Culture - Sports

Russian belle triumphs in martial arts beauty contest

Valeriya Ryabova from Russia was crowned Miss Martial Arts at the biennial International Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival on August 3 in the central province of Binh Dinh.
Valeriya Ryabova from Russia was crowned Miss Martial Arts at thebiennial International Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival on August 3 inthe central province of Binh Dinh.

The runners-up prizes went to Chau Nu Hoai Van and Phan Thi Hong Nguyen from Binh Dinh province.

Canadian entrant Haynen Laure took both the Miss Ao Dai and Miss Beautiful Face titles

The fourth festival attracted almost 800 martial arts instructorsand fighters from 69 teams from 27 countries and territories.

The next festival will be held in early August 2014.-VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

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.

International tourists enthusiastically participate in activities associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam ranks among world’s top 10 favourite countries in 2026

Vietnam’s inclusion in the top 10 favourite countries in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards adds another important milestone to the country’s international tourism brand. The result not only underscores the destination’s appeal but also reflects growing international appreciation for Vietnam’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, cuisine and people.

Hanoi leaders attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the cultural industry centre. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi launches project to build cultural industry hub in Old Quarter

The project, covering about 3,862sqm. at 17 Nguyen Thien Thuat and 40 Thanh Ha, includes around 2,317sqm. of construction area. It will renovate existing structures, improve architecture and landscaping, upgrade technical infrastructure and create spaces for cultural, artistic and creative activities.

Director Tra Nguyen, founder of “The Run – A Theatre Project” (far right), joins international speakers at the panel discussion. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese experimental theatre shines at AAPPAC 2026

Vietnam’s participation in the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC 2026) in Hong Kong highlights the growing international engagement of the country’s performing arts community.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai (right) speaks at a press conference introducing the Vietnamese Theatre Week in France. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese theatre arts to take centre stage in France

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai noted that Paris is chosen for its status as a major global cultural and artistic centre and the headquarters of UNESCO. The year 2026 also marks 50 years since Vietnam joined UNESCO.

An overview of the press conference (Photo: VNA)

Over 2,000 people to perform Thai Xoe dance in Lao Cai in October

The festival will provide an opportunity to review achievements in preserving and promoting the values of Thai Xoe, honour the cultural identities of ethnic groups in the Northwestern region, and promote the land and people of Lao Cai. It will also showcase local tourism products and destinations and strengthen linkages for tourism development.

The Vietnamese and Panamanian first ladies experience cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Panamanian first ladies bond over ethnic textiles at Hanoi cultural event

The two ladies were briefed on the cultural diversity of Vietnam's ethnic groups and shown traditional costumes, along with weaving, embroidery and pattern-making techniques preserved and handed down through generations. The materials, colours and patterns of the costumes reflect aesthetic values as well as stories of history, customs, traditions and the distinct identity of each community.

Historical cinema helps foster patriotism, strengthen Vietnam’s soft power

Historical cinema helps foster patriotism, strengthen Vietnam’s soft power

When history is told through human stories, using modern cinematic language and backed by adequate investment, films can both nurture patriotism and national pride and become competitive cultural industry products. This is also a way for cinema to help turn the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW into reality by transforming Vietnamese values into an internal resource and a source of national soft power.