Dragon in Vietnam is called of different names "Thin" or "Long". Dragon is an imaginable animal that was created in different shapes by plastic artists. Traditionally, in Vietnam, Dragon has been respected & worshipped as a supernatural animal but quite close to people & present everywhere.

   In pagodas, temples or imperial tombs, Dragon looks imposing, majestic, elegant with haloes.

   In Vietnamese traditional legend, Dragon reminds of the Vietnamese origin when Lac Long Quan and Au Co gave birth to the country for starting a famous epic about "The process of founding & defending a nation by 18 Hung Kings".

   In Hue ancient capital, the image of Dragon made Kings & Lords concious of independence for building & protecting peace and prosperity.

   And, in Hanoi, Dragon seems to remind the history of 1010 Autumn when King Ly Thai To moved capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La citadel and renamed Thang Long, & now Hanoi - our capital.

   Dragon being in & out, up & down has borne historic imprint and become a good symbol in Vietnamese people's heart.

   On the threshold of 2000, to welcome the New Year & mark the 990th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi, Department General of Posts & Telecommunications (DGPT) issues the stampset "Year of the Dragon" with 2 values designed to imitate folk style.

   Two themes "New Year" & "990th Anniv. of Thang Long - Hanoi" have been mingled together in a stampset to form a meaningful idea.

   Yellow Dragon on the background of Tet & Spring colours shows that when the New Year of the Dragon in, Vietnam will further develop & become a strong "Dragon" toward the 21st century; every Vietnamese family will be healthy & prosperous.

   Yellow Dragon next to the image of One-Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Flag Tower represents Hanoi, a 1000-year civilised capital, being celebrated the 990th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi in Tet atmosphere and in joy of being awarded "City for Peace".