CULTURE AND SPORT

Four traditional festivals in Vietnam’s central province of Quang Ngai have been recognised as national intangible cultural heritage.

The HCM City Ao dai Festival 2026 opened at Nguyen Hue Walking Street on March 6, kicking off a series of cultural and tourism activities celebrating Vietnam’s traditional long dress throughout March.

Vietnam’s U23 football team have been invited to participate in the CFA Team China Cup 2026 in Xi’an after Iran withdrew from the tournament, according to the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

The 2026 international women’s cycling tournament, Biwase Tour of Vietnam and the 16th Ho Chi Minh City International Women’s Cycling Race, Biwase Cup, officially opened on March 4 in HCM City.

About 5,000 people will join a mass ao dai performance and parade on March 8 as Ho Chi Minh City’s annual festival draws record registrations.

Following successes in the previous season, the Vietnam eFootball team has officially confirmed its participation in the FIFAe World Cup 2026.

The March rankings released by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) continue to show Vietnam’s strength in the junior category.

Crowds stood in heavy rain late on March 2 as authorities reopened access following the annual seal opening ceremony at Tran Temple in Ninh Binh Province.

Nearly 150 players from close to 40 countries are competing at the ITF World Juniors Competition, which opened in Lam Dong Province on March 2 and runs through March 14.

Hundreds gathered at a riverside pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City ahead of the first full moon of the lunar year, releasing floating lanterns and praying for peace and prosperity.

Vietnam claimed the 2026 World Team Three-Cushion Championship after a commanding 2-0 victory over hosts Germany in the final in Viersen early on March 2 (Vietnam time).

Vietnam’s national three-cushion carom team booked a place in the World Team Championship final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden on March 1.

The Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra will launch its 2026/27 season on March 1 in Hanoi, under the baton of Honna Tetsuji and featuring Finnish pianist Henri Sigfridsson as soloist.

The 11th Japan-Vietnam Festival will return to HCM City this March, featuring more than 300 booths and a diverse lineup of cultural, economic and people-to-people exchange activities.

Vietnam forward Dinh Bac will miss the national team’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Malaysia in March 2026 after receiving an additional suspension from the Asian Football Confederation.

The Yen Tu Spring Festival opened on February 26 in Quang Ninh province, the first held since the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac complex was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

More than 800 performers dressed as deities and historical figures paraded through central streets in Dong Nai Province on February 26 as part of the Ong Pagoda Festival 2026.

Popular grilled snakehead fish stalls in Ho Chi Minh City sold thousands of fish on the God of Wealth day as customers flocked to observe a southern ritual for luck and prosperity.

The International Gong Festival will be held in Gia Lai Province in the fourth quarter of 2026, aiming to promote the unique cultural image of the Central Highlands region.