World stamps tell stories about Vietnam

Vietnam, a beautiful country with a millennia-long cultural heritage and an exceptionally rich history, has always demonstrated resilience and an indomitable spirit in the struggle against foreign invaders to safeguard national independence, while continuously renewing itself with creativity to build a prosperous nation. For these reasons, Vietnam has long been an attractive destination, drawing the interest and curiosity of international visitors.

So, how do international friends view the land and people of Vietnam? One can find the answer in the stamp collection World Stamps Tell Stories about Vietnam by philatelist Hoang Anh Thi, Head of the Viet Stamp Club. This unique collection is part of the thematic exhibition themed “80 years of Vietnam reaching out to the world,” on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History.

Unlike previous philatelic collections focusing on Vietnam, this special exhibition features only foreign stamps and postal materials related to Vietnam, thereby providing an overview of how the world has viewed and expressed its sentiment for the country. Through the stamps and letters from across the globe, Vietnam emerges in familiar yet sacred images – the national map, national flag, national emblem, national day, the capital city, the Communist Party of Vietnam – as well as characteristic cultural and historical symbols such as bamboo, lotus, rice, and Ha Long Bay, a world natural wonder.

With its rich history and cultural identity, Vietnam has appeared on many postage stamps issued by other countries. Images of the land, people, scenic landscapes, historic events, and notable figures of Vietnam have been chosen to feature on stamps, reflecting international recognition, respect, and the close bonds between Vietnam and the global community.

Philatelist Hoang Anh Thi, Head of the Viet Stamp Club

These stamps also portray some of Vietnam’s great figures, including President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and hero Pham Tuan, alongside renowned intellectuals, industrious farmers, patriotic children, and successful overseas Vietnamese. Notably, many of the postage stamps recount Vietnam’s resilient journey of fighting against foreign aggression, with images of the Indochina War (1946–1954) and the Vietnam War (1954–1975). Emerging from the devastation of war and immense challenges, the image of Vietnam in the period of international integration is also vividly depicted through the eyes of foreign friends. It is a story about Vietnam’s efforts to build, strengthen, and expand friendly cooperation with other countries, as well as its active role as a responsible member of international organisations.

The collection not only reflects the bravery, diligence, and creativity of Vietnam and its people, and the uniqueness of its nature and culture, but also presents Vietnam as a nation of peace and renewal – aspiring to join hands with international friends in striving for the common goals of peace, justice, development, equality, and mutual benefit.

Visitors at the stamp exhibition themed “80 years of Vietnam reaching out to the world.” Photo: Lam Vien

Vietnam has long appeared on international postage stamps, with the earliest being a French-issued stamp in 1931 that depicted a Vietnamese woman in traditional dress, wearing the Vietnamese four-piece dress (ao tu than), a conical hat, and carrying a shoulder pole. Over the years, Vietnam’s images have appeared on postage stamps with increasing frequency, spanning diverse themes. Today, images of Vietnam on world stamps form an appealing subject not only for philatelists but also for the public and international friends who hold affection for the S-shaped land.

According to philatelist Hoang Anh Thi, postage stamps are not merely a means of payment for mail delivery but also a unique art form carrying multiple layers of information about history, culture, nature, and people. Each stamp, therefore, serves as a small yet powerful “visiting card,” introducing the nation’s image to the world.

“I believe that, traditionally, many stamp collections about Vietnam come from within Vietnam itself, which is understandable. But assembling a collection of world stamps that tell the story of Vietnam is far more challenging, and once accomplished, it only deepens our pride and appreciation for the sacred words – Vietnam,” Hoang Anh Thi shared.

Exploring the postage stamp collection themed 80 years of Vietnam reaching out to the world at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, Nguyen Ha Hai My, a student from Dong Nai, said: “Every tiny detail and image on these international postage stamps is tied to the cultural features, people, and historical milestones of Vietnam. Through this, the public, especially young people, gains a deeper understanding of their homeland through a novel and distinctive lens.”

By Lam Vien, Nhat Ha - Translated by Quynh Nhu, Thu Ha