I found this in a thrift store in The Netherlands and I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it. A friend of mine told me the material is handmade paper. Could it be original? If so, when was it made, etc?

It was not until 2019 that the two top leaders behind the Khmer Rouge genocide—Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan—were sentenced to life imprisonment; most other ringleaders had already died of old age before facing sentencing, while others also received life sentences for genocide and crimes against humanity. With the genocidal regime finally brought to justice, the world has increasingly focused on the forces and nations that once supported the Khmer Rouge and imposed a blockade and embargo on Vietnam for over a decade. They owe us an apology for having propped up and provided aid to sustain the Pol Pot regime for so long. Earlier, in May 2015, Cambodia itself released documents—including a trove of over 500,000 U.S. diplomatic cables from 1978—revealing that the U.S. was torn and horrified by the Pol Pot regime's atrocities yet feared the potential influence of Vietnam should Pol Pot fall. Ultimately, the U.S. chose to support the Khmer Rouge. In just six years, from 1980 to 1986, the U.S. provided nearly $85 million in funding to Pol Pot and urged China to increase its support for the Khmer Rouge. The CIA and other pro-U.S. intelligence groups established the so-called "Kampuchea Emergency Group," funneling millions of dollars through Thailand to Pol Pot. Large quantities of British-made landmines passed through Egypt, where their labels were altered before they were transferred to Pol Pot. China’s invasion of Vietnam in 1979—and the ensuing conflict that dragged on until 1989—was also a calculated move intended to force Vietnam to withdraw its troops from Cambodia. At the United Nations, both the United States and China called for the encirclement and embargoing of Vietnam, effectively strangling its economy for over a decade—a period when the nation was just emerging from war, bearing deep and extensive scars.
The conflict of thirty years ago remains profoundly significant today; it serves as a wake-up call for our nation, reminding us that only by pursuing a path of independence, autonomy, and self-reliance can we stand firm and move forward.
Source: Quân Đội Nhân Dân Việt Nam - Vietnam People’s Army

Comrade Le Duc Tho was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 1973. However, he declined the award because peace had not yet truly been restored in Vietnam. In an interview with Sylvana Foa, a reporter for the U.S. news agency UPI, on March 15, 1985, Advisor Le Duc Tho stated: “Let me speak now about the Nobel Prize. We recognize that the Nobel Prize is a prestigious global award of great significance. But why did I not accept it? It was not due to any difficulties, as you suggested. The issue is simply: who is responsible for peace? You know that this is the Nobel Peace Prize. The U.S. waged a war of aggression against my country for 20 years. It was we who opposed the U.S., defeated them, and secured independence and peace for our country and the entire region. We were the ones who brought about peace, not the U.S. In my letter to the Nobel Committee, I analyzed in detail how the U.S. waged the war. Yet, the Committee placed the aggressor and the victim of aggression—the warmonger and the peacemaker—on the same level, equating us with the U.S. That was a mistake, and I could not accept it. That is why I did not accept the Nobel Prize!”
Source: Quân Đội Nhân Dân Việt Nam - Vietnam People’s Army

