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Mang Thit, a peaceful area in Vinh Long province, is not only famous for its orchards laden with fruit but also attracts tourists with a unique heritage, hidden along the Co Chien River – the traditional brick-making village of Mang Thit. This area offers not only cultural and historical value but also an interesting destination for those who love exploring and learning about the traditional crafts of the people of the Mekong Delta.
An old brick kiln sits quietly by the riverbank, holding within it many memories and cultural values of the local people.
Having had the opportunity to visit the Mang Thit brick kilns, Luan Nguyen - a photographer and designer currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City - said: "The first time I came to Mang Thit was a few years ago, and the feeling it gave me was so strange and new. It was like, how could a small kingdom of bricks exist next to the Co Chien River like this? Along the riverbank, there are many brick and pottery kilns stretching for tens of kilometers..."
Along the riverbanks are numerous brick and pottery kilns stretching for tens of kilometers.
The village of "red mountains"
The Măng Thít brick-making village is distinguished by hundreds of brick kilns spread across a vast area, creating a magnificent and unique landscape. The bright red, dome-shaped kilns rise high against the azure sky, resembling small mountains undulating in the fertile plain. From afar, the kilns look like giant sculptures, bearing the indelible mark of time and human labor.
The brick kilns here were built in the 1970s and quickly flourished, becoming an important part of the local residents' economic life. The main material for making bricks is clay extracted from riverbanks and canals, which undergoes many stages of kneading and firing to produce strong, durable bricks.
A moment of peace in Mang Thit
Luân Nguyễn shared about his visits to the Măng Thít brick kiln, and each trip left him with different experiences: "I've been to the brick kiln several times. One time I traveled from Trà Vinh to Vĩnh Long, stopping by the beautiful ancient tomb tower of Mrs. Lâm Thanh Hương and learning many stories about it. Another time, I went from Vĩnh Long market to the brick kiln, observing a lot about the daily life, market activities, and lifestyle of the people there."
Furthermore, Luan revealed that the ideal time to explore the Mang Thit brick kiln is early in the morning, around 5 am. At that time, visitors can admire the sunrise gradually appearing over the Co Chien River, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and observe the rhythm of life and activities at the brick kiln when there are fewer tourists. This is also the perfect time to experience local cuisine and feel the lifestyle of the people here.
The fired brick products are displayed right at the brick kiln.
Timeless beauty
Each old brick kiln stands silently alongside the river, weathering countless ups and downs, leaving visitors with a sense of timeless beauty. As dusk falls, the scene at the brick kilns becomes even more enchanting and mystical, possessing a characteristic peaceful and ancient charm, making it an irresistible destination.
Ancient, pristine clay deposits along the riverbanks are the primary raw material for producing high-quality bricks and pottery. According to locals, the brick-making and pottery-making industry once flourished to the point that every family owned a kiln. This is also why the Mang Thit brick-making village still preserves many traditional values; each kiln is a symbol of time, evoking memories of a glorious era.
These red bricks are fired from a primary clay mine.
The brick and pottery kilns in Mang Thít have weathered many ups and downs throughout history.
However, with the development of modern technology and building materials, traditional brick kilns are increasingly less used. Many have ceased operation, abandoned and covered with the marks of time. These kilns have gradually become "ruins" with a dilapidated, wild beauty, yet possessing a strange allure, reminiscent of the prosperous past of the craft village. This has made Mang Thit a favorite destination for photographers and those who love nostalgic spaces.
Discover Mang Thit - where past and present meet.
Visitors to Mang Thit can not only admire the unique brick kilns but also learn more about the traditional brick-making process from the locals. The elders in the village are happy to share their ancient brick-firing techniques, along with stories full of the flavor of this riverside region. Furthermore, the pristine, tranquil scenery offers a relaxing experience, a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The artisans demonstrate their skill and traditional experience in each step of the process.
Simple life in the craft village of Mang Thit
Witnessing the activities of the villagers in the craft village, Luan Nguyen shared: "I witnessed a few stages, for example, stacking bricks in the kiln, having to climb small, difficult-to-navigate staircases. One kiln can fire about 10,000 - 20,000 bricks. The way they neatly arrange the small bricks when the product is finished is very delicate and meticulous."
Beyond the brick-making village, visitors also have the opportunity to explore tree-lined narrow streets and expansive canals. This destination is also ideal for those who want to take artistic photos with the serene and authentic scenery of the Mekong Delta. Many people share that the feeling of standing amidst abandoned brick kilns, listening to the wind rustling through the old bricks, and breathing in the fresh air is an unforgettable experience.
Each kiln is a symbol of time, evoking memories of a glorious era.
"Despite the many difficulties in developing and maintaining the brick-making and pottery craft villages in this area, Mang Thit still works day and night, creating beautiful, unique, and high-quality products. The artisans remain dedicated to their craft, committed to the village, creating cultural characteristics deeply rooted in Vietnamese traditions that have endured through the years," Luan confided.
With its simple, rustic beauty typical of the Mekong Delta, the Mang Thit brick kiln deserves to be one of the unique destinations not to be missed when visiting Vinh Long.
