Festival atmosphere in the Truong Son mountains and forests
Mang Den was formerly a town in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, now part of Quang Ngai province after the administrative boundary merger. Located on the Truong Son mountain range at an altitude of about 1,200 m, Mang Den has long been known as the "second Da Lat" of the Central Highlands, with a mild, cool climate all year round and a wild, peaceful landscape. But on the occasion of September 2nd, that tranquility seems to be wearing a new coat, more bustling and brighter.
Mang Den possesses a cool, peaceful landscape in the middle of the Central Highlands.
This place is home to many ethnic minority communities such as the Mo Nam, Xo Dang, H're, Ca Dong and Kinh migrants. In their daily lives, each ethnic group preserves its own cultural values: the melodious sound of gongs, the high roofs of communal houses, the colorful brocades. But on the days when the whole country celebrates National Day, everything has the same color: the red of the national flag and national pride.
Walking along the main roads leading to the center, it is easy to see rows of red flags with yellow stars hanging close together. In the cultural villages of the Mo Nam and Xo Dang people, signs with the words "The spirit of the August Revolution and National Day September 2nd is immortal" stand out against the green background of the mountains and forests. That atmosphere makes visitors feel clearly that, although thousands of kilometers away from Hanoi, Mang Den is still in tune with the whole country on this important holiday.
Mang Den market on festival day
One of the destinations that attracts many tourists this time is Mang Den market. Located opposite the Arts Garden, the market is built in the style of the Central Highlands stilt house with wood and thatched roof, giving a rustic and intimate feeling.
Mang Den market space
On the evening of August 30, when the holiday began, the market was more crowded than usual. Not only because of the number of visitors, but also because of the festive atmosphere that pervaded each booth. From stalls selling local cuisine such as grilled chicken and rice wine, to booths displaying handicrafts, essential oils, and herbs, all hung bright red flags with yellow stars. In the soft yellow light, the red color of the national flag blended with the colors of brocade, creating a shimmering, warm picture in the cold highland sky.
Stalls at Mang Den market hang the national flag
Vendors in traditional costumes not only introduce their products, but also contribute to the festive atmosphere with their gentle smiles and friendly greetings. The combination of local life and the spirit of National Day gives Mang Den market its own identity, completely different from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Vendors wear brocade costumes typical of the Central Highlands
Mang Den Night Market - where music plays amidst the national flag
No less vibrant is the Mang Den night market, located near the flower village. The market is open every day of the week, but on National Day, the space here is even more sparkling.
Stalls at Mang Den night market also hung national flags to celebrate National Day.
If the market is imbued with the national culture with handicrafts and medicinal herbs, the night market attracts tourists with its cuisine. Typical dishes of the H're people, grilled dishes, hot pots, milk tea, and coffee stalls are abundantly displayed. In front of each shop, national flags are stretched across, connecting the straight pine trees, like strings connecting people with nature and history.
When the night falls, under the sparkling lights, familiar songs such as “Joining Hands”, “Like Uncle Ho in the Great Victory Day”, “Oh Vietnam” resound from the central loudspeaker. What is special is that not only the sellers, but also the tourists join in the melody, singing loudly. In the middle of the cold windy plateau, that moment becomes an emotional experience: music, red flag and national pride blend into one.
People and tourists gather at Mang Den night market during the National Day holiday on September 2nd.
Check-in corners with colorful flags in the mountain town
The atmosphere of National Day celebrations in Mang Den is not limited to the market or night market. On the road leading to Kon Pring cultural village, two rows of red flags with yellow stars hang on both sides, creating a “national road” that makes tourists want to stop and take pictures as they walk.
The road leading to Kon Pring community tourism village is hung with red flags with yellow stars on both sides.
In the center, coffee shops also contribute to the holiday picture. A mobile coffee shop on the roadside, just a small cart and a few folding chairs, but the owner Ms. Giang has prepared small flags for customers to enjoy coffee and take souvenir photos. That simple gesture creates an unforgettable impression, showing that patriotism can be present in the most simple things.
A mobile coffee shop on the roadside in Mang Den also joined in the National Day atmosphere.
In addition, familiar addresses for tourists such as De Mang Den Coffee, Doi Gio Hu Homestay & Coffee also decorate the space with bright red flags with yellow stars. The check-in corners here, on the occasion of September 2, are not only beautiful because of the mountain scenery but also because of the sacred meaning when associated with the national flag.
Spreading the National Day spirit in the mountain town
From the flags hanging in front of houses, the banners on the streets, to the music echoing in the night market, all have created a Mang Den full of vitality on the occasion of National Day. Visitors coming here not only find the cool climate, peaceful landscape, but also feel a strong, united national spirit.
Mang Den is full of vitality during the National Day holiday
Although far from Hanoi where the grand parade and march took place, in the mountainous town of Mang Den, the atmosphere of National Day celebrations was still joyful and vibrant. This proves that national pride and revolutionary spirit are not only confined to the capital, but spread to every land, every community, from the lowlands to the highlands. And in the bright red of the national flag in the Truong Son range, people and tourists join together in a great joy - the joy of celebrating the independence day of the Fatherland Vietnam.
