At Noi Bai International Airport, where Vietnam first reaches out to the world, visitors carry with them not only impressions of scenic beauty but also a deep sense of the radiant national identity. Greetings to our dear friends who have set foot on the beautiful land of Vietnam, the birthplace of the mysterious and sacred legend of the Dragon and the Fairy! Vietnam, the S-shaped land rich in inner strength, is steadfast, steeped in culture, and brimming with aspirations, as it enters an era of eternal spring. This is the spring of peace, of boundless creativity, and of the impetus to reach global heights. The history of our nation is not simply a continuous flow of dynasties; it is an enduring heroic epic, woven from immortal springs, stemming from a deep-rooted civilization forged over thousands of generations. That strength is distilled from fifty-four ethnic groups, each community bearing its own unique clothing, language, and customs, yet converging into a unity in diversity. This is the most distinctive aspect of Vietnamese culture, creating a nation where unity, a unified voice, and a sense of brotherhood are more important than ever, forming an unparalleled force that overcomes all the obstacles of the times.
1. Van Xuan – The aspiration for enduring existence from ancient national names to the modern era.
The central message of the art space at Noi Bai is an affirmation of Vietnam – an eternal spring. The name "Van Xuan" (Eternal Spring) originates from the national name during the reign of Ly Nam De in 544, a glorious milestone in the nation's heroic history, conveying the aspiration for a country that remains forever fresh, like countless springs combined. This origin is linked to the spring of opening, the birthplace of rice-farming civilization during the time of the Hung Kings, with national pride deeply ingrained in the tradition of nation-building and defense. For thousands of years, the people here have affectionately called one another "compatriots," sharing a common pride in their Lac Hong bloodline.
This invaluable spiritual heritage is nurtured through unwavering courage and a noble philosophy: "Overcome brutality with righteousness, replace tyranny with humanity." From the dawn of time, alongside the rice-farming civilization, the strength of unity has become a sacred source. It is the timeless rallying call of President Ho Chi Minh, the spirit of national unity, the foundation for preserving the Fatherland, and the enduring development of our beautiful land. These ancestral values are awakened through artistic depictions of the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co with their hundred sacred eggs, where fifty children followed their mother to the mountains, and fifty others followed their father to the sea, together building a resilient and distinctive nation with 54 ethnic groups.
2. The Primeval Forest: Where Ancient Civilizational Values Are Revived
The exhibition’s core features a meticulously reconstructed Vietnamese primeval forest, illustrating the coexistence of ancient arboreal heritage and emerging regeneration. The image of the primeval forest tells the story of Vietnam, the cradle of the Hoa Binh and Dong Son civilizations from millennia ago. Amidst the lush green foliage and shimmering light, viewers seem to touch the echoes of the sacred Dong Son bronze drums, a testament to a brilliant civilization that has endured and developed through countless upheavals. This forest represents a Vietnam that, despite enduring countless hardships of war, natural disasters, and enemy invasions, has always risen, always shone, and looked towards a glorious future.
The revival of these forests is like Vietnam today: powerful, resilient, and full of vitality. In that space, images of deer and other animals emerging from the bronze drum appear as the soul of the mountains and forests, symbolizing the absolute harmony between nature, humanity, and culture. Ancient values are being powerfully reawakened, reminding us of our responsibility to safeguard the forests, the land, and the nation’s cultural identity amid the currents of global integration.
3. A Thousand Years of Resilience: A Great Epic of Resistance Against Foreign Invasion
The flow of Vietnamese history is a continuous epic, inherited and elevated through each era. National pride is deeply ingrained in the tradition of resisting foreign invaders from the dawn of the nation. This includes Phu Dong Thien Vuong uprooting bamboo to fight the enemy, a symbol of the nation's indomitable strength; the spirit of the Trung Sisters and Lady Trieu riding elephants into battle, demonstrating an unshakeable will for independence; and the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, praising the will to conquer nature and protect the peaceful lives of agricultural communities.
The glorious victories will forever be remembered in history, from the Battle of Bach Dang in 938 led by Ngo Quyen, the Battle of Nhu Nguyet in 1077 led by Ly Thuong Kiet, the three great victories against the Mongol army at the Dien Hong Conference echoing the call of "Kill the Mongols," the Chi Lang - Xuong Giang victory of Le Loi, to the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da battle of King Quang Trung, and the pinnacle being the Dien Bien Phu victory, renowned throughout 55 continents and shaking the globe in the 20th century. Each milestone is a step that leads the nation to new heights, where revolutionary heroism and the aspiration for peace always serve as guiding lights for every step forward of the Fatherland.
