Happy Vietnam

In the first half of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City's agricultural sector maintained steady growth across multiple areas. As it enters an acceleration phase to achieve its double-digit growth target for 2026, alongside supportive municipal policies, agricultural enterprises and cooperatives are proactively restructuring production, applying advanced technologies, expanding markets and enhancing value addition to create stronger growth momentum in the remaining months of the year. Photo: Huong Giang – VNA

The Politburo recently issued Directive No. 07-CT/TW dated July 13, 2026 on "Promoting the study and practice of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, methodology and style in the new stage of development" (Directive No. 07). Officials and Party members in Da Nang City said the directive introduces many new approaches, emphasizing that following President Ho Chi Minh's example must first be reflected in political steadfastness and innovative thinking, with the spirit of daring to think, daring to act, daring to take responsibility, daring to confront difficulties and challenges, and daring to act for the common good in order to remove bottlenecks and unlock resources for development. Photo: Quoc Dung – VNA

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and other key Party and State leaders attended a live television programme titled “Sao Sang Dan Duong” (Guiding Star) on July 26 night, held to commemorate the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026). Jointly organised by Vietnam Television (VTV) and the People's Committees of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Tuyen Quang and Quang Tri provinces, the programme paid tribute to heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation while honouring the forces engaged in the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers' remains. Photo: VNA

Every July, the Con Dao Special Zone welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from across Vietnam who come to offer incense in tribute to fallen heroes and martyrs. Once known as the "Hell on Earth" for its notorious prison system, Con Dao has become a place where remembrance reflects the Vietnamese tradition of gratitude while showcasing the renewed vitality of a heroic island pursuing sustainable development. Photo: Huynh Son – VNA

Phu Quoc has secured a spot in Expedia's Island Hot List 2026, ranking among the world's top 10 island destinations for the year, according to the global online travel platform. Expedia said the rankings were compiled based on search trends, traveller interest and the growth potential of island destinations. Photo: VNA

Malaysia's The Star recently cited a list of "World's Top Ten Cities with the Friendliest Customer Service" released by MoneySuperMarket, a price comparison website, with Hanoi being the only Southeast Asian destination that earned a spot.

Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Dong Nai City launched the digital project entitled "Gratitude Map". The map integrates 23 star-shaped markers representing the locations and information of the 23 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers currently living in the city. The application not only expresses gratitude to those who made great sacrifices for the nation but also serves as an engaging tool for history education, helping younger generations carry forward revolutionary ideals and the spirit of volunteerism in the new era. Photo: Le Xuan – VNA

More than half a century after the war, war veteran Vu Doanh Hung, 75, from Nam Dinh Ward in Ninh Binh Province, still vividly remembers where his comrades fell, their initial burial sites, and the circumstances of their sacrifice. His recollections have become a valuable source of information supporting the National Steering Committee for the Search, Recovery, and Identification of Fallen Soldiers' Remains in implementing the "500-Day Campaign," helping identify fallen soldiers whose identities remain unknown. Photo: Cong Luat – VNA

A flash flood that struck Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, on the morning of July 17, 2026, caused severe human and property losses. While rescue forces carried out search and rescue operations, evacuations, and disaster recovery efforts, journalists from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Lai Chau were among the first to arrive at the scene, providing timely and comprehensive coverage of the rescue operations and the situation in the affected area. Photo: VNA

Dozens of restored portraits of fallen heroes were ceremonially presented to their families in Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026). Recreated from old or damaged photographs, the portraits help preserve the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and freedom, while reflecting the gratitude and respect of today's generation for the fallen heroes. Photo: Xuan Khu – VNA

A flash flood that struck Muong Than Commune in Lai Chau Province on the morning of July 17, 2026, caused severe damage, burying houses, uprooting trees, and disrupting local infrastructure. In the aftermath, military, police, and militia forces were rapidly deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, evacuate residents, deliver essential supplies, and assist recovery efforts, helping affected communities return to normal life as quickly as possible.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attended and addressed the 2026 National Conference Honouring People with Meritorious Services to the Revolution in Hanoi on July 23, 2026 on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026). At the event, he also launched a nationwide campaign to further enhance care for people with meritorious services to the revolution in preparation for the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day. Photo: Duong Giang – VNA

The Department of Cyber Security and Hi-Tech Crime Prevention has effectively implemented its work program and fulfilled its assigned tasks. The department has played a key role in advising on and implementing the Politburo's Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation. Over the past year, it dismantled 19 major criminal cases, coordinated the prosecution of 17 cases involving more than 200 suspects, handled hundreds of crime reports, and blocked more than 8,550 e-wallets used for illegal gambling as well as 1,786 websites and applications involved in illegal foreign exchange and gold trading. Officers of the department continue to strengthen cyber security, data security, and personal data protection, contributing to safeguarding Vietnam's digital sovereignty in cyberspace. Photo: Pham Kien – VNA

Tay Ninh Province is focusing on attracting investment in modern, integrated trade and logistics infrastructure to enhance its competitiveness and expand economic development opportunities. This is one of the province's key solutions to promote trade and services, improve connectivity, and drive economic growth during the 2026–2030 period. Photo: Giang Phuong – VNA

Following the devastating flash flood that struck Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, on the morning of July 17, 2026, local authorities and armed forces were rapidly deployed to carry out search and rescue operations, look for missing victims, evacuate residents, and provide assistance to affected communities during this difficult time. Photo: VNA

Using fibers extracted from banana tree trunks, young artisans at Cham Xuong, a creative workshop in Ecopark Urban Area, Hung Yen Province, have created artworks that reflect the rich identity of Vietnamese culture. Through the message “From Green Art to Green Hearts,” Cham Xuong promotes a nature-friendly lifestyle. By transforming agricultural by-products into creations of aesthetic and cultural value, the initiative also fosters creativity while contributing to the development of Vietnam’s cultural industries and the startup ecosystem in the fields of culture and the arts. Photo: Khanh Hoa – VNA

The third meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee opened in Hanoi on July 20, under the chair of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam. The session is to discuss important issues in implementing the 14th National Party Congress’s Resolution, along with items covering Party building, political system and national development in the new stage. Photo: VNA

Vietnamese students delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) and International Biology Olympiad (IBO), respectively winning four gold medals and four silver medals, the Ministry of Education and Training's Quality Management Department said on July 19. Photo by courtesy/ VNA

To effectively implement the use of the unified textbook series in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Training's directives, Vietnam Education Publishing House is conducting training programs for teachers and education administrators nationwide through both online and in-person formats until July 24, 2026. The program is designed to meet the training needs of teachers and education administrators across the country. Photo: Thanh Tung – VNA

To truly fulfill its role as a special urban area, Ho Chi Minh City should be guided by a clear development philosophy that places people at the centre, recognises culture as the foundation of sustainable growth, and measures success by the quality of life and happiness of its residents.