In 1989, Lan Hinh (born Tran Thi Lan) - daughter of the patriotic scholar and cultural figure A Nam Tran Tuan Khai - returned to Vietnam after living in the United States for years. Since then, she has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing traditional culture through quiet yet persistent efforts.

Portrait of poet Lan Hinh, daughter of the patriotic scholar and cultural icon A Nam Tran Tuan Khai. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Now in her nineties, she regularly welcomes visitors, students, and scholars to the cultural spaces she established. "Returning home alone back then was not an easy decision," she recalls. "But I felt I was coming back not just for myself, but to do something meaningful for the community and future generations."

Lan Hinh always wears the traditional ao dai when attending cultural events and public exchanges. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Poet Lan Hinh delivers a speech at a cultural event in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Her defining legacy lies in two unique cultural spaces: the A Nam Memorial House in Ho Chi Minh City and Lan Dinh Ben along the La Nga River in Lam Dong Province. She spent over two decades curating documents and artifacts for the Memorial House to preserve her father’s literary legacy and patriot movement history. Meanwhile, Lan Dinh Ben serves as an eco-cultural retreat blending nature with traditional art. Both venues host poetry readings, ca tru performances, and youth exchanges.

Lan Hinh is warmly cherished by friends and colleagues. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Rather than relying on rigid lectures, Lan Hinh shares culture through storytelling, poetry, and discussions on traditional etiquette, attire, and the beauty of the Vietnamese language. Born into a refined literary family, she is also the author of poetry collections such as Kim Sinh Luy, Ben Nao, and Dao Thuong, as well as Vuon Hong ABC, an educational series teaching moral values to children through folk poetry and proverbs.

 

A nostalgic corner inside the A Nam Memorial House. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Friends and visitors touring the archive and cultural space at the A Nam Memorial House. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Lan Hinh believes cultural education begins at home and school. By learning to cherish their mother tongue and traditions, youth gain a solid foundation to integrate globally without losing their cultural identity. In a rapidly modernizing world, her lifelong commitment continues to keep the spirit of Vietnamese heritage alive./.

Lan Hinh engaged in a cultural discussion with youth at the Lan Dinh Ben cultural space. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Artists interact with the audience during the poetry-music-drama program "Loyalty and Filial Piety Complete" initiated by Lan Hinh at the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Cultural House. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

Cultural and artistic activities initiated and supported by Lan Hinh to introduce and preserve traditional Vietnamese culture for the public. Photo: Son Nghia/VNP

By Son Nghia/VNP