Fostering love for hometown through excursions

No matter where they are or what they do, the people of Binh Duong are always ready to contribute to their hometown whenever they have the chance. Le Thi Mai Thi has her unique way for this by promoting the image of Binh Duong to friends through walking trips, outdoor activities...

Ms. Thi was born and raised in Tuong Binh Hiep in Thu Dau Mot city. She currently works in Ho Chi Minh city. Regardless of where she lives and works, she always remembers her roots and takes pride in being a daughter of Binh Duong.

BD H3 Group exchanges at Tuong Binh Hiep Communal House

With their desire of introducing traditional culture and promoting the image of Binh Duong’s land and people, Ms. Thi and her friends founded a group named “Binh Duong Hash House Harriers” (briefly called BD H3), including foreigners. On weekends, in the form of walking or jogging, the group organizes tours to visit and experience places near where they live, including tourist attractions and historical sites in Binh Duong.

Among the participants, there are two young members who are Ms. Thi's nieces, namely Gigi (8 years old) and JayJay (7 years old). Their father is British and their mother is from Phu Giao district’s An Long commune. Gigi shared that she started participating in this walking group at the age of 3 and has been doing this for five years, which has fostered her love for Binh Duong's culture and people. Notably, despite living and studying in an international environment, she has maintained her Vietnamese language skills. Participating in these activities helps her stay healthy, improving her learning and making her more joyful and active.

Creating opportunities for connection, cultural exchange and especially introducing the culture, history, and tourism of Binh Duong to friends at home and abroad is the passion of Ms. Thi and others from Binh Duong. This year, her group has visited several sites such as Lai Thieu Orchard in Thuan An city, Thanh Hoi islet in Tan Uyen city and Chanh My Lotus Field in Thu Dau Mot city. Recently, the group has visited Tuong Binh Hiep lacquerware workshop and taken part in drawing pictures here while paying a visit to Tuong Binh Hiep communal house in Thu Dau Mot city... For members of the group, these trips to discover Binh Duong’s historical and cultural sites are unforgettable experiences.

Reported by Tuyet Trinh-Translated by Kim Tin