The first stop on the spring trip was Than Quang Tu Pagoda, also known as Keo Pagoda. This is one of the ancient pagodas in Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province, recognized as a National Historical – Cultural Relic and a Special National Relic. This is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, famous for its unique wooden architecture and peaceful spiritual space. The group offered incense and prayed for a new year of peace, happiness and luck. Under the guidance of the tour guide, the group visited the main hall, bell tower and ancient architectural works, learning about the history of the formation and development of the pagoda, which is nearly 500 years old.

   The peaceful and sacred atmosphere of Keo Pagoda brought moments of contemplation, helping each member calm down and look forward to a new year full of positive energy.

Continuing the journey, the group moved to Tran Temple (Nam Dinh), a temple complex on Tran Thua Street, Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh City. The ancient Thien Truong Palace, now Tran Temple, is associated with the Tran Dynasty and is considered the second capital of Dai Viet. In 1258, when the Yuan-Mongol army invaded, King Tran Thai Tong implemented the “empty garden, empty house” strategy and withdrew his troops here to mobilize forces. After the victory, on January 14, the king held a reward party, from which the annual “opening of the seal” ritual was formed, both to commemorate ancestors and to bestow salaries to those with meritorious services, opening the new year of the Tran Dynasty. Tran Temple was built in 1695, on the old Thai Mieu foundation of the Tran Dynasty that was destroyed by the Ming army in the 15th century, as a place to worship the Tran Kings and mandarins who contributed to the Tran Dynasty – a glorious dynasty in the history of the nation. Tran Temple Nam Dinh is a unique and sophisticated architectural work with profound historical value. Tran Temple includes three main architectural works: Thien Truong Temple (or Thuong Temple), Co Trach Temple (or Ha Temple) and Trung Hoa Temple.

Here, the delegation participated in the incense offering ceremony, expressing gratitude to the ancestors who had contributed to building and protecting the country.

Not only having spiritual significance, the spring trip was also an opportunity for the staff, lecturers, and union members of Vietnam Women’s Academy (VWA) to exchange and connect with each other, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere to start a new year full of energy. During the journey, the delegation listened to explanations about historical sites, talked, shared stories about culture and history at the destination, and captured collective images of the Academy on this special trip.

Sharing about the trip, Assoc.Prof. Dr. TRAN Quang Tien – President of VWA emphasized: “The spring outing is not only an opportunity for everyone to visit spiritual sites together, but also an opportunity to connect the collective, to arouse the spirit of enthusiastic work for a new year with many new successes. I hope that the staff, lecturers and union members will have a 2025 full of enthusiasm, continuing to devote themselves to the development of the Academy.“

Sharing the joy, Assoc.Prof. Dr. DUONG Kim Anh – Vice President of VWA also stated: “I feel very happy to accompany the group on this meaningful spring trip. This is a traditional activity of the Academy so that every spring, we have more opportunities to connect and work together towards good things.“

Comrade NGUYEN Huy Tung, one of the young union members participating in the trip, shared: “This is the first time I have participated in a spring trip with the Academy, and I am really impressed with the thoughtfulness in the organization as well as the spirit of solidarity of everyone. The trip not only helped me understand more about historical sites, but also brought me a sense of relaxation, re-energizing me for work in the new year.“

Comrade BUI Gia Huan also expressed his feelings: “Going to Keo Pagoda in my hometown and visiting Tran Temple in the first days of the new year was a very special experience. The sacred and solemn atmosphere of these places made me feel more peaceful and confident in the new year. At the same time, the trip also gave me the opportunity to interact and connect with colleagues in a closer way.“

The spring trip of At Ty 2025 of VWA ended in joy and excitement of all members. Each person brought with them beautiful memories, good wishes and a ready mindset for a new year of effective work with many successes.

The spring trip is not only a journey to the heritage land but also an opportunity for VWA to further connect, continue traditional values ​​and unleash new energy. With this exciting start, the staff and workers promise to continue to reap more achievements in 2025, contributing to the overall development of the Academy and society.