The celebrations for the 1,000th birthday of Hanoi have come to a close yet its beautiful images still remain deep inside the hearts of many overseas Vietnamese.

“I was most impressed by the elegance of Hanoi’s people.”

Nguyen Quoc Vong and his wife Nguyen Thanh Tuyen

Ly Hi Uyen: This great anniversary helps us to understand more about our tradition of being grateful

Luong Thu Thao: I will tell my friends that our homeland, Vietnam, has a 1,000-year old capital

Nguyen Quoc Vong and his wife Nguyen Thanh Tuyen are Vietnamese-Australians who together with their overseas Vietnamese delegation visited Hanoi to attend the city’s great anniversary following an invitation from their motherland.

With a warm accent from the south of Vietnam, Tuyen said: “We have participated in many events including the parade, thurification for the heroic martyrs, visiting scenic spots in and outside the capital and more. Everywhere we go, we saw enthusiastic people, especially the youth. Our Hanoi capital is very beautiful, not only in its natural landscapes and decoration but also in the friendly smiles of its people.”

Tuyen is now director of Tyvonie Corporation in Australia and her husband, Mr.Vong, is a professor at Rmit University. They have earned their success in another country but they always miss and make great contributions to home.

She returns to Vietnam every year for charity work to help poor children and orphans while he is cooperating with the Vietnam Agriculture University to train local students.

“The 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi has given me a chance to return to my roots.”

Ly Hi Uyen is the 31st offspring of King Ly Thai To. He, together with some relatives, also returned to Vietnam following the invitation of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese. The offspring of the Ly Dynasty are very moved when thurifering for their ancestors at Do Temple in Bac Ninh Province.

When asked about their most impressive experienes during the 10-day anniversary, Uyen said: “We were interested in every celebration during the anniversary. But we were most moved by the scene of King Ly Cong Uan and Queen on a dragon vehicle to leave Hoa Lu for Thang Long during the parade on October 10”.

“After attending this anniversary, we want to return to our native land more”

Born in Thailand, Luong Thu Thao surprises people with her fluent Vietnamese.

Thao says she always considers Vietnamese as her mother tongue. “I can speak several languages but my family always speak Vietnamese at home,” she reveals. “We always tell our children not to forget our roots.”

“Returning to Thailand, I will tell my friends and relatives about my wonderful experiences during my time here, including interesting trips to Dinh and Le Temples, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tien Son Pagoda, Do Temple, and more, the hospitality of local people as well as the warm welcome of the government and state for expatriates. I will also be proud to tell them that our homeland, Vietnam, has a 1,000-year old capital and is developing really strong. After attending this anniversary, we want to return to our native land more often."

>> Fireworks display ignites excitement from onlookers

>> Art festival concludes millennium celebrations

>> In photos: Parade to celebrate Hanoi’s 1,000th birthday

>> Vietnam’s largest parade in history

>> Ancient calligraphy exhibition opens at Temple of Literature

>> Hanoi\'s millennium through the eyes of foreigners

>> 19 records set during Hanoi’s millennium celebration

>> Activities celebrate Hanoi’s millennium anniversary

>> 100 models showcase Vietnam\'s ao dai in Hanoi

>> Hanoi welcomes 200 overseas Vietnamese as guests during celebrations

>> Thousands take to the streets to celebrate Hanoi\'s 1,000th birthday

>> Hanoi kicks off its 1,000 year anniversary festivities