have also been recognized through specialized competitions, literary magazines, and local literary and artistic associations. All of this combines to create a "golden season"—where each work is a "ripe ear of rice," enriching the literary landscape of Hai Phong.

More importantly, that "golden season" is not the end point, but rather the foundation for accumulating experience, inspiration, and confidence to enter a new creative cycle.

Vietnam Poetry Day 2026 in Ngo Quyen Ward, Hai Phong City.

Cultivating a new "golden season"

Following the merger, the Hai Phong Writers' Association has 224 members, including 54 prose writers, 154 poets, 14 literary critics, and 2 translators. In this new context, the Executive Committee of the Association closely follows the direction of the Hai Phong City Union of Literature and Arts, promoting its role and guiding the completion of key tasks. The proactive creative work and participation in general activities of the members are the "nourishment" that nurtures the "golden season" of literature.

Besides the advantages, creative activities still face some challenges: information is sometimes not timely, especially for older members; geographical locations are scattered after the merger; investment in literature and art is not commensurate… If these factors are not addressed, they could affect the continuity of the "golden season".

Poet Dinh Thuong, Chairman of the Hai Phong Writers' Association, stated that the central task in the coming period is to continue creating a new "golden season." Accordingly, the association will focus on consolidating its organization, strengthening unity, and maximizing the creative potential of its members – because people remain the "seed" that determines the quality of the harvest. The restructuring of the Executive Committee, the refinement of regulations, and the clear assignment of responsibilities will help the system operate more effectively.

In addition, professional activities are identified as the "water channels" for the creative field, such as: organizing Book and Reading Culture Day; improving the quality of "Literary Roundtables"; sending members to participate in writing camps; and encouraging participation in competitions. These are "small harvests" that contribute to a large, bountiful harvest.

Notably, the association is focused on nurturing the next generation of writers through the Young Writers' Committee, the Women's Affairs Committee, and the opening of writing classes in Hai Phong. If 2025 is the "golden year" for seasoned writers, then 2026 needs to sow more "green shoots" for the future.

In addition, strengthening international cooperation, such as signing an agreement with the Hanguel Writers Association (Korea), and expanding domestic exchanges will help Hai Phong literature continue to receive new vitality.

In the context of digital transformation, perfecting communication systems like vanhaiphong.com plays a crucial role in promoting literary works, helping to not only harvest but also spread the "golden season" of literature. The publication of the anthology "Hai Phong Literature 2023-2028" is not only a summary but also a way to "preserve the seeds" for future seasons.

"We hope the city will increase investment and soon restore the annual literary and artistic awards – which serve as benchmarks and motivations for writers to continue creating," poet Dinh Thuong expressed.

In the open space following the merger, with clear direction and the consensus of the creative team, the literature of the port city has the foundation to enter a sustainable development cycle - where the "golden season" is no longer a fleeting moment, but becomes a continuous flow of creativity.

HAI HAU

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/mua-vang-cua-thi-ca-hai-phong-539270.html