Going to Vinh Loc, everyone knows about Mr. Nguyen Hai Hung, also known as "Hung antiquity". They recognize him because he has spent many years searching for antiques.

Mr. Hung grew up in Nga Son district (Thanh Hoa). Around the age of 14, he left his village for Vinh Loc, where he worked in a variety of professions. 

"Back then, I merely went to collect for my pastime, not to look for something to buy." I began my search from the nearest points in Vinh Loc. "At the time, I already owned about 30,000 antiquities," Hung explained.

Mr. Hung now owns over 50,000 antiques. He had to travel across the provinces searching for and collecting the objects. Mr. Hung believed that keeping them stashed was a waste, so he remodeled his house to exhibit them.

He constructed rows of bamboo and leaf-thatched dwellings in the style of traditional architecture. The antiques in these buildings are organized chronologically and in a clever, elegant manner. The method has increased the appeal of the "little museum" of antiques.

Mr. Hung says that he wants to showcase antiques and allow visitors to visit for free in order to attract more tourists to Vinh Loc.

"Vinh Loc has the benefit of being close to sites and landscapes like the World Cultural Heritage site of the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Giang Pagoda, Tien Son cave eco-tourism region... yet it has yet to attract tourists." 

"My showroom only plays a little role in attracting new consumers. This antique exhibition area draws thousands of people each year," Hung explained.

In assessing his effort, Vinh Loc district chairman stated that Mr. Hung has a passion for collecting antiques and has made numerous practical actions to conserve historical and cultural assets for future generations.

When visitors come, he does not charge them. He gladly participates in activities on product presentation or tourism marketing organized by the district and the province, and he does not seek any assistance for himself or his family.

On the occasion of Thanh Hoa's 990th anniversary, he brought around 80 antiquities to be shown in the exhibition "Thanh Hoa history and presence."

Le Duong