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Festive atmosphere amidst the Truong Son mountain range.
Mang Den was formerly a town in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, and is now part of Quang Ngai province after administrative boundary mergers. Situated on the Truong Son mountain range at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, Mang Den has long been known as the "second Da Lat" of the Central Highlands, with its mild, cool climate year-round and pristine, peaceful scenery. But during the September 2nd holiday, that tranquility seems to take on a new, more vibrant and bright appearance.
Mang Den boasts a lush, peaceful landscape amidst the vast forests of the Central Highlands.
This area has traditionally been home to many ethnic minority communities such as the Mơ Nâm, Xơ Đăng, H'rê, and Ca Dong, along with the Kinh people who migrated here. In their daily lives, each ethnic group preserves its own unique cultural values: the resonant sounds of gongs and drums, the soaring communal houses, and the vibrant brocade fabrics. But during the national celebrations of National Day, they all share one common color: the red of the national flag and national pride.
Walking along the main roads leading to the town center, one easily encounters rows of red flags with yellow stars hanging closely together. In the cultural villages of the Mơ Nâm and Xơ Đăng people, signs bearing the inscription "The spirit of the August Revolution and National Day 2/9 is immortal" stand out against the green backdrop of the mountains and forests. This atmosphere makes visitors feel that, despite being thousands of kilometers away from Hanoi, Măng Đen is still in harmony with the rest of the country on this important holiday.
Mang Den market during the festival.
One of the most popular tourist destinations during this time is the Mang Den market. Located opposite the Art Garden, the market is built in the style of traditional Central Highlands stilt houses with wood and thatched roofs, giving it a rustic and welcoming feel.
The space of the Mang Den market fair.
On the evening of August 30th, as the holiday began, the market was busier than usual. This was not only due to the large number of visitors, but also because of the festive atmosphere that enveloped each stall. From stalls selling local food like grilled chicken and rice wine, to those displaying handicrafts, essential oils, and herbs, all were adorned with the vibrant red flag with a yellow star. In the soft yellow light, the red of the national flag blended with the colors of the brocade fabrics, creating a shimmering, warm picture amidst the chilly highland sky.
A stall at the Mang Den market displays the national flag.
Vendors in traditional attire not only showcase their products but also contribute to the festive atmosphere with their gentle smiles and friendly greetings. The blend of local life and the spirit of National Day gives the Mang Den market a unique character, distinctly different from the hustle and bustle of large cities.
The vendors wore traditional brocade costumes typical of the Central Highlands.
Mang Den Night Market - where music resounds amidst the national flag.
Equally vibrant is the Mang Den night market, located near the flower village. The market is open every day of the week, but during National Day, the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting.
The stalls at the Mang Den night market also displayed the national flag to celebrate National Day.
While the traditional market is steeped in ethnic culture with its handicrafts and medicinal herbs, the night market captivates visitors with its cuisine. Typical H'rê dishes, grilled food, hot pot, milk tea, and coffee stalls are abundantly displayed. In front of each stall, strings of national flags are stretched across, connecting the straight pine trees, like threads linking people with nature and history.
As night falls, under the twinkling lights, familiar songs like "Joining Hands in Unity," "As If Uncle Ho Were Present on the Day of Great Victory," and "Oh Vietnam!" resound from the central loudspeakers. What's special is that not only the vendors but also the tourists join in the melodies, singing along. Amidst the cool, windy highlands, that moment becomes a moving experience: music, red flags, and national pride intertwine.
Locals and tourists flocked to the Mang Den night market during the National Day holiday on September 2nd.
Colorful check-in spots adorned with flags in the mountain town.
The National Day celebrations in Mang Den are not limited to just the local markets or night markets. Along the road leading to Kon Pring cultural village, two rows of red flags with yellow stars are hung on either side, creating a "road to the Fatherland" that makes tourists want to stop and take pictures as they walk along.
The road leading to Kon Pring community tourism village is lined with red flags with yellow stars on both sides.
In the city center, cafes also add a touch of charm to the holiday scene. A mobile cafe by the roadside, just a small cart and a few folding chairs, but the owner, Ms. Giang, had prepared small flags so that customers could enjoy their coffee while taking commemorative photos. This simple gesture created an unforgettable impression, showing that patriotism can be present in the most humble things.
A roadside mobile coffee shop in Mang Den also joined in the National Day celebrations.
In addition, familiar tourist spots like De Mang Den Cafe and Doi Gio Hu Homestay & Coffee also decorated their spaces with vibrant red flags with yellow stars. These photo spots, during the September 2nd holiday, are not only beautiful because of the mountain scenery but also because of the sacred meaning associated with the national flag.
Spreading the spirit of National Day in the mountain town.
From flags hanging in front of houses and banners on the streets to music echoing in the night market, everything contributed to a vibrant Mang Den during National Day. Visitors here not only find a cool climate and peaceful scenery, but also feel a strong and united national spirit.
Mang Den is full of life during the National Day holiday.
Despite being far from Hanoi, where the grand parade and march took place, the atmosphere in the mountain town of Mang Den was still joyful and vibrant in celebrating National Day. This proves that national pride and revolutionary spirit are not confined to the capital, but spread to every region and community, from the lowlands to the highlands. And amidst the vibrant red of the national flag in the Truong Son mountain range, locals and tourists alike shared a great joy – the joy of celebrating Vietnam's independence day.
