On the morning of January 12, 2026, temporarily leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Hanoi city, the field trip delegation of the International Relations major, class QH22-24, set off very early to reach the Ancestral Land of Phu Tho. The 4th day of the journey was not just a field trip, but a pilgrimage to the roots, where the "children of the Dragon and the Fairy" converge.
Group photo of the delegation before the pilgrimage to Upper Temple - Photo captured and compiled by the Faculty Communication Team
At the Hung Kings Temple Relic Site, the delegation had an in-depth field study session in a solemn atmosphere. The first stop was the Hung Kings Museum, where students focused on researching the system of documents and archaeological artifacts, thereby consolidating their knowledge of the formation process of the primitive Van Lang state. After the research session, lecturers and students moved up to the Upper Temple to perform incense offering rituals, showing respect and deep gratitude to the ancestors who had the merit of building the nation.
Ms. Anh Thu (Head of the delegation) on behalf of the delegation offered incense at the Upper Temple - Photo captured and compiled by the Faculty Communication Team
In the afternoon, the learning space shifted to Duong Lam Ancient Village (Son Tay). Here, the key activity was the incense offering ceremony at the Temple of the Two Kings - a place dedicated to Bo Cai Dai Vuong Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen. After solemn moments of commemoration, the delegation heard a detailed presentation on the historical context and military thinking of the two national heroes, helping IR students gain a deeper perspective on lessons of maintaining sovereignty in medieval history.
Continuing the journey, student groups conducted field surveys at Mong Phu Village. Observing the laterite architecture, village gate space, and village water landings directly helped them analyze the village structure and indigenous cultural values more clearly - an important foundation in positioning national identity.
Group photo of the delegation at Duong Lam Ancient Village - Photo captured and compiled by the Faculty Communication Team
Sharing about the values gained, Lam Ngoc - a second-year International Relations student expressed: "Traveling for a full day from the sacred Ancestral Land back to the tranquil ancient village, I truly understand the meaning of the word 'roots'. Today's journey helps me realize that the sustainable historical and cultural values of our ancestors are the solid foundation for us to confidently move forward, integrate into the common flow of the era while still preserving the nation's identity."
Sharing the same emotion before the heroic historical page, Tuyet Ngan - a second-year International Relations student expressed: "Standing in front of the Temple of Ngo Quyen, the concepts of 'sovereignty' and 'independence' in textbooks suddenly become strangely sacred. That was the moment I was truly moved when feeling the 'heroic spirit' of our ancestors still intact here. That flame of self-reliance is urging our young generation to live, study, and contribute in a way that is worthy of the sacrifices of those who came before us."
From another perspective on indigenous culture, Thuy Vy - a second-year International Relations student shared emotionally: "Touching the rough laterite layer, I felt my heart become peaceful, as if I were living in the very atmosphere of old days. It is those emotions that help me understand: To practice cultural diplomacy well, one must first know how to love and cherish these simple but profound village values."
Moments of offering incense at the Upper Temple - Photo captured and compiled by the Faculty Communication Team
Closing the 4th day of activities, the baggage that the students brought back is not only notebooks filled with historical materials, but also a strong enrichment of national pride. Experiences from Hung Temple to Duong Lam have helped IR-ers understand that: To reach out to the international ocean, one must first stand firm on the cultural and historical foundation of one's own nation.
Executed by: Faculty Communication Team
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"FOLLOWING THE NORTHWARD EXPANSION" is a series of articles updating information and images about the 2026 Domestic Field Trip Program for students of class QH22–24, International Relations major, Faculty of History and International Relations, executed by the Faculty Communication Team. |
