Vietnam names 10 outstanding cultural, sports and tourism events for 2025
The selection helps the public to look back on defining moments and sustained efforts over the year while reaffirming culture, sports and tourism as vital sources of the nation’s soft power and development.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced the top ten outstanding cultural, sports and tourism events of 2025.
According to Nguyen Anh Vu, Editor-in-Chief of Van Hoa (Culture) Newspaper under the ministry cum head of the Organizing Committee, this year has recorded remarkable achievements of the culture, sports and tourism sectors, especially in institutional improvements, large-scale events and sustainable development.
"Many activities have contributed to strengthening Vietnam’s national standing and the selection aims to honor these highlights," said Vu.
A spectacular view marked the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day that falls on September 2. Photo: VGP
The Organizing Committee had received 135 nominations from 50 agencies nationwide. A working panel worked with central and local media agencies to select the final top ten events, which were selected both direct and online:
1. Significant progress in institutional completion
The National Assembly passed the revised Law on Journalism and amended specific provisions of the Advertising Law. The government also approved several important decrees to implement the Cultural Heritage Law.
Besides, Vietnam issued Strategy for the Development of Cultural Industries until 2030, with a vision for 2045, and the National Target Program for Cultural Development for the period 2025-2035.
The move creates a cohesive legal framework that promotes comprehensive development in the fields of culture, sports and tourism.
2. National Achievements Exhibition themed "80 Years of the Journey Toward Independence - Freedom - Happiness"
A corner of the National Achievements Exhibition themed "80 Years of the Journey Toward Independence - Freedom - Happiness" at the Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi. Photo: Van Le/The Hanoi Times
The grand exhibition is a significant political and cultural event in the series of activities marking the 80th anniversary of August Revolution and National Day, reflecting the nation's stature, position and aspirations for development in the new era.
3. Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press and the 80th years of the culture sector
Numerous significant activities attracted public interest and affirmed the roles of revolutionary press and culture in building and protecting the nation. On the occasion, General Secretary To Lam provided guidance for the development of both fields in the new era.
4. Many Vietnamese cultural heritage sites recognized by the UNESCO
UNESCO honored the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac heritage site, designated Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang as Southeast Asia's first transboundary World Heritage Site, included musician Hoang Van's collection in the Memory of the World register, added Dong Ho folk painting to the list of intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of protection.
To Quoc Trong Tim (Homeland in Our Hearts) concert attracted tens of thousands of spectators, with tickets sold out within days. Photo: VNA
5. The UNESCO General Conference approved the initiative "International Decade for Culture and Sustainable Development" proposed by Vietnam
The initiative presented by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung received strong support, affirming Vietnam's proactive role and international stand in promoting global cultural cooperation.
6. An array of large-scale cultural and artistic activities generated a profound social impact, affirming the cultural soft power of Vietnam
Many artistic programs and grand musical festivals were meticulously organized to commemorate significant national events, spreading the spirit of patriotism and national pride.
80 couples take part in the "A day for us - Love is happiness" wedding ceremony at the "Vietnam Happy Fest" held in Hanoi in early December. Photo: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times
7. The "Vietnam Happy Fest"
Held for the first time, it affirms Vietnam’s image as a destination of peace and humanity
The series of activities conveyed messages of happiness, unity and sharing, promoting Vietnam’s image as a friendly nation with rich human values.
8. The 24th Vietnam Film Festival and the impact of Vietnamese cinema on the international stage
The film Mua Do (Red Rain) is screened at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel to honor national heroes and serve the local community. Photo courtesy of the film producer.
The movie Mua Do (Red Rain) created a significant impact, setting a box office record and reinforcing the position of Vietnamese cinema. The Danang Asian Film Festival and the Vietnam Film Week in France expanded opportunities for cultural exchange and promoted Vietnam’s image in foreign countries.
9. Vietnamese sports achieved impressive results at SEA Games 33, with gold medal won by the U-22 men's football team.
The Vietnamese sports delegation performed excellently, affirming its position in the region. Many Olympic sports achieved outstanding results, laying the foundation for the strategy of developing high-performance sports.
10. Vietnam’s tourism surpassed 20 million international visitors for the first time
Vietnam has been recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world. It keeps receiving accolades in various international categories, affirming its status as a premier destination in Asia.
Vietnam welcomes its 20th millionth international tourist in a single year for the first time at the Phu Quoc International Airport. Photo: VNA
