CULTURE AND SPORT

Vietnam gained 2.60 FIFA ranking points after defeating Thailand 2-0 in the ASEAN Cup final first leg and are closing in on the world's top 97.places.

Hundreds of fans took to the streets of Hanoi despite heavy rain late on Saturday after Vietnam beat Thailand 2-0 in the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final.

Several major gym chains have closed or suspended facilities in Vietnam despite rising demand for fitness and health services, highlighting pressure on traditional business models.

Airfares from Hanoi to Bangkok have surged to nearly VND 20 million (USD 760) return as Vietnamese fans rush to Thailand for the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final on Saturday.

Can Tho will host the second Vietnam International Rice Industry Festival from November 23-26, with more than 500 booths showcasing greener, higher-value rice production.

Moc Chau National Tourist Area in Son La Province will host its 2026 Culture and Tourism Week from August 27 to September 5, featuring cultural and tourism activities for the National Day holiday.

Forty Vietnamese football fans have travelled by coach and train to Bangkok to support the national team in the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final.

The first Brocade Festival at Sun World Fansipan Legend in Sapa, Lao Cai Province, will run from August 22 to September 6, showcasing traditional crafts, highland culture and the golden rice season.

Hanoi will hold the second Thang Long-Hanoi Festival from September 11 to 20, combining traditional arts, technology, fashion and craft experiences across five cultural venues.

Lam Dong Province plans around 70 cultural, sports and tourism events after Lien Khuong International Airport reopened on August 19, aiming to revive visitor demand ahead of the Dalat Flower Festival.

Bac Ha Commune in Lao Cai Province will hold its 2026 Autumn Festival from August 28 to September 6, featuring cultural performances, sports, local cuisine and community experiences.

The section reserved for Malaysia supporters at My Dinh Stadium remained empty as Vietnam defeated Malaysia to reach the ASEAN Cup 2026 final on August 19.

Thousands of fans in Ho Chi Minh City celebrated late into the night after Vietnam beat Malaysia 2-0 to secure a place in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final.

Gia Lai Province will host its first International Gong Festival from October 30 to November 8, bringing together about 45 Vietnamese and international artisan groups.

Hundreds of fans queued from the early hours of August 19 to buy tickets for Vietnam's ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final against Malaysia at My Dinh Stadium.

Quang Ninh police have warned of fake social media pages impersonating the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon 2026 to scam runners out of money.

Thousands of residents and tourists braved heavy rain in Nghe An Province on August 18 to enjoy a colourful carnival featuring street parades, music, dance and circus performances.

Danang will host a series of cultural, arts, sports and tourism events from mid-August to early September, offering visitors a wide range of activities during the National Day holiday.

The city's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said six performances would be held across Hanoi on August 19, featuring music, puppetry, circus, traditional theatre and drama.