Hue lights up for Christmas season

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.