Phan Sy Thuc Street: A long street wet with rain...

(Baonghean) - A gentle spring rain sprinkles softly on the young, green willow trees, creating a silent spectacle. The misty shores of Goong Lake are shrouded in a mystical haze, enveloping the tranquil space of the new day with a strangely fresh beauty. Slowly counting each drop of coffee falling into the cup, gazing at the entire lakeside road as it gradually brightens with the dissipating mist in the wind, a sense of tranquility fills the heart, a love for this new town…

Phan Sy Thuc Street.

Is there any traveler visiting Thanh Vinh who doesn't know this road, this picturesque lake? Did the road give Goong Lake its charm? Or did the lake itself create the city's enchanting atmosphere? I've asked myself this question countless times, sitting on the mezzanine of my usual café, gazing out at the rippling lake. The lake is so poetic that it's hard to imagine even the slightest harmony with the history of its name, "Goong." The elderly people on the street, former workers of the Truong Thi Railway Factory, whisper stories about the "origins" of Goong Lake: during the French colonial period, thousands of laborers from across An Tinh were mobilized to build the largest railway factory in Central Vietnam at the time. For months on end, rice paddies were dug up and the land was leveled to create this magnificent structure, leaving behind a lake area of ​​over 5 hectares.

The name Goong Lake originates from a mispronunciation of the handcarts used daily by laborers from all over to transport earth and stone for the grand construction projects of that era. The Truong Thi Railway Factory project, having weathered many changes over time, is now rarely remembered, but the exquisite beauty of Goong Lake, along with the landscaping and design improvements that have further enhanced its harmony, has become a highlight of Vinh City's landscape during this period of integration.

Sitting by the lake, sipping a drink and gazing out at the vast expanse, gives us a truly relaxing feeling.

Phan Sy Thuc Street winds around and embraces the romantic lake like a timeless couple, exuding a unique charm regardless of the four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The street is both youthful and contemplative. Why not visit on a breezy summer morning, feeling the refreshing freshness of a new street, with its rows of trendy cafes and snack shops… pulsating with modern music, and the confident, stylish young people strolling into familiar establishments? Or, if you want to contemplate the street's tranquil atmosphere, why not slow down the hurried pace of life, take a ride through the winter chill, and see that even the barrenness of the leafless trees, the hazy purple mist, and the fleeting sounds of the street outside… all create a valuable moment of quiet reflection in life. At this time of year, sitting along the lakeside path paved with dark red hexagonal blocks, I feel as if I'm living in a pristine place untouched by the impurities of the world. Engaging in casual conversation with a close companion, I feel as if life is utterly carefree!

But I'm telling you about the poetic associations of the street; in reality, that street also has practical aspects that exist daily. Besides its bustling business activities, Phan Sy Thuc Street is also known as the location of many private enterprises. Decades ago, Phan Sy Thuc Street was probably a rough, uneven surface, with sparsely tiled houses and messy patches of tar paper. For a long time afterward, the street didn't improve much, remaining almost unchanged until the early 1990s, when many families gradually moved in, densely filling the street. It's said that in the past, Phan Sy Thuc Street wasn't a popular choice, because its secluded location near Goong Lake evoked vague hesitations; another reason was that the area was sparsely populated at that time, with more people concentrated in the main streets of the area. Times have changed. A few years ago, Phan Sy Thuc Street experienced a real estate boom, with houses overlooking the lake considered a prime location and a desirable lifestyle choice for affluent families. Many visitors even compared Phan Sy Thuc Street to the lakeside promenade of West Lake in Hanoi…

Some people in Vinh love the city with a selfish kind of love, insisting that the city belongs solely to Vinh, unlike any other place in the world. The city of Vinh is ageless. It carries the sun, the rain, traverses the long stretches of time and space, cherishing countless memories and recollections, so that those who return from afar still find the city's beauty intact, the result of that patient waiting. After a long stretch that adorns the Goong Lake, the winding road leads to the main Phan Dang Luu road. This section is bustling with the daily life of the residents on both sides of the street. The architecture of the houses here is also noteworthy, with modern high-rise buildings adding to the city's elegant appearance and the aspirations of a first-class city. The native population has dwindled considerably in recent years, with a significant number of people migrating to the city. But no matter where they come from, they quickly absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the city and contemplate their own meaning of life. The people of this neighborhood, aside from the businesses that inevitably attract some noise from the surrounding area, are renowned for their simple, united, and friendly way of life. During the Lunar New Year, walking down the street, one not only appreciates the picturesque natural beauty emanating from Goong Lake, but also feels the vibrant energy of the fluttering national flag, instilling in one's spirit and belief in a bright future!

Text and photos:Phuoc Anh