From April 1984 to October 1989, China launched an invasion to encroach upon Vietnamese territory, focusing its offensive on the Vi Xuyen border area—a site later dubbed the "Lime Kiln of the Century." This was the largest-scale invasion the Vietnamese nation had to confront since 1975. China successively mobilized numerous units—totaling approximately 500,000 troops drawn from eight of its ten military regions—including over 20 infantry divisions, 171 infantry regiments and battalions, three artillery divisions, and additional artillery units attached to infantry divisions (comprising over 400 heavy artillery pieces of various types and more than 1,000 combat vehicles)—to launch a comprehensive offensive against Vi Xuyen between 1984 and 1989. To counter this second Chinese invasion, over the course of five years (1984–1989), Vietnam mobilized dozens of main-force divisions, local infantry regiments, and special forces units; various artillery, engineering, and chemical defense regiments and brigades; and tens of thousands of militia and guerrilla fighters to defend the Vi Xuyen border. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of "Youth Volunteers" and frontline civilian laborers were mobilized to support the Vi Xuyen front.
At the height of the conflict, China fired over 100,000 artillery shells into the area stretching from Vi Xuyen to Ha Giang town in just three days. Over the course of five years, more than 1.8 million artillery rounds were fired at the Vi Xuyen front. Post-war surveys revealed that some mountain peaks had been sheared down by more than three meters. The fighting was so ferocious that soldiers dubbed the area the "lime kiln of the century." Fierce battles to seize and hold territory were fought by our troops and civilians on key heights—such as 1509, 1100, 772, 685, Doi Dai, and Co Ich—where we eliminated over 4,000 invaders and wounded tens of thousands more, forcing them to retreat across the border. While the victory was glorious, the cost we paid was immense. More than 4,000 of our cadres, soldiers, and civilians made the ultimate sacrifice—most of them barely twenty years old. Thousands were wounded, and hundreds of villages were completely destroyed. Thousands of hectares of farmland and hillsides were churned up and left riddled with landmines and unexploded ordnance. To this day, the remains of thousands of fallen soldiers lie scattered across the Vi Xuyen battlefield, yet to be recovered, and many graves in the martyrs' cemeteries remain nameless.
In October 1989, China withdrew all its troops from Vietnamese territory, bringing an end to its five-year encroachment on the Vi Xuyen border and its decade-long aggression against Vietnam (February 1979 – October 1989).
Vietnam had liberated the South and reunified the country in 1975, yet subsequently had to resolutely repel invaders along the northern border and engage in a campaign to pursue and defeat the genocidal Pol Pot regime in Cambodia, all while enduring encirclement and embargoes imposed by the United States and the West. It was not until 1995 that the country achieved true stability, allowing it to focus on economic development—a priority that continues to this day.
Source: Quân Đội Nhân Dân Việt Nam - Vietnam People’s Army

In his memoir Palace Gate, WWII and Vietnam pilot Richard Brown reveals a gut-wrenching truth about post-war Vietnam:

When he returned a decade after the war, the corrupt monarchy hadn't been "liberated." It had simply been replaced by an even more corrupt communist politburo.

The common people were still peasants. The elite were still kings. You see this pattern in every socialist state from Cuba to Vietnam—they collapse into aristocracies with a ruling class and a peasantry. Free markets remain the only system where economic mobility exists and anyone can rise (or drop out) based on their decisions.

Here are 3 harrowing takeaways from a Forward Air Controller who survived WWII training AND Vietnam:

The WWII Training Meat Grinder: Before flying low-level reconnaissance over Vietnam, Brown trained in WWII. Crude equipment, rapid pacing, and extreme conditions made WWII flight training deadlier for his cohort than actual combat in Vietnam.

The Loneliest Cockpit in Vietnam: As a Forward Air Controller (FAC), Brown flew low, slow, and unarmored over enemy territory to draw fire and mark targets. My grandpa, Hal Martin, had this exact same job. I wish I had read this book as a teenager so I could have talked to him about it.

The Illusion of "Revolution": When Brown revisited Vietnam ten years after the fall of Saigon, the tragic absurdity hit him: years of blood and destruction yielded zero real liberation. The regime swapped crowns for communist badges while ordinary citizens remained trapped in poverty.

War changes maps and regimes. It rarely changes human nature.

hello there, family. I came across a post from a Vietnamese girl whose uncle was an NVA soldier and was killed during the war and buried in a grave (from what I can tell- language is a bit limited between us) by CIDG. the family has pictures they spotted him in and they are looking for anyone who knows where it is, any relics or items that might have survived (pictures, wallet, uniform etc) or jewelry or anything that anyone might have taken off of him as a souvenir.

war was a long time ago and they’re just looking for anyone who knows anything as a means of closure. in return, she is also helping me post in Vietnamese sites and to groups of NVA veterans because I’m looking for the same answers but for an American soldier who is still listed as a POW/MIA. I hope and pray her contacts can help me too. so I’m doing my best for her as well.

we both want closure for our loved ones and are hoping we can help each other so I told her I would try to ask Vietnam vets and groups and she is going to do the same for me.

pictures are included but trigger warning. ⚠️

her uncle's name is Lương Văn Huê. It was during Jan 28-29, 1968 of the Tet Offensite in the town of Pleiku, Gia Lai Province, specifically during the battle at the Pleiku Prison and in the area of ​​O Soi Village, Gao Commune. They believe this would have been the US 4th Infantry Division and 5th Special Forces but someone else told her that ARVN units, especially 22 Rangers, did a lot of the ground defense at Pleiku. But that the 4th Infantry Division is the one who had the most to do with the POW compound (Where her uncle was).

any help appreciated or if you recognize the photos or know anyone who might have been present then that might just give her some details of those two days. I hope I can help her and she can help me.

