Happy Vietnam

Nui Chua National Park in the south central province of Khanh Hoa is home to striking granite formations, green mangrove forests and thriving vineyards. Together, these landscapes reflect the area's rich natural diversity and its close links with the livelihoods of local communities.

With traditional salt-making in Tuyet Diem village, Xuan Canh commune, Dak Lak province, at risk of dying out, product diversification and community-based tourism offer new opportunities to preserve local cultural heritage and boost socio-economic development.

Many of Vietnam’s oil and gas fields are seeing declining output, while finding and developing new reserves is becoming increasingly difficult. The industry now faces growing pressure to embrace new technologies, optimise production and find fresh sources of growth.

From textile recycling to innovative financing, international models offer Vietnam lessons in turning waste into valuable resources. Stronger cooperation among policymakers, businesses, financial institutions and technology providers will be key to scaling up circular economy initiatives.

At the opening of the Ministerial Roundtable on Digital and Artificial Intelligence, held in Quang Ninh city on October 28 as part of Vietnam International Digital Week 2026 (VIDW 2026), the Ministry of Science and Technology received the 2026 GSMA Government Leadership Award on behalf of the Vietnamese Government.

Raya Aidil Fitri, or the Festival of Love, was re-enacted by Cham Muslims from An Giang province on October 25 at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi. Marking the end of Ramadan, the festival celebrates forgiveness, love, family reunions and cultural traditions.

The 12th Buckwheat Flower Festival opened in Dong Van commune, Tuyen Quang province, on the evening of October 25, 2026. As a major cultural and tourism event, the festival celebrates the beauty of the region's distinctive buckwheat flowers while showcasing Tuyen Quang's natural landscapes and traditional cultural heritage to domestic and international visitors.

In preparation for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027, An Giang Province is stepping up efforts to implement key construction works and projects in Phu Quoc Special Zone. By the end of September 2026, public investment disbursement for APEC-related projects had exceeded VND 9.37 trillion, equivalent to 69.54% of the annual plan. The participation of major economic groups through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and business investment has helped modernize the special zone’s service infrastructure, ensuring optimal conditions for this major international diplomatic event while creating strong momentum for local economic growth. Photo by courtesy/VNA

Sixty-five years have passed since the Ministry of National Defence decided to establish Military Transport Unit 759, codenamed the “Unnumbered Ships,” later known as Naval Unit 125. Its mission was to open a vital strategic route — the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea — to transport personnel, weapons and equipment in support of the battlefield in southern Vietnam. Today, the heroic history and profound significance of this extraordinary route continue to be recounted and passed down, inspiring present and future generations to honour its legacy, carry it forward, contribute to national development and safeguard the country’s maritime sovereignty. Photo: Manh Minh - VNA

Alongside streamlining its administrative apparatus, Quang Ninh Province is accelerating administrative decentralization, digital transformation and comprehensive international integration. The province is translating the spirit of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW into practical cooperation models, notably the Mong Cai–Dongxing Smart Border Gate project and expanded comprehensive cooperation with China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. By strengthening governance effectiveness, Quang Ninh is gradually turning its internal strengths into greater connectivity, logistics capacity and international competitiveness. Photo: Thanh Van - VNA

After two months of piloting a system of criteria and software for evaluating work performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), Nghe An has initially recorded positive changes in officials’ sense of responsibility, initiative and approach to carrying out their duties. By using work outputs, digital data and task completion levels as benchmarks, this evaluation method helps reduce subjective assessments, provides a basis for appropriate personnel placement and deployment, and improves the effectiveness of public service delivery and the quality of service to the people. Photo: Trinh Duy Hung - VNA

Xa Phin hamlet in Thanh Thuy commune, northeastern Tuyen Quang province, lies at the foot of the Tay Con Linh mountain range and is known for its traditional Dao stilt houses with palm-leaf roofs, now covered in green moss that blends with the lush mountain landscape.

