Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Celebrating 80 years of independence, Vietnam proudly showcases remarkable socio-economic progress, with the happiness of its people firmly at the heart of national development. This focus on well-being inspired the photo and video exhibition Vietnam Hanh Phuc (Happy Vietnam), which opened on August 28 at the National Exposition Centre in Hanoi, capturing the spirit and joy of the nation’s journey.
Part of the broader Exhibition on Socio-Economic Achievements, the event offers a unique experience blending art and technology. Its highlight is an immersive display integrating 3D, virtual reality (VR) and Metaverse technologies under the theme Vietnam Hanh Phuc, featuring 150 photographs and 30 video works. These are organised into three categories: Happy Land, Happy People and Happy Moments. The pieces were selected from over 20,000 submissions sent by contributors from both Vietnam and abroad via the digital platform Vietnam.vn.
Using 3D mapping and augmented reality (AR), visitors can explore 80 years of national development and interact with a multi-layered digital map covering 34 provinces and cities, accessible through Vietnam.vn. The exhibition also introduces a miniature version of the traditional public loudspeaker system, once used to broadcast government messages.
A standout feature is the collection of 1,000 folk art gifts created by visitors themselves, alongside 29,220 commemorative items bearing the Happy Vietnam imprint.
According to the Department of Grassroots Information and External Communication under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism representative, Tran Tuan, the number 29,220 symbolises 80 years multiplied by 365 days. These gifts include everyday items, such as notebooks and desk calendars with cultural themes.
Examples include the ‘80 Years + S’ notebook, representing a continuous journey of learning; the ‘34 Provinces’ notebook, highlighting the diversity of Vietnamese culture; and the ‘Happy Vietnam’ notebook, reflecting the aspirations of the younger generation.
Traditional art is also honoured through lacquer paintings by folk artisans, including a recreation of the Capital-Moving Decree issued by King Ly Thai To in 1010, when the capital was relocated from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (Hanoi). Visitors are invited not only to admire these works but also to participate in creating folk paintings alongside professional artists. Each participant receives their own handcrafted piece as a keepsake.
Interactive activities further enrich the experience, including photo opportunities at the photo booth, message-sharing on the Tree of Happiness and contributions to the digital mosaic Map of Happiness, composed of 800 puzzle pieces.
Through the exhibition space, the organisers aim to spread the message of a 'Happy Vietnam,' where happiness arises from great achievements reflected in everyday moments.
The exhibition runs until September 5, offering a vibrant reflection of Vietnam’s journey and its enduring commitment to collective well-being./.
See more
Thang Long – Hanoi Festival 2026 opens
The second Thang Long – Hanoi Festival 2026, themed “Heritage Flow,” kicked off on the night of September 11. It aims to bring traditional cultural values closer to the public, expand international exchange, and contribute to the development of Hanoi's cultural industries.
Argentine-Vietnamese Cultural Institute gears up for 30th anniversary
During the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet highly valued the significant contributions made by the ICAV over the past decades to strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges between Argentina and Vietnam.
Friendly football tournament held in Slovakia to mark Vietnam’s National Day
The Vietnamese Embassy and Vietnamese Association in Slovakia staged a friendly football tournament at Pekná Cesta Stadium to celebrate Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), with four teams representing the Vietnamese community across Slovakia.
Photo contest highlights Da Nang through international eyes
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee and head of the contest’s organising committee, said the competition aims to showcase diverse perspectives from the foreign community, diplomatic missions, international organisations, press agencies, professional and amateur photographers, and visitors.
Documentary highlights shared revolutionary ideals of Ho Chi Minh, Fidel Castro
Although President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro never met, the two historic leaders shared a revolutionary vision centered on independence, freedom, happiness and equality for humanity, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long.
Hanoi to host Asia-Pacific dialogue on heritage, authenticity
The event aims to provide an international scientific forum for further research, exchanges and discussions on authenticity in world heritage conservation, in close connection with the outstanding universal value, integrity and cultural values of heritage elements.
President Ho Chi Minh relic site opens exhibition in China marking 76 years of diplomatic ties
The centerpiece exhibition features more than 100 documents, materials and photos, some made public for the first time. It highlights President Ho Chi Minh’s life, career and revolutionary activities in China and his close ties with Chinese revolutionaries, intellectuals and people, underscoring the formation, cultivation and continuation of Vietnam-China friendship across periods.
Vietnamese sports delegation leaves for ASIAD 20 in Japan
The Vietnamese delegation comprises 496 members, including athletes, coaches, experts, officials, doctors and medical staff. The teams will depart in several groups depending on their competition schedules, with the largest group expected to leave on September 16. The squad has set a target of winning at least four gold medals at ASIAD 20.
Artist helps Vietnamese culture shine in Hong Kong
Teaching traditional dance and songs to children growing up overseas has never been easy. Differences in living environments and ways of thinking, together with pronunciation influenced by the local language, mean that the children need more time to grasp rhythms and pronounce Vietnamese correctly.
Vietnam’s growing cinema market draws international stars
The increasing frequency of such visits indicates that Vietnam is receiving greater attention in the promotional and distribution strategies of Asian film projects.
Vietnamese Cultural Festival brings people together in Japan
Over the two days, the festival featured a range of cultural, artistic and community activities, including a Japanese speech contest for Vietnamese participants, quizzes on Japanese law, culture and history, a Japanese karaoke contest, art performances and Yosakoi exchanges.
Vietnamese Lantern Festival connects cultures in Darwin
This year’s festival showcased the waterways, boats and monkey bridges of the Mekong Delta, along with handicrafts made from coconut leaves, bringing the distinctive character of Vietnam’s southern region to life through decorations, interactive activities and artistic performances.
Miss World 2026 promotes Vietnamese culture, tourism
On September 4-5 alone, Khanh Hoa welcomed around 95,000 visitors staying overnight, including approximately 38,000 international visitors, highlighting the event’s considerable appeal and the province’s image as a safe, attractive and welcoming destination.
Bat Trang pottery village preserves heritage in digital age
The combination of modern machinery and traditional craftsmanship reflects the craft village’s efforts to preserve values handed down through generations while embracing technological advances.
Vietnam helps place culture at centre of global development agenda: ambassador
The UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development reflects Vietnam’s increasingly proactive role at multilateral forums.
UNESCO, countries welcome Vietnam-led cultural initiative
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany hailed the UN General Assembly’s proclamation of the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036), thanking Vietnam for promoting the initiative, as well as all co-sponsoring countries, members of the core group and the Group of Friends for Culture at the UN for their support.
Dak R’mang market – where Mong cultural identity is upheld in Central Highlands
For the Mong people in Ta Dung, Dak R’mang is not merely a weekly rendezvous, but a space preserving memories of their northwestern hometowns and cultural identity in their new land.
Vietnam Rong Xanh Awards create new cultural, heritage values
Director of the institute Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Lan said the awards arrive as science, technology, innovation and digital transformation reshape how cultural values are preserved, created and spread.
Film project explores overseas Vietnamese's journey to roots
Through Beyond the Broken Bridge, the filmmakers hope to bring the stories of Vietnamese living abroad closer to international audiences while contributing to cinematic and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Europe.
Hai Phong Railway Station: Where a historic train journey lives on
Hai Phong had the honour of welcoming the late President Ho Chi Minh on nine occasions. Hai Phong Railway Station holds a special place in that history, as the departure point for a special train that took him back to Hanoi on October 21, 1946.