Happy Vietnam

As part of a long-standing weekly tradition, Phuong Do market in Ha Giang 1 commune, Tuyen Quang province, comes alive every Sunday as Tay, Dao and other ethnic groups from nearby and distant villages gather to trade and socialise.

Implementing directives from the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Department of Education and Training, and the Department of Health on strengthening control over the origin of food ingredients at suppliers, catering services, collective kitchens and canteens, the People’s Committee of Cua Nam Ward (Hanoi) has required all educational institutions in the area to review and verify suppliers’ documentation. All schools have confirmed that no pork products from Cuong Phat Company are used. On April 3, 2026, the ward organized an inter-agency inspection team to conduct surprise checks on compliance with food safety regulations and the organization of school meals, as well as to trace the origin of food supplied to educational institutions at the kitchens of Ba Trieu Kindergarten and Ngo Si Lien Secondary School. Photo: Thanh Tung – VNA

Located in Tri Ton commune, An Giang province, Krang Kroch Pagoda (also known as Hang Cong Pagoda) is a more than 100-year-old Khmer Theravada Buddhist temple closely associated with the cultural and spiritual life of the Khmer community in the Bay Nui region. Notable for its rare pink hue, the pagoda features traditional Khmer architecture and serves not only as a place of worship but also as an attractive destination for visitors seeking to explore An Giang’s distinctive cultural heritage.

Born and raised in Lung Cu commune, Tuyen Quang province, Vu Thi Lua, a member of the Mong ethnic group, has always remained closely connected with local residents in this disadvantaged border highland area. Since 2018, she has worked as a village health worker and, in 2025, was honored to be admitted to the Party. She regularly visits households to monitor disease situations and educate residents on prevention, while actively encouraging pregnant women to attend regular check-ups, receive tetanus vaccinations, and ensure children are fully immunized. Despite the challenges in communication, with a strong sense of responsibility as a young Party member, Vu Thi Lua remains enthusiastic and quietly dedicated, contributing to raising awareness and protecting the health of highland communities. Photo: Minh Duc – VNA

Twenty-two years after its establishment, Lai Chau’s border region has gradually transformed, emerging as a locality with clear development progress. The poverty rate has fallen to about 16%; per capita income has reached over VND 65 million per year; 100% of communes are accessible by road to their centers; and electricity, schools and healthcare stations now reach all villages. More importantly, people’s spiritual life has improved, and trust in the Party and authorities has been increasingly strengthened. Photo: VNA

The Politburo held a conference in Hanoi on April 1 to announce its decisions on transferring five agencies - Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - from Government-affiliated bodies to public service units under the Party Central Committee. The event also marked the transfer of five Party organizations from the Government Party Committee to the Party Committee of central Party agencies. Politburo member and Permanent member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu attended and presented the decisions. Also in attendance were Politburo member of the 13th tenure, Secretary of the Government Party Committee and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with other Party and State leaders. Photo: Phuong Hoa – VNA

The Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission convened a conference in Hanoi on March 31, 2026 of the editorial team to draft regulations of the Politburo and the Secretariat on Party admission among ethnic minorities, students, and religious followers, as well as Party members who are religious adherents participating in religious activities. Photo: Phuong Hoa – VNA

Tu Hieu Pagoda, located in Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city, is an ancient and solemn pagoda that reflects the traditional architectural style of the former imperial capital. Beyond its long history and the moving story of filial piety associated with it, the pagoda is also noted for the harmonious blend of architecture and poetic natural surroundings. It remains one of Hue’s most renowned scenic attractions, drawing large numbers of visitors.

A national conference was held in Hanoi on March 31 toreview the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure. Party General Secretary To Lam attended the hybrid conference, which was organised by the National Election Council (NEC) and drew key Party and State officials, members of the NEC, leaders of central agencies and organisations, full-time National Assembly deputies, and leaders of 34 provinces and cities. Photo: Doan Tan – VNA

Born and raised in a disadvantaged border mountainous area, and as a member of the Mong ethnic group, Hau Thi Mai deeply understands the difficulties local people face in accessing healthcare services. She is currently working at the Tung Vai Commune Health Station in Tuyen Quang province, while also serving as Secretary of the Youth Union in Lung Kho hamlet and Head of the Women’s Union in the same hamlet. Undeterred by long distances and rugged terrain, she travels daily to each household and village to disseminate disease prevention knowledge, guide residents in maintaining environmental hygiene, care for pregnant women and children, and encourage people to participate in vaccinations and regular health check-ups. Photo: Minh Duc – VNA

Alongside the appeal of spiritual tourism at Ba Den Mountain—a prominent destination in Tay Ninh province and southern Vietnam—the area at the mountain’s foot has in recent years gradually developed a new direction: agricultural tourism associated with green farm experiences. From local orchards and farming models, sightseeing and experiential activities are being formed and expanded, helping broaden the tourism space and diversify the province’s tourism products. Photo: Minh Phu – VNA

Drumbeats echoed across the highlands as the traditional glutinous rice cake pounding contest burst into life at the Mu Cang Chai commune stadium in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai. Photo: Quy Trung – VNA

The contemporary ballet “Do,” staged at Ho Guom Theatre in Hanoi, blends Vietnamese cultural elements with modern artistic language, offering a fresh visual experience and bringing classical art closer to the public. The work stands as a testament to efforts to revitalise academic art on a foundation of national culture, creating a distinctive Vietnamese imprint in the global arts scene in line with the Politburo’s Resolution 80 on cultural development.

Conclusion No. 81-TB/TW of the Politburo, approving the investment in building 248 inter-level boarding schools in 248 land border communes, demonstrates a direction that is both appropriate and responsive to practical needs. In Thanh Hoa province, construction projects have been launched simultaneously; many schools have risen from blueprints into reality amid the vast forests, with construction in full swing day and night to be completed in time for the 2026–2027 academic year. Photo: Khieu Tu – VNA

On March 26, 2026, marking the 95th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Hanoi – Amsterdam High School for the Gifted held a Party admission ceremony for two young and dedicated teachers—Cao Van Dung, a Math teacher, and Nguyen Thai Son, a Chemistry teacher—along with three outstanding 12th-grade students. These students not only excel academically but also actively engage in social activities, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and aspiration to contribute to society. Photo: Thanh Tung – VNA

Playing with ducks may seem like a simple rural activity, but this rustic experience is proving to be a major draw for international tourists in the central province of Quang Tri.

Across many localities, festivals are evolving beyond traditional cultural gatherings into drivers of heritage-based economic development. This transformation both preserves cultural values and enhances the competitiveness of local tourism destinations.

Party General Secretary To Lam said the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the sports sector, ministries, agencies, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, mass organisations, local authorities, schools, businesses and society as a whole must urgently complete the institutional framework for sports development in a modern and synchronised direction to pave the way for long-term progress.

Built in My Son commune, Khanh Hoa province, Nha Trinh weir is a distinctive example of the Cham people’s traditional irrigation practice of diverting water into fields, dating back to around the 12th century.

The exhibition aims to foster public understanding of the human – nature relationship, the value of indigenous knowledge, and the growing role of women in climate change adaptation.