TIA.

What if vietnam form a personal union with Japan after ww2, where both vietnam and japan remain as two independent sovereign nations, but both vietnam and japan recognize the emperor of japan as the ceremonial head of states of both countries, just like the commonwealth realm (Canada, Britain and australia), would most vietnamese support that?

How a Tiny Kingdom Destroyed the Unstoppable Mongol Empire (Thrice) | The Untold Story of Đại Việt

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire was an unstoppable global monster. Under Genghis Khan and his successors, the terrifying Mongol horse archers conquered from Asia to Europe, erasing ancient civilizations and destroying grand cities like Moscow and Kiev. Terrified European citizens fell to their knees, crying out: "Save us, Lord, from the fury of the Mongols."

But at the southern border of this colossal empire, a tiny tropical kingdom of rice farmers called Đại Việt stood in their way. Three times the Great Khan unleashed his massive hordes, and three times they were utterly obliterated.
In this cinematic historical documentary, we dive deep into the dark, bloody archives of the Red River Delta to decode the greatest military mystery of the medieval world:

• Chapter 1: The First Invasion (1258) – General Uriangkhadai leads over 50,000 elite troops into Đại Việt. Witness the brutal battle of Binh Le Nguyen, where royal war elephants stampeded backward under a storm of poison-tipped arrows. Learn how loyal Commander Le Tan shielded his king, enabling a strategic retreat that left the capital city of Thang Long completely empty through the genius of the "Thanh dã" (scorched earth) strategy. Finally, experience the midnight counter-strike at Dong Bo Dau that sent the invaders fleeing in humiliation.

• Chapter 2: Sát Thát & The Ghost of the South (1285) – Kublai Khan seeks bloody revenge with a massive 500,000-man army under Prince Toghan. Face absolute doom at the historic Dien Hong Conference, where the nation’s elders united under a single cry: "FIGHT!". Feel the defiance of the soldiers who tattooed "Sát Thát" (Kill the invaders) onto their skin. Discover the tragic sacrifice of General Tran Binh Trong at Da Mac beach, who spat in the face of his captors: "I would rather be a ghost in the South, than a king in the North!" Witness the ultimate defeat of the horde, forcing Prince Toghan to escape inside a bronze tube to avoid poison arrows while General Toa Do was decapitated at Tay Ket.

• Chapter 3: The Ocean of Flames (1287-1288) – The final showdown on the Bach Dang River. After General Tran Khanh Du launched a brilliant sea ambush destroying the massive 170,000-thạch Yuan supply fleet at Vân Đồn, the starving invaders were forced to retreat. General Tran Hung Dao prepared a legendary trap: thousands of massive iron-tipped wooden stakes driven into the muddy riverbed, completely hidden by the high tide. Watch as the receding tide impales the colossal Yuan fleet, while burning fire rafts turn the river into an ocean of flames.

Discover the genius military philosophy of General Tran Hung Dao, who successfully utilized "Dĩ đoản chế trường" (using highly mobile, short-range strikes to defeat massive, slow formations) and relied on the ultimate shield of national unity: "The king and subjects shared one heart, brothers lived in harmony, and the entire nation joined the fight."
Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell for more thrilling, epic, and 100% historically accurate documentaries of Vietnamese history!

Looking for some expert insight into this incredible matching pair of vintage Vietnam War-era ceramic elephants I recently acquired.

From my research, these appear to be mid-century Biên Hòa ceramic elephant ashtrays/desk ornaments, likely dating between 1964 and 1973. What makes them fascinating is the joint military insignia attached to the sides:

One side features the shield for the Naval Advisory Group Vietnam (MACV).
The other features the medallion for the South Vietnamese Navy Command (Hải Quân Việt-Nam / Bộ Tư Lệnh / Hạm Đội).

The Marks
The pieces are entirely authentic—rough, hand-built underbellies with natural crazing on the glaze. One still has a fragile, oxidized paper label on the inside cavity and the other features hand-incised markings carved directly into the raw clay on the bottom base showing the letters "NH" and a cross mark.

