Happy Vietnam

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

The vibrant display of Vietnamese fine arts, signature cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes impressed visitors at the annual Winternational Embassy Showcase held recently by the Vietnamese Embassy in the US in collaboration with the International Trade Centre.

At present, Nam Son mandarins in Van Son Commune, Phu Tho Province, are entering the peak harvest season. Alongside conserving ancient mandarin-growing areas and expanding Canh orange cultivation, local authorities have adopted a systematic and scientific approach, gradually shifting toward safe production under VietGAP standards, strengthening biological pest management, and investing in water-saving irrigation systems. Notably, the locality is orienting toward building the “Nam Son ancient mandarin” brand, linked with product traceability and eco-garden tourism. These solutions not only help revive a valuable mandarin variety but also expand markets, raise incomes, and create sustainable livelihoods for local residents. Photo: Thanh Hai – VNA

With just over two months until the 2025 Lunar New Year, Van Giang commune in Hung Yen province, the North’s well-known centre for ornamental kumquat and pomelo trees, is entering its peak season.

Visiting Sa Pa in December offers a journey to seek nature’s magical moments, as cherry blossoms reach their most vibrant from December to early the following year.

For nearly 300 years, Luu Bao village in Hue has been famous for handmade rice paper. Local artisans use clean, carefully selected ingredients. Their skill gives each sheet its thinness, flexibility and natural aroma.

Under the “Quang Trung Campaign,” agencies, units and localities in Dak Lak Province, with support from various forces, are mobilizing maximum manpower and resources to accelerate construction progress and ensure quality in building and repairing houses for families whose homes were destroyed, collapsed or swept away by Storm Kalmaegi and the historic floods in November. Photo: Tuong Quan – VNA

Dong Van Karst Plateau in Tuyen Quang province has been named World’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination for the first time at the 2025 World Travel Awards ceremony in Bahrain, underscoring the unique value of the UNESCO Global Geopark and the rich cultural identity of its highland communities.