The northern province of Thanh Hoa plans to invest around VND22 billion in upgrading tourism infrastructure from now till June 2012 to promote the cultural and unique values of the Ho Dynasty Citadel.

Nearly 200 photographs and documents of late President Ho Chi Minh’s life and work are on display at an exhibition in Paris, France.

The vote for the new seven wonders of the world will come to an end in the next 20 days.  

The Vietnam Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) with violist Le Hoai Nam under the baton of popular conductor Honna Tetsuji successfully performed is first concert at Carnegie Hall in New York on October 23.  

A music festival featuring police brass bands from Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US and Vietnam began in Hanoi on October 23.

Nearly 120 women from 42 ethnic groups in Vietnam will take part in the second Miss Ethnic Vietnam pageant which will begin in early next month.

A fashion show was held by the Italian embassy in Hanoi on October 22 to mark the Italy-Vietnam Cultural week.

An exhibition entitled “Vietnam Today” opened at the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France (VCCF) on October 22.

Many campaigns to promote voting for Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world are being launched among Lao pupils and students as well as other social organizations in Laos.

Harriet Krijgh, a rising young International Cello star, has just given a performance in Hanoi. This is the first time the Dutch-born Austrian has been to Vietnam’s capital city and Asia.

The International Radio and Television Union (URTI) have presented a bronze prize to two VOV reporters, Ngo Thieu Phong and Giang Xeo Pua, for their feature on the culture of ethnic minority people in northern Vietnam.

Performer Giang Quoc Co and his brother Giang Quoc Nghiep have won a bronze at the 13th Latina International Circus Festival in Italy with their “Power of the Arms”.

Thu Hanoi (Hanoi in Autumn), an exhibition featuring the work of eight artists from Hanoi, has opened at the HCM City Fine Arts Museum.

The Vietnam Record Book Centre (Vietkings) on October 20 unveiled 12 Vietnamese records set in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.

A fashion show on the night of October 21 will highlight Italian Culture Week, featuring accessories and jewelry from Bvlgari and the latest designs by veteran Vietnamese designer Minh Hanh.

Winner of the Fashion category in 2007’s Miss Earth competition, Truong Tri Truc Diem, will leave Vietnam on October 20 for the 2011 Miss International Pageant in China.  

Vietnamese people will have the chance to vote for Ha Long Bay as a new World Wonder through a TV programme to be broadcast live on October 29.

A week-long film festival opened at the National Cinema Centre in Hanoi on October 18 to show more than 30 documentaries and films featuring the bravery of Vietnamese naval forces during the war.

A culinary festival, a painting exhibition featuring Heroic Mothers, lectures, concerts and dance performances are among many activities being held in Hanoi and HCM City to mark the 81st anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union (October 20).

Nearly 100 Ao Dai (the traditional long dress) designed by Pham Quoc Tuan are on display at an exhibition that opened at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi on October 18.

Miss World Vietnam 2010 second runner-up Pham Thuy Vy Victoria left for London, England, on October 18 to attend the Miss World 2011 beauty pageant.  

Outstanding pianists from Vietnam, the USA, the Republic of Korea and Singapore are attending the 2011 International Piano Festival in Ho Chi Minh City from October 18-23.

Hanoi is expected to issue preservation regulations on colonial-era villas by year-end while the city's old public buildings are being assessed, a top planning official has said.

The Thai Royal Family hosted a Kathina (robe offering) ceremony at Huyen Khong temple in Huong Ho commune, central Thua Thien-Hue province, on October 16.

A performance of “Xoan Singing” was held for ambassadors and cultural counsellors from 40 embassies in Hanoi on October 15 to acquaint them with the candidate for world cultural heritage title.

The 14th Toyota Classics is expected to leave a deep impression on Ho Chi Minh City audiences on the night of November 11.

A nationwide project on Ca Tru ceremonial singing has been organised by the Institute of Musicology at a cost of VND3.5 billion (US$167,500) and may be developed into a national programme.

The Italian embassy in Vietnam has introduced its “The Gift of Italy” program in response to the Week of the Italian Language in the World. 

Vietnamese contestant Truong Tung Lan was among the top 15 in the final round of the Miss Asia-Pacific International beauty contest held in Busan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), on October 15.

Vietnam's tourism ambassador Ly Nha Ky worked with leaders of the ABC taxi firm in the Philippines on October 13-14 to obtain votes for Ha Long Bay as one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World.