Hanoi is holding a myriad of events and tours to capitalise on the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) to popularise images of the capital and Vietnam as a whole among international friends.

VOV.VN - The Vietnam Buddhism Sangha Executive Council of Thua Thien-Hue province hosted a ceremony on the bank of the Huong (Perfume) River on May 8 evening to celebrate the 2566th birthday of Lord Buddha.

The culture of Southeast Asian nations was highlighted at a festival in Hanoi on May 7 ahead of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), the biggest regional sport event.

VOV.VN - A hot air balloon festival with the theme of "Sao La - Asian Unicorn" opened in Vu Quang district in the central province of Ha Tinh province on the morning of May 7.

Activities have been held at the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi prior to a Southeast Asian youth festival slated for May 7 in celebration of SEA Games 31.

VOV.VN - A tourism festival themed ‘Hanoi – Come to Love’ will take place in the capital from May 13-15, introducing to visitors new, impressive tourism products, said organisers at a press briefing on May 6.

VOV.VN - The 18th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival is expected to promote tourism activities taking place in provinces and cities nationwide, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

VOV.VN - The Hanoi Cuisine and Craft Village Tourism Festival is scheduled to welcome visitors from May 12 to May 23 on Le Quang Dao street in Nam Tu Liem district.

VOV.VN - The Hanoi Youth Union is scheduled to hold the Southeast Asian Youth Festival on May 7 on the capital’s walking streets around Ho Guom (Returned Sword Lake) ahead of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31).

VOV.VN - A lotus festival, the first of its kind in Vietnam, is scheduled to take place in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap between May 19 - 21, which is expected to set a record of 200 lotus-made dishes.