4. Thang Long – Hanoi: A Crossroads of Excellence and Aspiration for Peace
In the glorious flow of millennia, Thang Long – Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of culture, has become an eternal fortress of national will. Situated in the heart of the capital, Hoan Kiem Lake stands as a luminous symbol, one that embodies the convergence of Vietnam’s long-standing aspirations for peace, cultural vitality, and sustainable prosperity. The legend of returning the magic sword after sweeping away the enemy is an affirmation of a nation that loves peace and builds a better life.
Alongside Hoan Kiem Lake stands the Long Bien Bridge, a towering historical witness that has weathered countless storms. It is one of the three great steel structures in the world, bearing the imprint of the Eiffel Tower, alongside the Eiffel Tower in France and the Statue of Liberty in the United States. Having endured the trials of war and bombardment, the Long Bien Bridge stands proudly like the steely resolve of the Vietnamese people, becoming a bridge connecting a painful past to a glorious present. The epic "Hanoi, Faith and Hope," sung from these bridges, is not just a song, but an affirmation of a spirit that will never surrender to hardship.
5. The Essence of Traditional Crafts and the Mission of Revived Local Culture
The strength of the Vietnamese people is also transformed into a powerful national construction force through their skillful hands and sharp minds. From a country facing famine, Vietnam has risen to become a major agricultural export power, affirming its position and ensuring global food security. In traditional craft villages, the essence of the nation is preserved and shines brightly. Hanoi, the land of a hundred crafts, is a solid bridge to promote cultural values passed down through generations.
The "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program has taken root and blossomed, becoming a movement to revive local culture, where people pour their hearts into each product. The OCOP program in Hanoi has now become a point of convergence and crystallization, where products carrying the "soul of the homeland" attract tourists and promote the cultural industry. Gifts from Mother Earth, crafted by skilled artisans, are soaring to the world stage, elevating Vietnamese brands on the international stage. This unity has become an intrinsic resource, bringing prosperity and creating livable, beautiful, and prosperous rural areas.
This inherent strength of the nation is further embodied in "Made in Vietnam" branded products that have entered demanding markets such as the US, EU, and Japan. OCOP products, the "quintessence of traditional crafts," not only provide sustainable livelihoods for the people but also act as “cultural ambassadors,” promoting the image of Vietnam as a nation rich in identity, modern in outlook, and creative in spirit. The harmonious blend of the heroic heritage of the 20th century and the groundbreaking economic achievements of the Doi Moi (Renovation) period is a solid foundation for our nation to confidently enter an era of self-improvement, building a prosperous, happy, and livable country.
6. Vietnam – An Era of Prosperity and Strength
Under the wise leadership of the Party and the State, and with the spirit of national unity, Vietnam has written glorious chapters in its history, transforming from a poor, post-war nation into a leading, dynamic economy in the world. Looking back at nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renovation) in 2026, the quantitative figures convincingly demonstrate a "Vietnamese miracle." The scale of our economy (GDP) is projected to reach nearly US$500 billion, firmly placing us among the top 35 largest economies in the world and ranking 4th in ASEAN. From a country that had to import food, Vietnam has risen to become an agricultural powerhouse, with export turnover reaching a record high of over US$61 billion in 2024, making a significant contribution to ensuring global food security amidst many uncertainties. Qualitatively, Vietnam's foreign policy position has never been as strong and far-reaching as it is today.
By 2025, Vietnam will have built a network of strategic and comprehensive partnerships with all leading powers and major countries, affirming its role as an indispensable link in the global supply chain. With total import and export turnover maintained at a record high, Vietnam continues to hold its position among the top 20 countries with the largest trade volume on the planet. In addition, achievements in social welfare continue to be a highlight: the multidimensional poverty rate according to the new standard has decreased to a record low (below 2%), and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals have been achieved ahead of schedule. The inherent strength of the nation is further crystallized through the combination of the heroic legacy of the 20th century and the breakthrough economic achievements of the Doi Moi (Renovation) period, which is a solid foundation for our nation to confidently enter an era of self-improvement, building a prosperous, happy, and livable country.
The "Eternal Spring" art exhibition at Noi Bai Airport is not just a retrospective, but an inspiration to ignite the pride of the Vietnamese people. Under the wise leadership of the Party and State, and upholding the spirit of "bamboo diplomacy" - flexible yet resolute - Vietnam today proudly strides into an era of prosperity. The image of the bamboo tree evokes both the ancient bamboo staff of Saint Giong and symbolizes modern identity: resilient, adaptable, and unyielding. Our nation, like proud lotus flowers, always rises straight from the mud to spread its fragrant scent.
The Vietnamese Dragon ascends with strength and vision, advancing toward noble horizons and enriching the collective prosperity of all humankind. Vietnam: Eternal Spring - this is the most solemn greeting, a commitment to a glorious future, where beautiful springs and hope will forever remain in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. Vietnam, the place where the world’s affection and admiration are awakened for a heroic, creative, and enduring nation.
