Happy Vietnam

Early on the morning of December 25, the first visitors reaching the summit of Fansipan in the northern province of Lao Cai were delighted to witness a rare and spectacular natural scene as ice coated the peak in white. With temperatures hovering between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius, frost and ice covered the summit area, creating an ideal condition for tourists eager to admire icy scenery, clouds and experience a Christmas atmosphere amid a sea of cold mist. Photo by courtesy/VNA

Na Khuong is a small village nested in the vast forests of Nghia Do commune in the northwestern mountainous province of Lao Cai. Here, in humble stilt houses, the Tay ethnic people resiliently preserve their cultural values amid the fast-paced society.

The UNESCO recognition of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son–Kiep Bac complex as a World Cultural Heritage site marks a historic milestone affirming Yen Tu’s outstanding values, while opening new opportunities for international development. The world heritage status is expected to provide a strong boost to tourism in Yen Tu in particular and Quang Ninh province in general.

After consecutive floods at the end of 2025, Tra Que vegetable village (Hoi An Tay Ward, Da Nang City) is gradually recovering thanks to the diligence of local farmers. Across Tra Que’s fields, green hues are steadily returning after the natural disasters. Each vegetable bed is cultivated not only to supply the Lunar New Year market but also to help revive the village’s signature experiential tourism activities. With resilience and determination, Tra Que villagers are reaffirming the vitality of their traditional craft village, aiming for a stable harvest and a vibrant new year welcoming visitors. Photo: Khoa Chuong – VNA

Vietnam's total trade in 2025 reached about 920 billion USD, up 16.9% year on year. Of the total, exports were valued at 470.59 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 15.9%, while imports amounted to 449.41 billion USD, up 18%, resulting in a trade surplus of around 21.2 billion USD.

Unlike the hurried pace of urban life, the traditional way of enjoying coffee in Dak Lak is a journey from the hearth to the soul. The E De people hand-roast raw coffee beans in cast-iron pans over wood-fired stoves. When the beans turn glossy brown and release a rich aroma, they are manually pounded using a rice mortar. This method produces coffee grounds that are not overly fine, preserving the essential oils and the most rustic flavours. The coffee is then placed in a cloth bag, infused in boiling water, and poured out for enjoyment. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNA

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh consistently upheld the cultural and moral values of religions and paid close attention to the spiritual life of believers.

In recent days, thousands of residents and visitors have flocked to Ha Phat Church in the southern province of Dong Nai to admire a 35-metre-tall Christmas tree crafted from 3,000 traditional Vietnamese conical hats. Striking in both scale and creativity, the unique structure celebrates cultural heritage and has become a major attraction ahead of the Christmas season. Photo: Le Xuan - VNA

The sacred moment of Christmas 2025 is approaching, and a festive glow now fills the central city of Hue. From parishes and churches to bustling streets, dazzling lights, meticulously crafted nativity scenes, and crowds gathering at religious venues blend together to create a warm, vibrant, and joyful Christmas atmosphere.

Hanoi has been recognised by UNESCO as a member of the Global Learning Cities Network in recognition of its strong efforts to build a comprehensive learning society, where all citizens have opportunities for lifelong learning.

Currently, more than 150 hectares of ginger cultivated by local people in the northern frontier area of Lung Cu commune (Tuyen Quang) are entering the harvest season. Thanks to favorable natural conditions and improved farming techniques, ginger yields high productivity and good quality, providing stable income and contributing to economic development and improved livelihoods for border highland residents. Photo: Duc Tho – VNA

On December 22, 2025, during a long-term mission of watchkeeping, patrol and protection of national sovereignty at sea, the Party Cell of Ship 609 (Flotilla 811, Brigade 125) held a Party admission ceremony at sea for outstanding individual Nguyen Van Tien, a professional serviceman of the ship. The ceremony took place in the open sea, while the unit was on duty, and coincided with the anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – December 22, 2025), giving it special significance for the new Party member and all officers and soldiers of Ship 609. Photo by courtesy/VNA

Along with improving teaching quality, many schools in Dak Lak province are increasingly incorporating the traditional culture of ethnic minority communities into curricula, extracurricular activities and cultural festivals, thereby raising students’ awareness of preserving and promoting their ethnic cultural heritage. Photo: Tuong Quan – VNA

Sa Dec flower village in Dong Thap province is known for its traditional practice of growing flowers and ornamental plants on raised platforms rather than in the ground. Adapted to local conditions, this method helps prevent flooding, limits weeds and pests, reduces labour and costs, and enables year-round production, creating a distinctive hallmark of the village.

The Christmas atmosphere of 2025 fills major streets and churches across Ho Chi Minh City. To welcome the festive season, many shopping malls and entertainment areas are decorated with lights and diverse, eye-catching displays, attracting residents and visitors for sightseeing and photo-taking. Photo: Thu Huong – VNA

Ground-breaking, inauguration, or technical traffic opening ceremonies for 234 major projects and key works, in celebration of the upcoming 11th National Emulation Congress and 14th National Party Congress, were simultaneously held across 34 provinces and cities nationwide at 9:00 on December 19. According to the Ministry of Construction, there are 148 projects starting construction and 86 projects being inaugurated and technically cleared. The total investment for these projects exceeds 3.4 quadrillion VND (129 billion USD), of which state funding amounts to over 627 trillion VND, accounting for 18%. The ceremonies were organised both in person and online, with 79 locations nationwide, symbolising the 79th anniversary of the National Resistance Day (December 19, 1946 - 2025). VNA Photo

On the evening of December 18, 2025, fans erupted in joy following an emotional and dramatic performance by Vietnam U22, who came from behind to defeat host Thailand U22 3-2, clinching the gold medal in the men’s football event at the 33rd SEA Games. Photo: Trung Tuyen – VNA

Vietnam scored their third goal in extra time after they leveled 2-2 with hosts Thailand in the main 90 minutes of the 33rd SEA Games men's football final to secure the title. This was the third time in the last four SEA Games men's football final that Vietnam have reached. In the 2019 tournament in the Philippines and the 2022 tournament at home, the team won both of them after defeating Indonesia 3-0 and Thailand 1-0. VNA Photo: Minh Quyết

The atmosphere following Vietnam U22’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Thailand U22 in the men’s football final at the 33rd SEA Games was truly special and unforgettable.

With unique natural resources, modern infrastructure and a clear development orientation, the northern province of Quang Ninh is emerging as a new sports tourism hub of Vietnam, offering a destination where visitors can stay active, explore, relax and connect with local culture, with each journey delivering a complete experience.