Happy Vietnam

In the historic days of late April, marking the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), golden sunshine bathes the iconic historical sites of Ho Chi Minh City, enhancing their beauty. These landmarks are closely associated with the formation and development of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh, evoking pride in its journey of struggle, construction, and integration. Photo: Hong Dat – VNA

Over seven decades (1956–2026), the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre has cemented its status as the nation’s leading puppetry hub, blending tradition with modernity while helping shape a distinctly Vietnamese cultural identity.

The year 2026 marks the 140th anniversary of International Labour Day (May 1, 1886–2026), highlighting a proud legacy, paying tribute to the working class, and celebrating international solidarity.

On average, around 400 servings are prepared every Sunday for disadvantaged patients receiving treatment at Nam Dinh General Hospital, said Nguyen Thi Tuyet, head of the volunteer group in Thien Truong ward.

During the historic days of April, young people in Khánh Hòa visit “red addresses,” listening to revolutionary stories that foster love for their homeland and country. These activities help nurture determination, a spirit of learning, and personal development among the younger generation, encouraging them to contribute to the nation. Photo: Phan Sau – VNA

On April 29, 2026, marking the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026), Vietnam Airlines operated a special flight from the capital city of Hà Nội to Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Flying high with Vietnam’s aspirations,” aiming to spread the values of peace, connect generations, and inspire dedication in the country’s development journey. More than a commemorative activity, the flight offered an emotional journey where history was vividly recreated through authentic and profound experiences. Through this initiative, Vietnam Airlines reaffirmed its role as the national flag carrier in promoting cultural and historical values, contributing to nurturing national identity and pride. Photo by courtesy/VNA

In late April, at the largest concentrated watermelon-growingarea in Đà Nẵng, located in Chien Dan and Tay Ho communes, farmers enter thepeak harvest season. In 2026, the growing area has yielded high output, withevenly sized fruits, rich flesh, and thin rinds. With farm-gate prices rangingfrom 3,000 to 4,000 VND per kilogram, large-scale growers still earnconsiderable income. Photo: Do Truong – VNA

After the Geneva Accords 1954 were signed on July 21, 1954, the Hien Luong - Ben Hai area (the 17th parallel) became a temporary military demarcation line, dividing the country for more than 20 years. As war has receded into the past, the Ben Hai River today is changing day by day, no longer a line of division but a symbol of reunification, reconciliation, and the aspiration for peace. Photo: Tuong Vi – VNA

Implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW, Hanoi is determined to make breakthroughs in digital transformation, placing citizens at the center. Phuc Loi Ward has emerged as a highlight with innovative models such as “Digital literacy for all,” AI-powered communication, and “Digital Saturdays.” Notably, “Community response teams” directly assist vulnerable residents with administrative procedures at home, helping technology reach every corner. These efforts not only improve service quality but also affirm the capital’s modern and smart governance. Photo: Phan Phuong – VNA

In Tan Hoa Commune, Can Tho, Ms. Le Thi Sanh has transformed unused garden ditches into a “carpet of vibrant flowers.” Instead of relying solely on traditional durian cultivation, she has grown imported water lilies - mainly ornamental varieties from Thailand and Australia - with around 100 varieties ranging from single-colored to multicolored blooms. This has created a layered ecosystem - “sweet fruits above, diverse flowers below” - turning the garden into an attractive tourist destination. Photo: Nguyen Hang – VNA

Currently, across many streets, parking areas and residential zones in Hà Nội, charging stations and battery swapping cabinets for electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common. The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure not only meets residents’ travel needs but also reflects a clear shift in the capital’s roadmap toward green transport development. Photo: VNA

The iron casting craft in My Dong village, Hai Phong city, preserves the essence of a long-standing traditional trade while serving as a key driver of the local economy, creating jobs and raising incomes for residents in the port city.

Ca Mau province has been integrating targets and indicators on greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate change adaptation into its socio-economic development planning, demonstrating a clear and consistent political commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Currently, the province has 16 wind power projects with a total capacity of 870 MW and more than 2,800 rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 295 MWp. The province continues to promote renewable energy development, particularly coastal and offshore wind power, aiming to become a clean energy hub of the Mekong Delta by 2030 and a national center for renewable energy exports. Photo: Vu Sinh – VNA

Amid the rapid pace of digital transformation, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education not only improves learning quality but also opens up entirely new approaches to knowledge acquisition for students. In this spirit, Ngo Si Lien Secondary School (Cua Nam ward, Hanoi) has introduced classes on “applying AI in image creation, reconstruction and robot assembly design,” with the participation of AI robotics experts and the school’s IT teachers. Photo: Thanh Tung – VNA

Localities in Lao Cai province have been implementing various measures to build drug-free communes and wards. With flexible and effective approaches, many areas have achieved positive results, notably the highland commune of Khao Mang. Photo: Dinh Thuy – VNA

With favourable natural conditions, a long history of cultivation, and a development orientation under the One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme, Suoi Giang’s Shan Tuyet tea is steadily enhancing its value and expanding its market reach.

Schools in Quang Ngai are promoting library innovation by combining modern digital models with friendly traditional spaces. Breakthroughs from digital libraries enable students to access knowledge flexibly, while national-standard libraries foster a direct reading habit. With guidance from the education sector, this ecosystem helps strongly promote a reading culture and build sustainable self-learning habits among the younger generation. Photo: Dinh Huong – VNA

Ca Mau is one of the localities with the largest forest areas in the Mekong Delta, covering more than 95,365 hectares (including over 42,185 hectares of special-use and protection forests and more than 53,180 hectares of production forests). The province is gradually promoting the application of science and technology in forest management and protection, as well as in safeguarding its distinctive mangrove and freshwater forest ecosystems in Vietnam’s southernmost region, meeting the requirements for sustainable development in the new period. Photo: Vu Sinh – VNA

Many Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas in the border areas of An Giang province regularly organise free Khmer language classes for local residents and children. Monks serve not only as teachers but also as cultural custodians, connecting younger generations with their roots through each written character. These classes go beyond language instruction, acting as a bridge between past and future, inspiring a desire among Khmer youth in the southwestern region of Vietnam to preserve their cultural identity. Photo: Cong Mao – VNA

In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam posted the fastest tourism growth in the region, welcoming 6.76 million international arrivals, up 12.4% year-on-year. Key markets such as China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan continued to underpin demand.