Happy Vietnam

Hanoi has long been a sanctuary for photography enthusiasts, offering effortless opportunities to capture breathtaking scenes. It is a tapestry of light and fragrance, a living breath of a capital city steeped in a millennium of heritage.

Spring in Vietnam is not only a season of renewal and reunion, but also a time for refined cultural traditions. Among the most cherished Lunar New Year pastimes, as reflected in the old saying “First calligraphy, second paintings, third ceramics, fourth woodcraft,” calligraphy holds a special place in Vietnamese culture.

The artwork themed “Vinh quy bai to” (Return Home in Glory), currently displayed at the Thai Hoc House of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. The spectacular carving illustrates the scene of a traditional procession whereby a man who has passed a royal exam to be eligible to work in the court, returns home to pay tribute to his ancestors to the tumultuous welcome of the whole village.

In recent years, ethnic minority Party members in Dak Lak Province have increasingly affirmed their pioneering and exemplary role. Grassroots Party organisations have focused on improving quality, proactively identifying and nurturing potential candidates, and recruiting ethnic minority members, thereby strengthening the political system, promoting socio-economic development and reinforcing the great national unity bloc. Photo: Nguyen Dung – VNA

Over the past year, agencies, units, localities and residents across Lam Dong Province have actively implemented key Politburo resolutions on economic development. Notably, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation has been widely carried out, as its contents are closely linked to daily administrative work and the lives of local people. Photo: Chu Quoc Hung – VNA

Pink mandarins are among Dong Thap province’s best-known specialties and a demanding crop that bears fruit only once a year. After months of meticulous care, many orchards are now ripening and entering the peak harvest season to serve the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) market. The fruit is mainly cultivated in Lai Vung, Hoa Long and Phong Hoa communes, covering more than 220 hectares. Photo: Nhut An – VNA

By successfully breeding the San Tien pink wax apple variety and applying a strict organic cultivation process, Tran Van Phuc from An Quoi Hamlet, Cu Lao Dung Commune (Can Tho City) has not only enriched his family but also opened a sustainable pathway to enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets. With 50 hectares under cultivation, yielding around 20 tonnes per hectare and selling at 150,000–230,000 VND per kilogram depending on grade, he earns an estimated annual profit of 2 billion VND per hectare. Photo: Thu Hien – VNA

Horses have long been a familiar part of Vietnamese culture, accompanying people from daily life and farming to the battlefield, and often appearing alongside images of generals, deities, honour, and scholarly achievement. As such, horses embody both intimacy and a sense of the sacred, symbolising nobility as much as closeness. Horses are known for their endurance, intelligence, and loyalty, yet they are associated with impatience, arrogance, and unruliness. It is precisely this complexity that has allowed the image of horses to permeate Vietnamese life in a natural and deeply rooted way, enriching the nation’s spiritual and cultural landscape. VNA Photo: Thanh Thương

Following directives from the Ministry of Public Security on ensuring traffic order and safety in 2026, especially before, during and after the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), the Traffic Police Division of Hanoi Police has proactively implemented thematic plans, intensified patrols and inspections, and strictly handled violations, including drink-driving – one of the direct causes of traffic accidents. Photo: Pham Kien – VNA

In villages not yet connected to the national grid, Lai Chau’s power sector has implemented flexible solutions, striving to provide temporary electricity from diesel generators so that residents can celebrate Tet. Photo: Nguyen Oanh – VNA

Handicraft products rich in traditional cultural elements are drawing consumer interest, especially during the Lunar New Year. For instance, in Thuan An ward, Ho Chi Minh City, clay lotus flowers are attracting customers thanks to their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, making it a perfect Tet decoration item or a gift to friends and family.

For generations, square glutinous rice cakes known as banh chung have been a joyful symbol of Tet. Despite changes in society, the tradition of making and sharing banh chung remains a vital aspect of Vietnamese culture.

Today, the Tet feast in northern Vietnam remains refined and elaborate, with great attention to detail. Each dish is carefully prepared to ensure a perfect balance between presentation and taste.

At the first Vietnam Glorious Spring Fair 2026, the Hue pavilion stood out as a cultural highlight, drawing crowds with a display steeped in imperial heritage. From "ao dai" (Vietnamese traditional dress) and sedge grass hats to incense, Thanh Tien paper flowers, fine handicrafts and Hue’s culinary specialties, visitors were treated to authentic, hands-on experiences of the former royal capital’s traditions.

Xam huong, an elegant folk game that originated in the royal court before spreading among the public, is today kept alive by a single artisan in Hue who has devoted more than 40 years to the craft. Quietly and patiently, he continues to preserve this distinctive cultural tradition, artisan

Despite the busyness of modern life, making Chung cakes for Tet remains a cherished cultural tradition and a special occasion for family reunions.

Horses have long been embedded in Vietnamese culture, carrying layered symbolism in language and belief while remaining part of daily life in many ethnic minority communities.

General Secretary Lam underscored VTV’s pivotal role in swiftly and effectively conveying the Party’s guidelines and policies to officials, Party members and the broader public.

During the 2026 Tet holiday, Sa Pa is expected to remain one of Vietnam’s most sought-after destinations for both domestic and international visitors. With a long holiday break and a growing preference for cultural, nature-based and festive early-spring experiences, visitor numbers are forecast to spike, particularly from the first day of Tet through the full-moon period of the first lunar month.

According to the airport authority, the gateway handled 674 take-offs and landings, serving 116,276 passengers on the day. International traffic remained high, with nearly 50,000 passengers travelling through the airport.