Night-time experiences breathe new life into urban heritage

According to the National Statistics Office, cultural industries contributed about 3.54% of Ho Chi Minh City's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2020. The figure rose to around 5.7% in 2025 and is expected to continue growing. Beyond its traditional strengths in city tours, MICE tourism, shopping and cuisine, the city now offers a broader range of attractions, including coastal areas, eco-tourism sites, traditional craft villages, industrial tourism and cultural, historical and spiritual destinations. Half a century has passed since Saigon-Gia Dinh was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honour of President Ho Chi Minh. Today, the city has not only maintained its role as Vietnam's economic powerhouse but has also gradually established itself as a regional hub for finance, industry and innovation. Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf." Produced by the India Book of Records (IBR) based on an idea by Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que, "Love Garden" weaves Quan Ho folk singing into a bridge connecting past and present. The storyline follows a young Indian woman from Madhya Pradesh state who travels to the heartland of Quan Ho in northern Vietnam and performance stages in Hanoi to trace memories of her late mother. Seven goals were scored in the match by Vietnam, with a hat trick by Nguyen Dinh Bac, a brace by Do Hoang Hen and two goals from Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Quang Hai. Today’s souvenirs capture the rhythm of everyday life: a “banh mi” (Vietnamese baguette) lapel pin, a sketchbook of Hanoi’s tangled streets, and illustrations of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City. They work because they paint a Vietnam that feels authentic, approachable and alive. Simple, compelling stories are giving cultural souvenirs a whole new appeal. Themed "City Awakening – Awakening Heritage," Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 aims to offer an immersive experience that combines Hue's rich cultural heritage with contemporary music, art and cutting-edge performance technology. As the reigning champions and with a squad widely regarded as possessing greater depth than the one that lifted the trophy in 2024, Vietnam now has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first team ever to successfully defend the ASEAN Cup title in 2026. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports and head of the organising committee, said Vietnamese traditional martial arts embody the essence of martial arts excellence, fostering a philosophy of life that upholds the values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, while continuing to gain recognition among the international community. The excavation was conducted as an emergency by the Quang Ngai provincial Museum since early June after a local man reported that he accidentally discovered artefacts suspected of being an ancient kiln relic. The committee commended Vietnam for fulfilling the commitments it has made since the citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, as well as for implementing recommendations from the committee and its advisory bodies. It also praised the country's efforts to preserve the site's cultural, historical and social values, transforming the imperial citadel into a space for public engagement, cultural exchange and historical education. The committee further welcomed the long-term vision as an important basis for the proposed restoration of Kinh Thien Palace in line with the approved conservation strategy. Vietnam earned a top-seed position in the men's tournament after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, allowing the team to avoid hosts Japan, China and the Republic of Korea in the group stage. The book, titled “Vietnam, Proceso de Reunificación” (Vietnam: Process of Reunification), was written in Spanish by Gaston Fiorda and examines how Vietnam overcame the economic crisis, international embargoes and the devastation of war to become one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. The championships, held in the southern city of Dong Nai from July 17-22, featured Tanding (combat) and Seni (artistic performance) events. Indonesia ranked second overall, while Malaysia came third. Deputy Director of the Vietnam Cinema Department Do Quoc Viet said this year’s film week marks a new step in state management of cinematography, as the entire nationwide cinema system is participating for the first time in screenings serving political tasks and commemorative activities on a non-profit basis. Inspired by one of the mysterious folk legends surrounding the tomb of Dinh Tien Hoang, the film follows a gripping journey to protect the final secret of Vietnam's first emperor. It is presented as a martial arts epic blending historical fantasy with themes of family, love, brotherhood, unwavering loyalty to the sovereign and noble sacrifice. The festival will feature a packed programme of cultural and sporting activities, including flower- and incense-offering ceremonies at Kinh Thien Monument and the Quang Trung Museum, large-scale martial arts performances, exchange demonstrations, tours of traditional martial arts schools, and visits to historical, cultural and scenic sites across the central province. Vietnam is sitting on a massive culinary heritage with thousands of signature dishes spanning 54 ethnic groups, many of which have earned international acclaim. More and more localities are positioning food not just as a service for tourists, but as a standalone attraction. For the first time, all commercial cinema chains across the country are participating in a national free-screening programme in support of political education and activities honouring revolutionary contributors. Hoa Nghiem Pagoda (Anamngamsrisukhumaphat) was built on land donated by Ngamsri Sukhumphan, a Thai national of Vietnamese origin, who also contributed an initial 800,000 THB (approximately 24,600 USD) towards the project. Vietnam made a few squad changes in the lineup for the second leg of the regional volleyball tournament, the SEA V.Cup 2026, in Indonesia. Alongside tribute activities nationwide to mark the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947–2026), arts organisations and local authorities are staging special performances honouring fallen heroes, war invalids, sick veterans and people who rendered meritorious service to the revolution, while promoting the tradition of gratitude, patriotism and national pride. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.