A panoramic view of the Co Chien River.

The traditional brick-making village along the banks of the Co Chien River in Vinh Long Province used to be home to 3,000 brick kilns during the 1980s. At that time, the brick kilns emitted white smoke into the sky all day long. Today, however, there are only a few traditional kilns still operating because most of them have been replaced by modern counterparts. 

Visitors to the village will have a chance to witness the whole process of making bricks—including choosing clay, kneading the clay, putting it in molds, shaping, drying under the sun and putting raw bricks in kilns.

These handmade bricks are widely used due to their distinguished pink color that stands from others.

It takes brick makers five days to gather sufficient raw materials. Next, clay bricks are baked for 15 days. Keeping the right temperature in the kiln is also very crucial to qualified bricks, which requires expertise.

Brick kilns emitting white smoke into the sky. – Photos: Minh Hoang & Dung Tran

Strolling along the Co Chien River, tourists will see the egg-shaped brick kilns standing side by side with factories. These kilns are not only manufacturing facilities but also tourist destinations appealing to visitors.

The handmade potteries there are extensive, ranging from vases, pots, jars and bas-reliefs to paintings and statues.  SGT

Minh Hoang & Dung Tran

Awakening the potential of “Vinh Long Red Kingdom”

Vinh Long has long been known as the most famous and largest brick production province in the Mekong River Delta region; indeed, the local people called it “red kingdom”.

Man dedicates his life to protecting wild birds

While it is said that “land is as precious as gold”, a 74-year-old farmer has decided to leave 20,000sq.m of land alone to give storks a home to nest and lay eggs.