Returning to the Northeast...

Some journeys are more than just moving between places; they are adventures that awaken all the senses, stirring the heart and leaving a lasting impression. For me, a native of the southernmost part of Vietnam, the recent trip I took with a tour group to the Northeast was such a precious experience.

From Ca Mau, we traveled to Can Tho to gather the group, then took a flight to Noi Bai ( Hanoi ), from there to Ha Giang, then through Cao Bang, and finally back to Lang Son. Each stop was a note in the symphony called "Northeast". This trip wasn't my first time going to the North, but it was the first time I truly experienced the Northeast, with my feet, my eyes, and my heart.

I still remember the feeling of my first time setting foot in Ha Giang, where clouds drifted lazily over the majestic mountain ranges. The deeper I went, the higher I climbed, the smaller I felt amidst the grandeur of nature, yet my spirit grew, because every landscape, every space evoked a profound sense of pride in the magnificent land of my country.

Ma Pi Leng Pass, where altitude, ruggedness, and majestic beauty converge, is considered the "roof" of the Happiness Road.

We started our journey from Ha Giang City, crossing Quan Ba. Stopping at the Quan Ba ​​Sky Gate, gazing at the panoramic view of the valley stretching below, I felt my heart calm down; all my worries and anxieties seemed to vanish with the cool mountain breeze. Our next destinations were Yen Minh, Meo Vac, Dong Van... each place had its own charm, but all stirred my emotions. Dong Van was like an ancient town in the heart of the mountains, with its red earthen houses, time-worn silver-green window frames, and especially its bustling market, where the Mong, Dao, and Tay people gathered, their voices and laughter echoing.

But perhaps the most powerful emotion that lingered in me was the moment I set foot on the summit of Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam's "Four Great Mountain Passes." Standing on the Happiness Road and looking down at the Nho Que River, I clearly felt the sacred significance of a journey to build this road—a journey built not only with sweat and effort, but also with the blood, tears, and sacrifices of countless young volunteers from previous generations who struggled against the gray rocky sea to pave the way. It is not just a feat of engineering, but a symbol of human will to conquer harsh nature.

A H'Mông ethnic child at Ma Pi Leng Pass with a bright smile and traditional clothing.

Then we arrived at Lung Cu, where the sacred flagpole of our nation stands. Standing at the northernmost point, watching the national flag fluttering atop the flagpole, my eyes suddenly welled up with tears. As a son of the southernmost point, now standing at the northernmost tip of the country, I fully felt the shape of our nation – the resilient and steadfast S-shaped form.

Leaving Ha Giang amidst the lingering morning clouds, we continued along the winding roads through the vast mountains to reach Cao Bang , a land not only famous for its picturesque scenery but also for preserving many heroic traces of revolutionary history.

Unlike the majestic Ha Giang, Cao Bang possesses a gentle, tranquil, and profound beauty, with winding roads through lush green valleys and crystal-clear streams meandering through the mountains and forests. We visited the Pac Bo National Special Historical Site, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked after returning from abroad. Standing before the Lenin Stream, gazing at the reflection of Karl Marx Mountain on the emerald green water, I was deeply moved. Everything here was surprisingly simple: a small hut in the forest, a bamboo-made work desk, the stone steps that President Ho Chi Minh once walked... No lengthy explanations were needed; the serene atmosphere and sacred spirit of the mountains and forests seemed to tell me the story of the revolutionary life of our beloved President Ho Chi Minh – a great communist of our nation.

Another striking impression: On the Vietnam-China border, Ban Gioc Waterfall cascades down in layers of white mist like a silken ribbon from the sky, its sound echoing throughout the mountains and forests like a song of heaven and earth. Standing amidst the border without a boundary, I felt a profound silence. Ban Gioc is not only a priceless gift of nature to this land, but also a symbol of peace and friendship between the two countries.

For me, Cao Bang is a harmonious blend of nature, history, and people, a place where every inch of land is imbued with the national spirit, where every tree and every drop of water seems to whisper something to you about patriotism, about our roots, and about Vietnamese pride.

Returning to Lang Son , the mountain town in the border region welcomed us with delicate mists covering the hills and a gently cool climate. Walking along Tam Thanh Mountain and Nhi Thanh Cave, I couldn't help but marvel at the natural and spiritual beauty of this place. The moss-covered ancient stone steps and the shimmering stalactites within the caves seemed to tell countless historical stories about a land that once served as a northern "shield" for the Fatherland.

Amidst the sun-drenched landscape of Lung Cu, the image of Mong and Lo Lo ethnic women with their brocade scarves, bunches of wild bananas, or bowls of thang co (a traditional stew)... creates a unique characteristic of this border region.

Lang Son is also a land of trade and cultural convergence. On a chilly evening, over a warm cup of coffee, we gathered at a small roadside cafe, listening to stories about the seasons of star anise and plum blossoms, about the Ky Lua market, about the warmth of the people in the border region... I felt that this place was not just a border, but also a large home, where everyone has a part through culture, memories, and the enduring ethnic harmony passed down through generations. Lang Son, a land that acts as a bridge between the past and the present, between mountains and cities, between human connection and love for one's homeland.

The trip has come to an end, leaving behind not only beautiful memories with the group throughout the journey, but also a wealth of emotions and memories imprinted on me: the layers of clouds at Ma Pi Leng, the melodious sounds of Ban Gioc waterfall, and the warm gaze of the people of Lang Son as they bid farewell... Visit the Northeast once to truly appreciate the vastness and beauty of our country!

Hoang Vu

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ve-voi-dong-bac--a38889.html