The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected the top 10 culture, sports and tourism events in 2016, based on the vote of 125 journalists representing media agencies across the country.
Marksman Hoang Xuan Vinh speaks to audience after receiving the Cup of Victory in Hanoi (Photo: webthethao.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – TheMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected the top 10 culture, sportsand tourism events in 2016, based on the vote of 125 journalists representingmedia agencies across the country.
The list of events is as follows:
* Outstanding culture events
- The practice related to the Vietnamesebelief in worshiping Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms was recognised as theintangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
- “The royal literature on Hue royalarchitecture” and “Woodblocks of the Phuc Giang School” in the central provinceof Ha Tinh were recognised as the documentary heritage by the Memory of theWorld Committee for Asia and the Pacific.
- The Hanoi Opera House hosted top-notchtheatre shows. Various art performances were presented at the Hanoi Opera Houseafter the decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organiseregular drama, chamber and traditional opera shows.
* Outstanding tourism events
- Vietnam’s tourism sector welcomed a recordnumber of 10 million foreign tourists within a year for the first time, andregistered 400 trillion VND in revenue, four years ahead of the schedule set inthe national tourism strategy to 2020, with a vision to 2030.
- The Politburo approved a Resolution onturning tourism into the country's spearhead economic sector.
- Up to 36 hotels from three to five stars inVietnam were withdrawn their star-level certificates in a campaign to change“Vietnam tourism image”.
* Outstanding sports events
- Shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh won the first-everOlympics gold medal for Vietnam after claiming the men’s 10m air pistol title,and a silver medal in the men's 50m air pistol at the Rio Olympics 2016 inBrazil.
- At the Paralympics 2016 in Brazil,weightlifter Le Van Cong won the first-ever Paralympics gold medal for Vietnam,breaking the world record in the men's 49kg category after lifting 183kg.
- Vietnam U19 secured a ticket for the finalround of the FIFA U20 World Cup.
- Nguyen Thi Anh Vien successfully won a goldmedal for the first time at the 10th Asian Swimming Championships 2016 inTokyo, Japan.-VNA
The practice of the worship of Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms was officially recognised by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity on December 1, 2016.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
Marksman Hoang Xuan Vinh speaks to audience after receiving the Cup of Victory in Hanoi (Photo: webthethao.vn) 
