A display of objects dated from the Sa Huynh Culture, which flourished 2,500-2,000 years ago in central Vietnam, was launched in Hanoi on July 8 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the culture’s discovery.

Around 1,000 people enjoyed ‘Vietnamese cultural days’ held in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan on July 6-7.

A stone stele made under the Nguyen dynasty has been discovered recently by a family in Bach Hac ward, Viet Tri town in the northern province of Phu Tho.

Co Bo is an ancient art of playing drums, which developed to serve the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty. This special musical performance has been maintained by people in a northern village, about 750km from the old imperial city of Hue in central Vietnam.

The Ethnic Cultural Festival was held in south central Phu Yen province from June 30 to July 4.

Several artefacts from the Dong Son culture, which existed about 2,000-2,500 years ago, have been unearthed in Bao Yen district-in the northern, mountainous province of Lao Cai-since April this year.

The Culture, Tourism and Sports Service in Central Ha Tinh province has discovered 110 ancient rank-bestowing records at a pagoda in My Loc commune, Can Loc district.

The Lam Dong provincial People’s Committee has decided to reschedule the Da Lat Flower Festival from 2009 to 2010 to coordinate with the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

An exhibition of 100 photos taken by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s photojournalists has brought Cuba and Vietnam - on opposite sides of the globe - a little bit closer together.

The biggest-ever street carnival was held on July 2 in Tuy Hoa City, south central Phu Yen province, to mark the 20th anniversary of the province’s reestablishment and the 7th ethnic cultural festival.

Vu Thi Hoang Diep will represent Vietnam to compete with 120 other beauties from across the world in a beauty contest in Urumqi, China, from July 3-28.

Venezuela Film Week kicked-off on July 1 at the National Cinema Centre with the movie House facing the Sea.

Film star Hong Anh will begin a three-week acting course in the US on July 15 at the invitation of the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Acts.

The 7th Ethnic Cultural Festival opened in Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen province on June 30.

French music professor and pianist Michel Boudoncle will return to Hanoi for a concert to be held at the Opera House on July 13.

A 9-minute clip on Vietnam’s country and people will be featured during a live broadcast of the Mrs. World pageant final in the city of Vung Tau on November 22.

The terraced fields of Sapa in Vietnam have been recognized as one of the world’s, and Asia’s seven most beautiful and magnificent, US-based Travel & Leisure magazine has announced.

Supermodels Nguyen Hoang Long and Nguyen Ngoc Bich won the top honours this year at the Vietnam Model Awards 2009 held at White Place Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City on June 28.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has asked the Prime Minister for permission to prepare a file to be submitted to UNESCO to gain recognition for the traditional Xoan singing of Phu Tho province as a part of the world’s cultural heritage that needs urgent protection.

A national photo contest on the theme of “Vietnam-Integration and Development” was launched in Hanoi on June 27.

A professional break-dance contest, entitled Battle of the Year (BOTY), will be held for the first time in Hanoi on July 1.

Eleven art troupes from Vietnam’s ethnic minorities such as the Bahnar, Ede, Ma, K’Ho and Chu Ru from the Highlands, as well as representatives from other countries will take part in an international gong festival in Pleiku, in the central highland province of Gia Lai in November 8.

This is the first time that Long Bien Bridge spanning the Hong (Red) River will be honoured at the cultural and arts festival to mark the 55th anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day on October 10.

MedienKontor-a German film and television company- will send a crew to film the national park from July 16-31.

The 2009 Buon Ma Thuot Culture and Tourism Week on the theme of the “Legend of the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) Elephant” will be held in the central highland province of Dak Lak’s Buon Ma Thuot City and Buon Don district from November 16-22.  

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will work with the Vietnam embassy in the UK to promote Vietnamese tourism in 27 London taxis.

In early June, Churu ethnic minority people in the central highland province of Lam Dong are busy with preparations for Mnhum Yang Potai. This is a traditional ceremony to worship the rice goddess.

Born in northern Bac Ninh province over 500 years ago, Vietnamese quan ho (love duets) folk songs may be added to UNESCO’s global list of intangible heritage of humanity in October.

The Ladies Association representing 10 ASEAN countries held a food and fashion fair in Washington DC, the US, on June 21 to raise funds for the victims of natural disasters in their member countries.

Artists from the Vietnam Circus Federation debuted the play “My village” on June 18 at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.