Windy Days is a non-profit project composed of students and experts who travel once a month to important historical spots in the country in order to gain a better understanding and appreciation of time-held traditions and heritage.  

The group celebrates its 11th trip by exploring Tho Ha Temple in Bac Giang Province and Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh Province. It is part of a series of other trips organized by Toi Xe Dich and joined in by Vietnamese folk culture experts who function as guides during the whole process: Tran Hau Yen The, a lecturer of the Viet Nam National Fine Arts University and one of the country’s best fine arts researchers; Ngo Duc Thinh, researcher; Tran Dinh Ngon, cheo (traditional opera) master; Doan Vinh, cheo director; and Thanh Ngoan, famous cheo artist.  

Tho Ha Temple showcases 300-year old folk sculpture on wooden pillars and decorative panels. The stone nghe is a whimsical creature resembling a long-tailed dog that is considered sacred. They are placed in equally holy places, positioned in a kissing manner. Fairies riding dragons represented regal, strong women in the old times.   Phat Tich Pagoda displayed several elements such as Buddha statues, holy animals and stone lions. Buddha statues in particular were either normal or a masterpiece, depending on its carvings and detailing. One of the most beautiful and precious Buddha statues in the site was constructed in 1057. It has an elegant robe; numerous circles around the lower part of the body to symbolize power; and a calm, peaceful face.

  The excursionists were also served lunch as part of the tour. Vietnamese food like com nam, muoi vung, boiled rice with roasted sesame, peanuts and salt, and gio cha (pork sausages) made the students appreciate the culinary culture of the country.   Unique from most trips, Windy Days guides do not give much, or if at all, details about the structures and places that they visit in order to encourage the youth to find out on their own and in so doing gain a deeper understanding and admiration for Vietnamese history and culture. Windy Days trips also foster long-lasting friendships among the students and experts as well.    

Other popular spots in Vietnam which hold historical value are next on the list of future trips by Windy Days: More than a century-old Long Bien Bridge; cheo art; hau dong, a ritual of spirit mediumship in connection with Dao Mau, a Vietnamese Mother Goddess religion; and the handicraft art of printing Dong Ho paintings. “I Move” is another part of the series of Windy Days which aims to merge the youth, older generation and foreigners to develop a changing view but deeper love for Vietnamese traditions and heritage.