Culture - Sports

Biggest gong found in central highlands

A gong measuring 73cm in diameter, the biggest of its kind so far, was unearthed in Da Lat city in the central highlands province of Lam Dong on August 5.
A gong measuring 73cm in diameter, the biggest of its kind so far, wasunearthed in Da Lat city in the central highlands province of Lam Dongon August 5.

The 13.5kg gong has tiny decorative designs on its side, which makes itdifferent from others used in the daily life by local people.

Viet Nam 's cong-chieng (gong) culture in the Central Highlands wasrecognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage ofHumanity by UNESCO in October 2005.-VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

“Steel Land” tells a moving story of sacrifice and courage among soldiers and residents of Cu Chi during Vietnam's struggles for independence and reunification. (Photo: VNA)

Play brings Vietnamese history, culture to international audiences

Set against the life of Heoric Vietnamese Mother Nguyen Thi Ranh, who lost eight children and two grandchildren during the resistance wars against the French colonialism and US imperialism, “Steel Land” tells a moving story of sacrifice and courage among soldiers and residents of Cu Chi during the country’s struggles for independence and reunification.

A performance of Xuan Pha dance in Thanh Hoa province. The traditional dance was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM orders nationwide push for first Vietnamese Culture Day

November 24, 2026 marks the first Vietnamese Culture Day, meant to put the Politburo’s Resolution 80-NQ/TW on cultural development into practice. The aim is to embed culture more deeply in social life, letting every citizen create and enjoy it while helping preserve, pass on and enrich the values of Vietnamese culture, country and people.

The Po Klong Garai tower complex on Trau Hill in Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province, is one of the finest examples of Cham architecture preserved to this day. (Photo: VNA)

Po Klong Garai: Cham towers preserving centuries of history

The complex comprises three main structures: the Chinh (Main) Tower, Cong (Gate)Tower and Lua (Fire) Tower. The Main Tower stands about 20.5 metres tall, featuring a square base and tiered roofs that narrow towards the top. The Fire Tower, with its distinctive boat-shaped curved roof, adds a contrasting feature to the ensemble. Columns, niches, lotus motifs and decorative patterns adorn the brick walls.

Nguyen Trong Ho (right), head of Vietnam’s delegation to the Asian Para Games 2026, offers encouragement to athletes. (Photo: Vietnam Para Sports Delegation)

Vietnam targets gold at Asian Para Games 2026

Vietnam will send 36 team members, including 21 athletes competing in five sports: athletics (seven), swimming (seven), powerlifting (four), table tennis (two) and badminton (one).

A dance performance celebrates the traditional craftsmanship of the Cham people in Ninh Phuoc commune, Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Preserving Bau Truc pottery heritage in modern life

Bau Truc pottery is distinguished by its traditional handmade techniques. Without pottery wheels or moulds, Cham women use their hands to shape clay, water and fire into unique products that embody the community's folk knowledge, customs, memories and cultural identity.

A drum performance opens the launch of a nationwide campaign calling for all people to practice physical training in Hanoi on October 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Preserving heritage and harnessing cultural strength in a new era

On the morning of October 10, a ceremony was held at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi to launch a nationwide campaign encouraging regular physical exercise under the message “Everyone should choose at least one suitable sport to practise regularly”. The event was held in person and connected online with 33 provinces and cities nationwide.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam speaks at the ceremony marking the Hanoi Police Football Club's 70th anniversary on October 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader applauds Hanoi Police FC’s 70-year achievements

General Secretary and President To Lam expressed delight at the encouraging signals recorded so far, noting that with its valuable traditions, the enthusiasm of today's youth, and the attention from leaders of the Party, State, Ministry of Public Security, Hanoi Police, and local authorities, the team has every opportunity to thrive.

International visitors stroll beneath the leafy trees along Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying Hanoi’s cool autumn weather. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi’s autumn charms visitors with scenery, food and memories

Hoan Kiem lake remains a popular attraction, with colourful flowerbeds drawing residents and tourists for walks and photos. Visitors can continue through the Old Quarter, explore cafés in old buildings and sample local favourites such as pho and bun cha.

Guitarist Dang Ngoc Long performs with the Tübingen Symphony Orchestra (Germany) at the “A Rhapsody of Two Worlds” concert at Ho Guom Theatre in Hanoi in December 2025. (Photo: VNA)

From Berlin, the Vietnamese guitar fosters cultural connections to global community

This year, 30 contestants from 15 countries entered the competition, with five finalists set to compete on October 10 at Ballhaus Prinzenallee in Berlin. The programme also includes a gala concert, masterclasses and a guitar exhibition. Long’s compositions have been selected as compulsory pieces, introducing international musicians to Vietnamese music.

Visitors explore the Vietnamese booth. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam showcases cultural identity at RoK festival

The Vietnamese booth, presented by the Vietnamese Women’s Association in the RoK, attracted visitors with traditional items such as ao dai, conical hats, handicrafts and models showcasing Vietnamese folk culture, offering insights into the country’s heritage and people.