Happy Vietnam

Pink mandarins are among Dong Thap province’s best-known specialties and a demanding crop that bears fruit only once a year. After months of meticulous care, many orchards are now ripening and entering the peak harvest season to serve the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) market. The fruit is mainly cultivated in Lai Vung, Hoa Long and Phong Hoa communes, covering more than 220 hectares. Photo: Nhut An – VNA

By successfully breeding the San Tien pink wax apple variety and applying a strict organic cultivation process, Tran Van Phuc from An Quoi Hamlet, Cu Lao Dung Commune (Can Tho City) has not only enriched his family but also opened a sustainable pathway to enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets. With 50 hectares under cultivation, yielding around 20 tonnes per hectare and selling at 150,000–230,000 VND per kilogram depending on grade, he earns an estimated annual profit of 2 billion VND per hectare. Photo: Thu Hien – VNA

Horses have long been a familiar part of Vietnamese culture, accompanying people from daily life and farming to the battlefield, and often appearing alongside images of generals, deities, honour, and scholarly achievement. As such, horses embody both intimacy and a sense of the sacred, symbolising nobility as much as closeness. Horses are known for their endurance, intelligence, and loyalty, yet they are associated with impatience, arrogance, and unruliness. It is precisely this complexity that has allowed the image of horses to permeate Vietnamese life in a natural and deeply rooted way, enriching the nation’s spiritual and cultural landscape. VNA Photo: Thanh Thương

Following directives from the Ministry of Public Security on ensuring traffic order and safety in 2026, especially before, during and after the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), the Traffic Police Division of Hanoi Police has proactively implemented thematic plans, intensified patrols and inspections, and strictly handled violations, including drink-driving – one of the direct causes of traffic accidents. Photo: Pham Kien – VNA

In villages not yet connected to the national grid, Lai Chau’s power sector has implemented flexible solutions, striving to provide temporary electricity from diesel generators so that residents can celebrate Tet. Photo: Nguyen Oanh – VNA

Handicraft products rich in traditional cultural elements are drawing consumer interest, especially during the Lunar New Year. For instance, in Thuan An ward, Ho Chi Minh City, clay lotus flowers are attracting customers thanks to their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, making it a perfect Tet decoration item or a gift to friends and family.

For generations, square glutinous rice cakes known as banh chung have been a joyful symbol of Tet. Despite changes in society, the tradition of making and sharing banh chung remains a vital aspect of Vietnamese culture.

Today, the Tet feast in northern Vietnam remains refined and elaborate, with great attention to detail. Each dish is carefully prepared to ensure a perfect balance between presentation and taste.

At the first Vietnam Glorious Spring Fair 2026, the Hue pavilion stood out as a cultural highlight, drawing crowds with a display steeped in imperial heritage. From "ao dai" (Vietnamese traditional dress) and sedge grass hats to incense, Thanh Tien paper flowers, fine handicrafts and Hue’s culinary specialties, visitors were treated to authentic, hands-on experiences of the former royal capital’s traditions.

Xam huong, an elegant folk game that originated in the royal court before spreading among the public, is today kept alive by a single artisan in Hue who has devoted more than 40 years to the craft. Quietly and patiently, he continues to preserve this distinctive cultural tradition, artisan

Despite the busyness of modern life, making Chung cakes for Tet remains a cherished cultural tradition and a special occasion for family reunions.

Horses have long been embedded in Vietnamese culture, carrying layered symbolism in language and belief while remaining part of daily life in many ethnic minority communities.

General Secretary Lam underscored VTV’s pivotal role in swiftly and effectively conveying the Party’s guidelines and policies to officials, Party members and the broader public.

During the 2026 Tet holiday, Sa Pa is expected to remain one of Vietnam’s most sought-after destinations for both domestic and international visitors. With a long holiday break and a growing preference for cultural, nature-based and festive early-spring experiences, visitor numbers are forecast to spike, particularly from the first day of Tet through the full-moon period of the first lunar month.

According to the airport authority, the gateway handled 674 take-offs and landings, serving 116,276 passengers on the day. International traffic remained high, with nearly 50,000 passengers travelling through the airport.

At the ceremony, PM Chinh and other delegates prayed for national peace and prosperity, and for the people to enjoy happiness.

The 4.3-hectare site, located in the urban core and once associated with significant natural, historical, and spiritual values, had remained unused for years. Its transformation reflects the city’s determination to return land to the public and to build a sustainable and compassionate living environment for residents

Participants shared emotional moments at the gathering, saying the event helped them reconnect with traditional Tet customs and maintain close ties with the homeland despite living abroad for decades.

President Cuong expressed his profound gratitude for the immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh - the beloved leader of the Vietnamese nation, who dedicated and sacrificed his entire life for the independence and freedom of the country and the happiness of the people.

In the days leading up to the 2026 Year of the Horse, Nhan Vuc Flower Village in Xuan Lang Commune, Phu Tho Province, is ablaze with colors, brimming with the spirit of spring. Gardens of chrysanthemums, lilies, roses and dahlias are meticulously tended to bloom on schedule, creating a vibrant and lively spring scene. Farmers are busy caring for, trimming and transporting flowers to the market to meet rising Tet demand. Photo: Hoang Hung – VNA