On December 20-21 , the Faculty of Information Technology organized a trip titled " Back to the Roots - Exploring the History and Landscapes of Ninh Binh ," a meaningful journey aimed at helping faculty and staff gain a deeper understanding of the nation's origins, the history of nation-building, and the majestic natural beauty of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu - the birthplace of King Dinh Tien Hoang .

This is an annual event, a cherished tradition of the Faculty of Information Technology , maintained over the years with the aim of fostering a love for history, strengthening collective cohesion, and caring for the spiritual well-being of faculty and staff.

Ninh Binh, as seen through the group's itinerary, is not only a land of outstanding natural beauty and rich history, but also a picturesque landscape where mountains, rivers, sky, clouds, and water blend together to create a serene and poetic beauty. The group had the opportunity to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu , learn about the Dinh and Early Le dynasties, and the people and heroic history of the nation in its early days.

The journey continues to Trang An – a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, where members can enjoy boat rides through crystal-clear waters , exploring magnificent cave systems such as Dai Cave, Dot Xoai Cave , and many other beautiful caves and lagoons. Each stroke of the oar is like taking the group back in time, listening to historical stories associated with the Hoang Long River , with the land and people of Ninh Binh – the land of King Dinh.

Besides famous scenic spots, the group also visited ancient temples and spiritual sites, experiencing the tranquility and sacredness amidst the majestic mountains. The moments spent gazing at the ethereal clouds and the reflection of the mountains and sky on the river left many profound and unforgettable emotions.

A highlight of the trip was the exploration of nature in Gia Vien . The participants cycled through the peaceful countryside , immersing themselves in nature, watching flocks of white egrets fly home at sunset , and admiring the pristine beauty of the lagoons, rice fields, and limestone mountains characteristic of Ninh Binh – a tranquil and poetic landscape.

In particular, on the second day, the group visited Thung Lau – a place associated with the childhood of King Dinh Tien Hoang , where he and his friends herded buffalo and practiced mock battles with reed flags in their youth. Thung Lau is a vast valley , surrounded on all sides by high mountains , its entrance requiring navigating through natural rocky cliffs, creating a secluded and strategically important space. In the middle of the valley are stretches of white reeds, vividly evoking the image of an "ideal military location," a place that nurtured the heroic will and spirit of the founding king.

Alongside exploring history and culture, the trip also provided an opportunity for participants to enjoy Ninh Binh's distinctive specialties such as vối tea, crispy rice, and goat meat, enriching the experience and strengthening bonds among group members through warm and friendly meals.

More importantly, this year's trip included retired former faculty members and lecturers from the department , demonstrating the tradition of "remembering the source when drinking water" and showing gratitude to previous generations. In addition, the delegation also took time to visit the families of faculty members , including a visit to the family of Professor Nguyen Tran Hai, demonstrating care, sharing, and collegial affection.

The " Back to the Roots " trip was not just a sightseeing journey, but also a vivid history lesson, helping each member to be more proud of their national traditions and to love the nature, country, and people of Vietnam even more. At the same time, it was an opportunity to strengthen team bonds, create beautiful memories, moments of sharing, and unforgettable experiences. Especially, the trip became even more meaningful as it was organized in anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the Faculty of Information Technology (2026), contributing to fostering a spirit of unity, inheriting and developing the traditions of the faculty through generations of staff and lecturers.

The journey has come to an end, but the memories of Ninh Binh's landscapes , of the land of King Dinh, remain. The beauty of the sky, the rivers, the mountains, and the glorious history that still lingers remains, becoming a source of inspiration and motivation for every faculty member and lecturer of the Faculty of Information Technology in their studies, research, and work.