Vietnam

Stories from the Vietnam origin:

• The Story of Tam and Cam Jul 29, 2025

  

  In a small village nestled between emerald rice paddies and whispering bamboo groves, there lived a kind-hearted girl named Tam. Her father had remarried after her mother’s death, bringing into their home a stepmother with her own daughter, Cam. While Tam possessed a gentle spirit and worked tirelessly with never a complaint, Cam was spoiled and lazy, always finding ways to avoid her duties.

  When Tam’s father passed away, her stepmother’s true nature emerged like storm clouds blocking the sun. She treated Tam as a servant, forcing her to do all the household chores while Cam lounged in comfort.

• The Legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co Jul 28, 2025

  

  Long, long ago, when the world was still young and magic flowed through every mountain stream and forest grove, there lived a mighty Dragon King named Lac Long Quan. He was the son of Kinh Duong Vuong, ruler of the underwater kingdom, and his domain stretched across all the waters of the land that would one day be called Vietnam.

  Lac Long Quan was not like ordinary dragons. He possessed the wisdom of ancient seas, the strength of mighty rivers, and a heart filled with love for all living creatures. His scales shimmered like emeralds in sunlight, and when he transformed into human form, he appeared as a handsome young man with eyes that held the depth of oceans and the warmth of gentle springs.

• The Story of Thach Sanh Jul 27, 2025

  

  In the dense forests that bordered the ancient kingdom of Vietnam, there lived a poor woodcutter named Thach Sanh. He was an orphan who had grown up alone in the wilderness, learning to survive by his wits and the kindness of the forest creatures. Though his clothes were patched and worn, and his hut was made of simple bamboo and leaves, Thach Sanh possessed something far more valuable than gold—a heart pure as mountain spring water and courage as steadfast as the ancient trees he worked among.

• The Golden Carp Jul 26, 2025

  

  In a small fishing village nestled along the banks of the Red River, there lived an old fisherman named Truong. His hair was white as river foam, his hands weathered like driftwood, but his eyes still sparkled with the kindness that had guided him through many decades of life. Though he owned only a simple bamboo hut and an old fishing boat, Truong was known throughout the village for his generous heart and gentle ways.

• The Story of Cuoi and the Banyan Tree Jul 25, 2025

  

  Long ago, in a small village surrounded by rice paddies and bamboo groves, there lived a man named Cuoi. He was neither particularly clever nor especially foolish, neither very rich nor desperately poor—just an ordinary fellow who spent his days farming and his evenings sitting under the stars, dreaming of adventures that would never come.

  Cuoi had one notable characteristic: he was extraordinarily curious about everything around him. If he saw a new type of flower, he had to touch it. If he heard an unusual sound, he had to investigate. If someone told him not to do something, that was precisely what he most wanted to try.

• The Legend of Ba Den Mountain Jul 24, 2025

  

  In the ancient province of Tay Ninh, where the Cambodian border meets the Vietnamese heartland, there rises a solitary peak known as Ba Den Mountain—the Black Lady Mountain. Its dark silhouette against the sky has watched over the surrounding plains for countless generations, and within its shadows lies one of Vietnam’s most poignant love stories.

  Long ago, during the time when the Khmer and Vietnamese kingdoms often clashed along their borders, there lived a young woman named Huong whose beauty was renowned throughout the region. Her hair flowed like black silk, her eyes sparkled like stars reflected in still water, and her gentle nature drew people to her like flowers turning toward the sun.

• The Story of My Chau and Trong Thuy Jul 23, 2025

  

  In the ancient land of Au Lac, during the time when Vietnam was divided into warring kingdoms, there ruled a wise and powerful king named An Duong Vuong. His kingdom was prosperous and strong, protected by massive fortifications and defended by the most advanced weapons of the age—magical crossbows that could fire arrows with supernatural accuracy and force.

  The secret of these mighty weapons lay in a single magical crossbow called Linh Quang, forged by the Dragon King himself and presented to An Duong Vuong as a reward for his just rule. This celestial weapon was so powerful that a single arrow from it could penetrate any armor and strike down enemies from impossible distances.

• The Watermelon, the Sticky Rice Cake, and the Glutinous Rice Ball Jul 22, 2025

  

  In a prosperous village along the Red River, there lived a wealthy merchant named Master Duc who had three sons. As he grew old and felt his strength declining, Master Duc decided it was time to choose which of his sons would inherit his business and continue the family legacy.

  The eldest son, Minh, was strong and ambitious, known throughout the village for his success in trading precious stones and silk. The middle son, Tai, was clever and well-educated, having studied literature and mathematics with the finest teachers. The youngest son, Nghia, was gentle and thoughtful, spending his time helping neighbors and caring for the family’s ancestral shrine.

• The Story of Tiet Lieu and the Banh Chung Jul 21, 2025

  

  During the reign of the great King Hung Vuong the Sixth, in the ancient kingdom of Van Lang, there lived a wise ruler who deeply loved his eighteen sons. As the king grew older and contemplated the succession of his throne, he found himself faced with a difficult decision—each of his sons possessed admirable qualities, and choosing among them seemed nearly impossible.

  The king was known throughout the land for his fairness and wisdom. Under his rule, the kingdom had prospered, the people lived in peace, and the harvests were abundant. But he knew that the strength of a kingdom depended not just on its current prosperity, but on the wisdom of future leaders.

• The Legend of Sword Lake Jul 20, 2025

  

  In the early fifteenth century, when Vietnam groaned under the harsh rule of Chinese invaders, there lived a man named Le Loi in the village of Lam Son, nestled in the mountains of Thanh Hoa province. Le Loi was a scholar and landowner, known for his wisdom, courage, and deep love for his homeland. But most importantly, he possessed something that had become rare during those dark times—an unshakeable belief that Vietnam could and would be free.

• The Story of the Kitchen God Jul 19, 2025

  

  Long ago, in a small village where the river winds through green rice fields, there lived a poor couple named Trong and Thi. Though they had little money and their house was simple, their love for each other filled their humble home with warmth and happiness. Trong worked hard in the fields, while Thi tended their small garden and kept their house clean and welcoming.

  “We may not have gold or silk,” Thi would say as she prepared their simple meals over the small kitchen fire, “but we have each other, and that makes us richer than any merchant.”

• The Tale of Princess Lieu Hanh Jul 18, 2025

  

  In the highest realm of heaven, where clouds form palaces and stars serve as lanterns, there lived a princess whose beauty and wisdom were renowned throughout the celestial court. Princess Lieu Hanh was the beloved daughter of the Jade Emperor, gifted with magical powers and a heart that overflowed with compassion for all living beings.

  Unlike other celestial princesses who spent their time in leisurely pursuits, Lieu Hanh was drawn to observing the mortal world below. From her palace among the clouds, she would watch the daily struggles of human beings—their joys and sorrows, their acts of kindness and cruelty, their endless efforts to find happiness in a world filled with both beauty and suffering.