Several downtown streets in Hanoi are being upgraded — with concrete medians removed and pavements refurbished — in preparation for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

To celebrate the 58th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 – 2025) and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN (1995–2025), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a solemn flag hoisting ceremony at its headquarters in Hanoi on August 8.

Over 58 years of formation and development (August 8, 1967 – August 8, 2025), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has affirmed its position as a successful model of regional cooperation and integration, with its role and reputation growing ever stronger. ASEAN continues to promote comprehensive and in-depth intra-bloc cooperation, while expanding and enhancing relations with numerous global partners. It has successfully initiated and maintained its central role in various regional cooperation mechanisms.

State President Luong Cuong and his spouse, accompanied by a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, are paying a State visit to Angola from August 6–9, 2025. Since establishing diplomatic ties on November 12, 1975, Vietnam and Angola have built a solid foundation of enduring friendship that has steadily deepened over nearly half a century. Looking towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the two nations are striving to identify and promote more substantive cooperation in potential areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, higher education, technology transfer, healthcare, and defence-security.

Military vehicles were once again on display during the second rehearsal for the military parade and march celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – 2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), held on the morning of August 5 at National Military Training Centre 4 in Hanoi.

Thousands of people gathered around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to watch impressive demonstrations by the Vietnamese police, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the People’s Public Security Force.

On August 2 and 5, 1964, the Vietnam People’s Navy, in close coordination with other forces, bravely repelled powerful warships and modern aircraft of the US, establishing the proud tradition of the Navy’s “first victory in combat.” For over 60 years, the heroic spirit and invaluable lessons from this initial triumph have remained deeply significant in the national cause of building and safeguarding the Fatherland.

The lithophone is an ancient Vietnamese percussion instrument dating back thousands of years. It has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Central Highlands gong cultural space. In Dong Nai, alongside some lithophone sets that are millennia old, many newer ones have also been crafted by artisans, and are now on display in cultural reserves and museums, offering locals and visitors a chance to observe and experience this unique heritage.

On the afternoon of August 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Dien Bien province to inspect and direct efforts to overcome the aftermath of floods, flash floods, and landslides. The Prime Minister met with and offered words of encouragement to residents in severely affected areas, and praised the efforts of the police, military, and local militia in rescue operations and in helping people stabilise their lives.

The mats from Phu Tan village are durable and skillfully woven by the talented hands of artisans, preserving the unique traditional cultural beauty of the O Loan region in Dak Lak province. This traditional mat weaving craft, which has an over a century history, not only provides livelihoods but also serves as a cultural heritage, the “soul of the countryside” for the local people.

With its diverse ethnic communities and rich cultural traditions, Dong Nai province is often described as a “miniature Southeastern Vietnam.” The province is home to a wealth of indigenous knowledge embedded in local social and community life. From village organisation, customary laws, and the role of village elders to community regulations and a vast trove of beliefs, rituals, festivals, and folk arts, these elements have formed a distinctive body of intangible cultural heritage that shapes Dong Nai’s unique identity.

In Ba Lam hamlet, Cao Duong commune (Phu Tho province), gates of a mysterious ancient citadel have long been referred to by locals as the “Mac Citadel” – named after the Mac Dynasty, which officially ruled Vietnam for 65 years from 1527 to 1592. To this day, no archaeological evidence has definitively confirmed the date of its construction. Several residential structures built within the citadel’s grounds have gradually eroded the remaining traces of this historical site.

In addition to My Son Sanctuary and the Cham Museum, Da Nang is also home to millennia-old Cham towers that still stand today, such as the Khuong My tower cluster (Tam Xuan Commune), Chien Dan towers (Tay Ho Commune), and Bang An Tower (An Thang Ward). However, these architectural treasures have largely been overlooked and remain disconnected from the city’s tourism map.

The small seaside market in Phuoc Dong hamlet, O Loan commune, Dak Lak province comes alive at dawn as fishing boats return with their fresh catch. The buying and selling take place quickly, but they reflect a deep-rooted bond between the people and the sea - a simple, unforgettable scene.

Vietnam’s U23 football team defeated hosts Indonesia 1-0 in the final of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship, held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on the evening of July 29. The only goal of the match came in the 36th minute, scored by Cong Phuong, sealing a hard-fought victory and securing Vietnam’s successful title defence. With this triumph, Vietnam became the first team in the tournament’s history to win three consecutive U23 ASEAN titles.

President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly Tulia Ackson and IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong welcomed National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the opening ceremony of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva on July 29, 2025 (local time).

While modern fishing boats have become increasingly common, the handcrafted thung chai (basket boat) continues to play a vital role in the daily life of Vietnam’s coastal fishermen. In Phu My Village, Tuy Hoa Bac commune, Dak Lak province, skilled artisans use their hands and traditional techniques to turn strips of bamboo and a special waterproofing resin made from tree sap and cow dung into these iconic round boats - an enduring symbol of coastal culture and livelihood.

Since officially joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has swiftly integrated into the regional bloc, participating comprehensively in all areas of cooperation. Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made significant contributions to maintaining intra-bloc solidarity, enhancing cooperation among member states and with external partners, thereby fostering ASEAN’s development and successes.

Since officially joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has swiftly integrated into the regional bloc, participating comprehensively in all areas of cooperation. Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made significant contributions to maintaining intra-bloc solidarity, enhancing cooperation among member states and with external partners, thereby fostering ASEAN’s development and successes.

The War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27) is an occasion for the entire Party, people, and armed forces to express deep gratitude to heroic martyrs, war invalids, sick soldiers, and families who rendered meritorious service to the revolution. It also serves as a time to uphold the tradition of “when drinking water, remember its source,” through meaningful activities that honour and support policy beneficiary families.