HÀ NỘI — The touching Vietnamese folk song Người Ơi, Người Ở Đừng Về (My Darling, Please Don’t Leave) has been performed for the first time ever by a group of diplomats from the Canadian Embassy in Việt Nam and famous singer Tùng Dương.

Filmed at a gorgeous, ancient temple in Hà Nội with dozens of shots to show Vietnamese customs – including calligraphy, Vietnamese monochord, paper fans, traditional dress, folk paintings and traditional children’s toys – the clip is expected to expose audiences to incredible features of Việt Nam.

Joining Canadian diplomats in the clip, singer Tùng Dương said he was deeply thrilled to guide them in singing this traditional song, which is also a farewell message from Ambassador David Devine and his wife, Marian, and the diplomats in the Canadian Embassy who are finishing their terms in Việt Nam.

“The song is part of our farewell to the country, and to the people,” Ambassador Devine said. “The song is also to show how much we love and respect Việt Nam’s tradition.  No matter where we go, a part of Việt Nam will always remain with us.

“When we leave Việt Nam, we will leave with a greater understanding of this incredible country, and a greater appreciation of the importance of diversity, both at home and abroad,” he said. “ It is our sincere hope that this video has given you a better understanding of those values Canadians hold dear, to keep in your hearts as well.”

The song can be watched here:

— VNS