Happy Vietnam

Between January and July, Hanoi welcomed approximately 5.31 million international visitors, an increase of 25% compared to the same period in 2025, while the domestic tourist number reached 15.85 million, up 11.9%.

Farmers in An Giang Province are harvesting the 2026 Summer–Autumn rice crop. According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, approximately 499,496 hectares were planted for the 2026 Summer–Autumn crop. To date, more than 165,119 hectares, or about 33% of the total area, have been harvested, with yields averaging between 6.8 and 7.0 tonnes per hectare. Fresh paddy rice is being purchased directly in the fields at prices ranging from 6,800 to 7,000 VND per kilogram. Photo: Cong Mao – VNA

The Hudson Rooms, the rooftop bar perched atop Capella Hanoi, has been ranked No. 46 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026. It marks the first time a bar in Hanoi has entered Asia's Top 50, making Vietnam one of the few countries represented in this highly respected ranking. This year, only two Vietnamese bars secured a place in the Top 50.

After more than one week of operation, Hanoi's Public Security Department has reported initial positive results from the deployment of 36 LED electronic displays providing real-time traffic information. The system helps road users proactively choose travel routes, supports traffic flow management and eases congestion. Drawing data from the Hanoi Traffic Control Center, the displays provide live updates on traffic conditions, congestion alerts, accidents, weather information and recommended optimal routes. Many residents have praised the system as an intuitive and useful source of information while suggesting that larger text and icons would improve visibility. Photo: Trung Nguyen – VNA

The 14th Party Central Committee’s Secretariat convened a national teleconference in Hanoi on July 29 to study, disseminate and implement the resolutions adopted at the committee’s recent third session. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam attended and delivered a keynote address. Also attending the event were Politburo members: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu, along with incumbent and former Party and State leaders. Photo: VNA

The 12th National Congress of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) for the 2026–2031 term officially opened in Hanoi on July 28, during which delegates formally nominated Party General Secretary and State President To Lam as Honorary President of the organisation for the new term. Photo: Thong Nhat – VNA

In the first half of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City's agricultural sector maintained steady growth across multiple areas. As it enters an acceleration phase to achieve its double-digit growth target for 2026, alongside supportive municipal policies, agricultural enterprises and cooperatives are proactively restructuring production, applying advanced technologies, expanding markets and enhancing value addition to create stronger growth momentum in the remaining months of the year. Photo: Huong Giang – VNA

The Politburo recently issued Directive No. 07-CT/TW dated July 13, 2026 on "Promoting the study and practice of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, methodology and style in the new stage of development" (Directive No. 07). Officials and Party members in Da Nang City said the directive introduces many new approaches, emphasizing that following President Ho Chi Minh's example must first be reflected in political steadfastness and innovative thinking, with the spirit of daring to think, daring to act, daring to take responsibility, daring to confront difficulties and challenges, and daring to act for the common good in order to remove bottlenecks and unlock resources for development. Photo: Quoc Dung – VNA

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and other key Party and State leaders attended a live television programme titled “Sao Sang Dan Duong” (Guiding Star) on July 26 night, held to commemorate the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026). Jointly organised by Vietnam Television (VTV) and the People's Committees of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Tuyen Quang and Quang Tri provinces, the programme paid tribute to heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation while honouring the forces engaged in the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers' remains. Photo: VNA

Every July, the Con Dao Special Zone welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from across Vietnam who come to offer incense in tribute to fallen heroes and martyrs. Once known as the "Hell on Earth" for its notorious prison system, Con Dao has become a place where remembrance reflects the Vietnamese tradition of gratitude while showcasing the renewed vitality of a heroic island pursuing sustainable development. Photo: Huynh Son – VNA

Phu Quoc has secured a spot in Expedia's Island Hot List 2026, ranking among the world's top 10 island destinations for the year, according to the global online travel platform. Expedia said the rankings were compiled based on search trends, traveller interest and the growth potential of island destinations. Photo: VNA

Malaysia's The Star recently cited a list of "World's Top Ten Cities with the Friendliest Customer Service" released by MoneySuperMarket, a price comparison website, with Hanoi being the only Southeast Asian destination that earned a spot.

Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Dong Nai City launched the digital project entitled "Gratitude Map". The map integrates 23 star-shaped markers representing the locations and information of the 23 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers currently living in the city. The application not only expresses gratitude to those who made great sacrifices for the nation but also serves as an engaging tool for history education, helping younger generations carry forward revolutionary ideals and the spirit of volunteerism in the new era. Photo: Le Xuan – VNA

More than half a century after the war, war veteran Vu Doanh Hung, 75, from Nam Dinh Ward in Ninh Binh Province, still vividly remembers where his comrades fell, their initial burial sites, and the circumstances of their sacrifice. His recollections have become a valuable source of information supporting the National Steering Committee for the Search, Recovery, and Identification of Fallen Soldiers' Remains in implementing the "500-Day Campaign," helping identify fallen soldiers whose identities remain unknown. Photo: Cong Luat – VNA

A flash flood that struck Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, on the morning of July 17, 2026, caused severe human and property losses. While rescue forces carried out search and rescue operations, evacuations, and disaster recovery efforts, journalists from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Lai Chau were among the first to arrive at the scene, providing timely and comprehensive coverage of the rescue operations and the situation in the affected area. Photo: VNA

Dozens of restored portraits of fallen heroes were ceremonially presented to their families in Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026). Recreated from old or damaged photographs, the portraits help preserve the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and freedom, while reflecting the gratitude and respect of today's generation for the fallen heroes. Photo: Xuan Khu – VNA

A flash flood that struck Muong Than Commune in Lai Chau Province on the morning of July 17, 2026, caused severe damage, burying houses, uprooting trees, and disrupting local infrastructure. In the aftermath, military, police, and militia forces were rapidly deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, evacuate residents, deliver essential supplies, and assist recovery efforts, helping affected communities return to normal life as quickly as possible.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attended and addressed the 2026 National Conference Honouring People with Meritorious Services to the Revolution in Hanoi on July 23, 2026 on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026). At the event, he also launched a nationwide campaign to further enhance care for people with meritorious services to the revolution in preparation for the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day. Photo: Duong Giang – VNA

The Department of Cyber Security and Hi-Tech Crime Prevention has effectively implemented its work program and fulfilled its assigned tasks. The department has played a key role in advising on and implementing the Politburo's Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation. Over the past year, it dismantled 19 major criminal cases, coordinated the prosecution of 17 cases involving more than 200 suspects, handled hundreds of crime reports, and blocked more than 8,550 e-wallets used for illegal gambling as well as 1,786 websites and applications involved in illegal foreign exchange and gold trading. Officers of the department continue to strengthen cyber security, data security, and personal data protection, contributing to safeguarding Vietnam's digital sovereignty in cyberspace. Photo: Pham Kien – VNA

Tay Ninh Province is focusing on attracting investment in modern, integrated trade and logistics infrastructure to enhance its competitiveness and expand economic development opportunities. This is one of the province's key solutions to promote trade and services, improve connectivity, and drive economic growth during the 2026–2030 period. Photo: Giang Phuong – VNA