The land border area of Dong Thap Province is currently experiencing the annual flood season, also known locally as the floating season, when vast expanses of fields are submerged under water. Some individuals are taking advantage of these conditions to transport smuggled goods across the border by waterway for distribution in the domestic market. In response, the Dong Thap Border Guard is stepping up patrols and ambush operations to resolutely combat smuggling, trade fraud and the illegal cross-border transportation of goods, while maintaining security and order along the border. Photo: Nhut An - VNA

The Party Committee of Central Party Agencies held a hybrid conference in Hanoi on October 22, 2026, combining in-person and online participation, to study, learn about, thoroughly grasp and implement the Resolution adopted at the fourth plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee. Photo: An Dang, Phan Phuong - VNA

Chemical testing at the Southern Guard Department (Department 180) under the Guard Command plays an important role in ensuring the safety of Party and State leaders and international guests through the testing of food and water supplies. In response to increasingly sophisticated toxic threats, the unit is gradually shifting from manual testing to modern analytical equipment, enhancing its ability to detect and prevent potential risks at an early stage and from a distance. Every stage of the testing process requires a high degree of accuracy and care, helping ensure the absolute safety of those under guard protection. Photo: Hong Dat - VNA

Nestled at the foot of the Tay Con Linh mountain range, Xa Phin Hamlet, Thanh Thuy Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, preserves the traditional stilt houses with palm-leaf roofs of the Dao ethnic community. Over the years, green moss has spread across the roofs, creating a tranquil, timeworn beauty that blends harmoniously with the lush green mountains and forests. Beside ponds, amid gardens or along narrow paths, each house has its own distinctive character and a close connection with nature. The autumn sunshine illuminates patches of moss, highlighting the contours of the traditional roofs. The local architecture and peaceful scenery make Xa Phin an appealing destination, offering opportunities to explore the culture and daily life of Vietnam’s mountainous regions. Photo: Minh Tam - VNA

In the works of artisan Bui Van Tu, memories of his hometown come alive through simple, familiar images. They include the pond by his maternal grandparents’ home, clay animals that his grandmother and he used to mold together for fun, and his mother’s love and frugality. He incorporates these cherished memories into light sculpture, telling stories of women through images of protection and care, hardship and sacrifice. On the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20), his four works made from bronze and Bat Trang ceramics serve as a tribute to grandmothers and mothers, as well as an expression of solidarity with women who have devoted themselves tirelessly to the pottery craft. Photo: Pham Tuan Anh - VNA

Hung Yen Province currently has 104 Women’s Union grassroots organisations across its 104 communes and wards, with 1,375 chapters, more than 496,000 members, 2,768 honorary members and over 934,600 women. In recent years, Women’s Union organisations at all levels have launched numerous practical and effective movements that have gained widespread community support and contributed to local socio-economic development. In recognition of these outstanding contributions, the Hung Yen Provincial Women’s Union was honoured as one of five collectives receiving the 2026 Vietnam Women’s Award. Photo: Thu Hoai – VNA

In her capacity as Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Members’ Council of Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company Limited, a state-owned single-member limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company), Trinh Thi Hong Van has promoted the application of scientific knowledge to meet practical requirements in production, business operations and the conservation of valuable natural resources. In 2026, she was one of 12 individuals honoured with the Vietnam Women’s Award, which recognises outstanding women and collectives for their talent, achievements and meaningful contributions across various fields of social life. Photo: Xuan Trieu – VNA

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to emulation movements promoting learning, talent development and the establishment of learning models during the 2021–2025 period, Lam Thi Cuc Huynh, a resident of Chau Thanh Commune, Vinh Long Province, received a Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Association for Promoting Education’s Central Committee. She is also known locally for her sustained charitable activities. From supporting disadvantaged students to maintaining the “Free Vegetarian Meals on Sundays” kitchen, she remains committed to sharing and helping those in need, believing that as long as she has her health, she can continue to make a difference in their lives. Photo: Thanh Hoa – VNA