“Gia Dinh Haha” Episode 20: "The day you return, the doors will be open, and the flowers awoken."

Crossing Forests and Wading Streams

The last day in Ban Lien began with an uphill journey to find dong leaves. Crossing rugged streams and cliffs, the members together enjoyed the enthusiastic rhythm of labor amidst the mountains and forests.

For the first time, the entire group saw the giang tree (used to make bamboo strips) with their own eyes. As Ms. Thong swiftly split each layer of bark into thin strips, the members could not help but marvel at the eldest sister's dexterity.

The idiom "Soft strips tie tightly" (Lạt mềm buộc chặt) was mentioned by Fourth Brother Tam and Youngest Brother Khanh when they saw how fragile strips could connect an entire sturdy roof. Eldest Brother Thuan was also delighted to discover that the water inside the tree trunk had a mild sweet taste - a small yet fascinating experience from nature.

Continuing the humane values from the screen, on the upcoming February 28, 2026, the program will coordinate with the Ban Lien Commune People's Committee and the Agriculture & Environment Magazine to organize the launching ceremony of the “Gia Dinh Haha Tree Planting Festival - For a Happy Vietnam”. With the theme “Sowing green sprouts – Cultivating happiness”, the project is expected to plant 5,000 seedlings (such as green bamboo shoots, Trung Khanh chestnuts...) in the commune area.

This activity not only aims to create a green, clean, and beautiful landscape, supporting the development of eco-tourism in Ban Lien, but also carries a profound meaning: every green sprout sown is an act of creating a peaceful and happy living space for the future. Within the framework of the event, the organizing committee will also present practical Tet gifts to locals and students in the area.

Cultural Intersection on Tet Holiday

For the first time, Mr. Ha and Ms. Thong's family, along with little Thu and little Thang, donned traditional ao dai, radiant beside the red couplets. Conversely, the members of “Gia Dinh Haha” looked graceful and rustic in traditional "Tay" ethnic costumes.

The whole family together captured commemorative photos beside the red couplets. In that frame, the difference in attire served as the very thread connecting and honoring the beauty of reunion. Youngest Brother Khanh even reminded the couple to "print the photo really big," because "near ink, one is blackened; near forgetting, the photo will remind everyone to remember."

The members also took the opportunity to shoot a spontaneous "vow renewal" photo set for Mr. Ha and Ms. Thong, making the Tet atmosphere even more bustling and happy. From their initial shyness, Mr. Ha and Ms. Thong gradually got into the rhythm, creating frames that were both witty and sweet in the heart of Ban Lien.

After the Rain, Human Warmth Remains

The farewell party was lit up by the flickering campfire. Tonight's feast was a connection of neighborhood affection, as the neighboring sisters each brought a delicious dish to share. Everyone gathered together like a true extended family, celebrating a reunion Tet.

Hearing Ms. Can (Ms. Thong's younger sister) emotionally giving thanks because the program had brought the image of Ban Lien closer to everyone, Bui Cong Nam humbly replied: "We only contributed to bringing beauty to everyone, but this place is inherently wonderful already."

On behalf of the members, Eldest Brother Thuan shared his thoughts dedicated to this land: “After the rain, the sky will brighten; after the storms, we will still be together because this affection is genuine.”

Instead of a goodbye, Ms. Thong prepared individual bundles of chopsticks for each member according to Tet customs: “I am very lucky to welcome you all to visit, and you have also become members of the family.” Mr. Ha's mother also conveyed a message: “Family happiness must be as sturdy as a pair of chopsticks.” Youngest Brother Khanh promised to bring this gift home and tell his mother, so that the luck and connection from Ban Lien would spread to his own family.

Episode 20 closed with a brilliant fireworks display amidst the Ban Lien night sky. Airing right on Valentine's Day and also during the days approaching Tet, the journey concluded as a warm message of love: That no matter where we go or what we do, we always have a place to return to. There, just as Mr. Ha's message said: “We are one family, the day you return, the door will be open, and flowers will bloom.”

Audiences Regretfully Say Goodbye to Ban Lien, Awaiting the Return of “Gia Dinh Haha”

It is not hard to find hesitant comments from audiences as they are about to part with the familiar stilt house: "I don't even dare to watch; if I don't watch to save it, I can't stand it, but I'm afraid that once I watch, it will be over." The eagerness for this episode was also demonstrated by many viewers deciding to watch it live on television broadcasting instead of waiting: "Let's watch Gia Dinh Haha together on the 27th of Tet, everyone; usually, I wait for the YouTube release, but today I'll watch it first."

It seems that following the simple joys and sorrows of the cast and the people of Ban Lien has silently become a small corner of peace. That connection was summed up by one viewer: "Everything is beautiful, beautiful from the people, to the emotions, and all things around." The warm atmosphere of the small family was so authentic that someone swelled with emotion: "I really just want to break through the screen and jump right in there. How can it be so happy?"

Perhaps the most heartwarming thing is the anticipation of a new journey: "Closing a beautiful journey to open up many more to come." In particular, many people also agreed that this farewell was not sorrowful but brought a sense of fulfillment: "This time I feel very fulfilled, because I know that even though they no longer appear on television together, they will still meet again." For a reality television program, the greatest reward sometimes does not lie in flashy numbers, but in being kept in the audience's hearts, missed when the curtain closes, and sincerely waited upon for the day of reunion.

“Gia Dinh HaHa – Special Stage” broadcasts every Saturday at 20:00 on VTV3, 20:30 on the YeaH1 Show YouTube channel, and is officially available on MangoPlus.