[Cao - Xà - Lá: The condensed ambitions of a new socialist nation]
Thang Long Tobacco Factory

The custom of smoking pipes in Vietnam was recorded from the 16th to 17th centuries. It was widely popular in society. Along with the custom of eating betel nut, smoking pipe was an indispensable component in the social activities of Vietnamese people before the 20th century. Vietnamese people had various ways of enjoying pipe tobacco, such as bowls, pipes or by chewing. Hang Dieu street in Hanoi specializes in selling pipe tobacco. Although there are several private tobacco manufacturers in North Vietnam, the government wants to build a state tobacco industry under their own watch. From their perspective, the private companies could easily manipulate the tobacco market, while their production fails to meet demands. Therefore, building an official national tobacco industry becomes an urgent mission.