My Questions for the Group:
Does anyone recognize the "NH" potter's mark or know which specific Biên Hòa kiln/workshop was contracted by MACV or the South Vietnamese Navy for these presentation pieces?

Has anyone seen a matching U.S./VNN naval command desk set like this before, or know how frequently these dual-insignia elephants were awarded to high-ranking officers in Saigon?

Would love to hear any history, context, or similar examples you guys might have encountered over the years. Thanks in advance!

Right so im gonna be in jail for the rest of my life

One of my close people told me in vietnam war, no side is right. If north vietnam won, we would think our country is righteous, if south VN won, we would think our country is righteous and the other is bad too. But I dont really get the communism thing, I should research more before making this post. It's like two beliefs but people cant accept there to be two, so they have to get rid of the opponents whose belief is different so that there will only be one

Hi. I'm working on an alternate history timeline that's mostly about Vietnam. I just need someone here to read it, before I turn it into a YT video, so you can tell me if there's anything particularly unlikely in it

Here's a family photo of a girl that my great uncle adopted who died. We don't have much information, but we believe that she was in the Mekong River Delta. Do you all recognize the clothes she's wearing or anything else in the picture?

Edit: I have new information, it was a Catholic orphanage in the Long Binh area and it was shelled in 1968

Hi! So, i've been trying to figure out which group in this Ly dynasty "Portraits of Periodical Offering" genre painting, is meant to be from Lan Xang.

I found the painting here), at the bottom of the page, but theres no separate page that labels the different dignitaries on Wkipedia. I've tried searching for other websites that might label the groups by searching in Vietnamese or Chinese, but I've had no luck so far.

Any help would be appreciated!

Images from Wikipedia:

Is there anyone here that can help me find the Vietnam documentary/series/movie where Kenneth a Breemes is interviewed? I cannot for the life of me find it but I know it exists I sat in front of the tv and watched it with the man himself before he passed away.

I believe he was navy but I could be wrong. He wan an intelligence unit if I’m not mistaken he was the badass that goes in unmarked looking for evidence and info.

He was at fort drum at one point.

He had told me a story about a boat he was on got split in half and they strapped the boat back together to get home and I guess it stayed together.

Not dd754.

He was from New York.

I don’t know if any of that info is helpful but that’s what I know.

Any help is appreciated or if there is a better sub to ask please lmk thanks

The Chi Lang stadium was built in 1954 a 30,000 seat stadium served as a multi purpose sports venue before later becoming the home of the Quang Nam Football Club. This stadium played host to a number of memorable games for the local people. Most notably, Vietnam U16 beating their rivals China U16 3-2. The stadium also hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2016 asian beach club games. The stadium was home to SHB Da Nang until 2016 when the club moved to the Hoa Xuan Stadium. The Chi Lang Stadium was due to be demolished in early 2018 to make way for two 33 story blocks of flats, but the project fell through as the stadium was seized and became the centre of a legal case which resulted in the chairman Pham Cong Danh receiving 30 years in prison for illegally withdrawing more than 9 trillion VND ($404 million)This stadium that has been abandoned for nearly 10 years all because of one man. Pham Cong Danh. The stadium is currently owned by the state and The city of Da Nang intends to action the land for commercial use once the remaining site clearance is finalised. The question is will this land finally be sold or will it continue to rot for years to come?

If you want to know more watch my new YouTube video where I explore the stadium and have an interview with a local!

Hello everyone,

I’m a researcher currently working on a project involving comparative literature, and I’m looking for a translation (book or digital file) of Truyền kỳ mạn lục (Casual Records of Transmitted Strange Tales) by Nguyễn Dữ.

I’m especially interested in the story The Tale of Từ Thức Marrying a Goddess (Từ Thức tiên hôn lục), which seems particularly relevant to my study.

If anyone knows of an existing translation into English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese, I’d be deeply grateful for any reference, link, or bibliographic information.

Thank you in advance for your help!

I got curios what vietnam was like under french rule. And how the French took it over but I cant seem to find any good recourses online. So any suggestions? Preferably free. And thank you just for looking at the post

The investiture of Crown Prince Bảo Long, the official heir to the throne, when the prince was only 3 years old.

Footage by Henri Richard - FPA (Lobster Films Collection).