Happy Vietnam

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.

In recent years, climate change and negative human impacts have caused serious water pollution at O Loan Lagoon (O Loan Commune, Dak Lak Province), leading to the decline and disappearance of many aquatic species. Since 2024, a large-scale mangrove planting project implemented in the area has helped improve water quality and gradually restore the lagoon’s natural ecosystem. Photo: Tuong Quan – VNA

According to TNGo Company, from December 2025 to the first quarter of 2026, more than 5,000 electric bikes will be put into operation at public spaces and tourist sites in Hanoi’s inner city. Initially, 500 electric bikes will be deployed at 130 licensed stations, mainly around Ring Road 1, before expanding to Ring Roads 2 and 3. Photo: Quoc Luy – VNA

Revered as a “living museum” of Cao Lan culture, Artisan of the People Sam Van Dun (born in 1946), of the Cao Lan ethnic group (San Chay subgroup), Man Hoa Hamlet, Phu Luong Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, has devoted decades to researching, restoring and preserving the ethnic group’s cultural heritage. He currently preserves more than 200 ancient books and eight volumes of Sinh singing of the Cao Lan people. He was awarded Certificates of Merit by the Prime Minister in 2010 and 2017 for his contributions to safeguarding ethnic minority cultural identity. Photo: Quang Cuong – VNA

To promptly receive information from local residents, the Police of Hoi An Commune (An Giang Province) have proactively implemented the “crime prevention keychain” model. The initiative has initially proved effective, earning public support and active participation. Photo: Cong Mao – VNA

On December 14, 2025, Bu Dang Commune, Dong Nai Province, hosted the Bu Dang Artistic Whistling Kite Festival 2025 and a Rural Cuisine Program. The event attracted 20 whistling-kite teams from clubs inside and outside the province, honoring folk cultural values and promoting local community life. Photo: Nhat Binh – VNA

Identifying mandarins as one of the crops helping ethnic minority communities escape poverty, instead of expanding cultivation area, authorities in Chieng Coi ward, Son La province are promoting stronger application of science and technology, organic and VietGAP-oriented farming, while linking production with mandarin brand building and the development of experiential tourism. This approach opens up a sustainable pathway for the specialty crop of Chieng Coi ward in particular and Son La province in general.

On December 13, 2025, the Hanoi Police officially put the Hanoi Traffic Control Center into operation and began imposing administrative penalties for certain traffic safety violations via electronic systems. The center ensures legal compliance and technical infrastructure, aiming to enhance urban traffic safety and support crime prevention and control. Photo: Pham Kien – VNA