CULTURE AND SPORT

Vietnam lost 2-1 to Syria in a closed-door friendly on December 30, a match aimed at testing squad depth and tactical options ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Xuan Huong-Dalat Ward in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Lam Dong will host a month-long cherry blossom festival to mark the 2026 New Year, featuring a range of cultural and artistic events.

Danang will welcome the new year with a late-night fun run as the city stages the Danang New Year’s Ever Run along the Han River on December 31.

Cooler weather brought by the northeast monsoon is drawing young Hanoians out in ao dai to capture Hanoi at what they see as its most atmospheric time of year.

Midfielder Hoang Duc won the Vietnam Golden Ball 2025, marking the third time in his career he has claimed the country’s most prestigious individual football honor.

Vietnam U23 departed for Qatar on December 26 to begin a training camp in preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals.

Ho Chi Minh City is set to light up the sky with fireworks to ring in New Year 2026 at six locations, up two places from the initial plan.

Marksmen of the national shooting team are gearing up to compete for medals at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, scheduled for February 2-14 in India.

Vietnam’s first museum dedicated to pho will open on January 15, 2026, at the corner of Nguyen Thai Hoc and Pham Ngu Lao streets in Ho Chi Minh City.

Authorities in south-central Khanh Hoa Province plan a low-altitude fireworks display in Nha Trang to welcome the New Year 2026, alongside a series of cultural and artistic events.

Vietnam U23 have officially regrouped following their gold medal triumph at the SEA Games 33, beginning preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.

A European-style church illuminated for Christmas has become a seasonal landmark in HCM City, attracting thousands of visitors and worshippers each evening.

Hanoi will hold a 15-minute fireworks display at five locations across the city to welcome the New Year 2026, from 11.45 pm on December 31, 2025 to midnight on January 1, 2026.

A Vietnamese spring roll-making workshop at Uccle Arts School in Brussels introduced Europeans to the nuances of Vietnamese cuisine, filling the classroom with the aromas of fresh herbs and spices.

The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports launched the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2025 at Thong Nhat Park on the evening of December 19, showcasing the capital’s rich cultural heritage.

The 9th Vietnam-Laos-China ball-throwing festival began at 7/5 Square of Dien Bien Province, on the evening of December 19.

Vietnam’s U22 football team were awarded substantial bonuses after winning the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games, with rewards coming from the Vietnam Football Federation and sponsors.

Vietnamese fans poured onto streets nationwide late on December 18 after U22 Vietnam clinched a dramatic victory over Thailand in the SEA Games 33 final.

Vietnam scored their third goal in extra time after they leveled 2-2 with hosts Thailand in the main 90 minutes of the 33rd SEA Games men's football final to secure the title.