Happy Vietnam

In late February and early March, ban (bauhinia) flowers blossom across hillsides and streets in many communes and wards of Son La province, creating a romantic and poetic landscape that attracts many residents and tourists for sightseeing and photography. Photo: Quang Quyet – VNA

In February alone, the country welcomed more than 2.2 million foreign visitors, marking the third consecutive month that the number of international arrivals exceeded the two-million mark, following 2.45 million in January 2026 and 2.02 million in December 2025.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao said whether at home or abroad, Vietnamese women continue to be the keepers of the family flame, nurturing happy homes and passing on to future generations a love for the homeland, the Vietnamese language and the nation’s cultural identity.

On the morning of March 8, 2026, residents in Truong Sa special administrative area (Khanh Hoa province), Tho Chau special administrative area (An Giang province) and border villages in Quang Tri province cast early votes for deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure. Photo: VNA

In the northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang, communication activities for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure are being actively implemented. Local authorities have published numerous articles in the media while mobilising reporters and propagandists to disseminate information through village meetings, residential group gatherings and Party cell activities. Communication is also carried out through visual media such as billboards, posters, banners, slogans and propaganda paintings displayed at provincial, commune and ward centres. At village cultural houses, local authorities are actively decorating halls and arranging facilities to create an enthusiastic atmosphere ahead of the major national event. Photo: Minh Duc – VNA

On the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8), the story of Huynh Thi Phuong Thao, a teacher at Viet Lam Primary School in Thuan My commune, Tay Ninh province, reflects the quiet dedication of a woman devoted to education. After 35 years of teaching, she still maintains her passion for the profession and her affection for students, wholeheartedly supporting generations of pupils in a rural area with many difficulties. She serves as an inspiring example of dedication and love for students. She is also the only primary school teacher to have been awarded the title of People’s Teacher in 2021. Photo: Duc Hanh – VNA

Recognising the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure as a particularly important political task, communes and wards across Ninh Binh province have been seriously and thoroughly implementing all necessary preparations to ensure the election is conducted safely, economically and in accordance with the law. Photo: Nguyen Chinh – VNA

With a strong sense of responsibility and compassion, on March 5, 2026, the Women’s Union of the Border Guard Command of Quang Tri province organised practical activities to support and encourage students, especially children in difficult circumstances in border areas. In the cool weather of Kim Dien border commune, women officers of the provincial Border Guard launched the programme “Meal for Children”, bringing warmth and care to pupils at Hoa Hop Kindergarten, Lam Sum satellite campus. The programme not only helps improve the children’s nutrition but also encourages them to continue attending school, strengthening solidarity between the army and the people in the border area. Photo: Vo Dung – VNA

A delegation of the Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat led by General Secretary To Lam on March 6 held a conference to announce the two bodies’ 2026 inspection and supervision decision for the Standing Board of the National Assembly (NA) Party Committee. Photo: Doan Tan – VNA

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 6 proposed establishing a new award titled “Talented, Creative and Dedicated Women” to further honour the contributions of Vietnamese women. He made the suggestion at a meeting with female leaders and managers from central agencies held at the Government Headquarters to mark the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8). At the event, the PM also presented the 2025 Kovalevskaia Award. Photo: Duong Giang – VNA

After administrative consolidation, Duong Hoa commune in Quang Ninh province now covers more than 4,000 hectares with a population of over 5,000. Located near the Mong Cai border-gate economic zone, the locality is leveraging its strengths in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries and eco-tourism to improve local livelihoods. Photo: Duc Hieu – VNA

Phu The cake (also known as xu xe cake) has long been a cultural symbol of Bac Ninh - the King Bac region. These small, square cakes are wrapped in green leaves. Inside is a translucent layer of glutinous rice dough embracing a filling of mung bean and coconut, creating a delicate, mildly sweet flavour. The cake symbolises fidelity and enduring affection, and often appears at wedding ceremonies and on Lunar New Year feast trays as a wish for reunion and fulfilment.

This year’s award went to a group of female scientists from Hanoi University of Science and Technology for their research cluster on applying biocatalysis to enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products. The individual award was presented to Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga, Director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute of Advanced Technology and senior lecturer at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, for research linked to environmental protection, energy security and climate change adaptation.

Like people across the country, members of the K’Ho (Co Ho) ethnic group in villages in Lac Duong commune, Lam Dong province, are looking forward to March 15 – the election day for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels. The atmosphere is filled with excitement, along with trust and expectations for a new term.

In early March, scenes of women in flowing Ao dai taking spring photos by lakes, parks, offices, temples and historical sites have become a familiar sight on the streets of Hanoi. Social media is also filled with images and stories surrounding the elegant attire, which has become a symbolic signal of the season dedicated to honouring women.

The recognition is not only a source of pride for the capital but also creates opportunities to promote these craft villages globally, strengthen international connections, and support their sustainable development in the process of global integration.

During the Lunar New Year 2026, residents of Thanh Bong, a highland commune in Quang Ngai province, revived the traditional stream fishing ritual of the Co ethnic group on an unprecedented scale. Known locally as Hoi P’hiet Xol, the custom involves building a temporary dam across a stream to catch fish, symbolising the cleansing of past misfortunes and prayers for favourable weather, abundant harvests and a prosperous, harmonious year ahead.

Introducing the Visit Vietnam Year - Gia Lai 2026, Lich said the programme will feature 244 events, including 18 organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 109 hosted by Gia Lai, and 117 response activities in 22 provinces and cities.

Final preparations are underway in Tan Hiep island commune (Cu Lao Cham archipelago), Da Nang city, for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, as the locality stands ready for the nationwide election day with strong confidence in the country’s new development phase. Photo: VNA

Blending cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle technology with traditional artistic lantern installations, the programme transformed the land into a grand open-air stage of light.