(VOVworld)- As in many other countries, stamp collecting is a popular hobby in Vietnam. For philatelists, collecting stamps is not just a way to learn about history, culture and art, but also a way to introduce the Vietnamese image to the world. VOV editor To Tuan reports. 

Stamp depicting Central Highlands' gong- Photo:vietnstamp.net

Founded nearly half a century ago, the Vietnam Philately Association has attract philatelists of all ages by promoting a nationwide movement of stamp collecting. In Vietnam, popular venues for philatelists are the stamp galleries at 14 Tran Hung Dao street in Hanoi and 18 Dinh Tien Hoang street in Ho Chi Minh city. There are also several philately clubs throughout the country. In Hanoi, an unofficial “stamp market” is located at 160 Trieu Viet Vuong street, where philatelists meet every Sunday morning.

Stamp market in Trieu Viet Vuong street, Hanoi- Photo: anninhthudo.vn

The market is just a small café by the street. The market’s owner, who is also a philatelist, thinks the market goes well with tea and coffee. The market is simply decorated but attracts many traders. Visitors can learn a lot about the meticulousness of collecting stamps. Each stamp has its own historical, cultural and artistic values. Pham Hao, a local collector, says: “A stamp has a lot of artistic values because each stamp is a graphic work which has been carefully designed and appraised before being issued. After that, the stamp is stuck on an envelope and travels everywhere. Each stamp carries a message. For example, a stamp can introduce the beauty of Ha Long Bay and other heritages of Vietnam to the places it goes. Through the stamps, people around the world learn more about Vietnamese heritages”.

Stamps featuring President Ho Chi Minh- Photo:xahoithongtin.com.vn

Vietnamese stamps depict animals, plants, landscapes, war, and famous figures. A stamp is issued just once, and the older it is, the more valuable it becomes, especially stamps that have some printing flaw. Philatelist Le Duc Van is famous in Hanoi for his stamp collection featuring women. Valuable stamps are the ones with strong historical and cultural traces and limited issuance. Nguyen Tien Dai, an experienced philatelist in Hanoi, says: “A stamp has a lot of value because a stamp is a miniature museum of a country and a witness to history. Stamps are miniature works of arts that elicit great passion from philatelists”.

Stamps depicting Ha Long Bay- Photo:dongnai.vnpost.vn

Visitors to the stamp market can learn about the values of the stamps and many other interesting things. For example, the stamp “The little guerilla”, which was printed in 1967 to mark the fall of the 2000^th American aircraft in northern Vietnam, has traveled to 167 countries. The stamp collection “Marking the 700^th Death Anniversary of revered teacher Chu Van An (1292-1992) became valuable because of printing faults and rareness. The painter drew Chu Van An wearing glasses though in his time, there were no glasses.

Stamp:"The little guerrilla" has traveled to 167 countries- Photo:xahoithongtin.com.vn

With the rapid growth of computer technology, posted letters have become less popular. By collecting stamps, philatelists hope to learn more about history and culture and preserve historical and cultural values. 

To Tuan