H’Hen Nie, a 25-year-old model from the Ede ethnic minority group in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 in the grand finale on January 6.

H’Hen Nie, a 25-year-old model from the Ede ethnic minority group in the Central Highlands, was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2017. (Photo: Miss Universe Vietnam)

The finale took place in the resort city of Nha Trang, the central coast province of Khanh Hoa where 42 contestants from across the country showed off their beauty.

H’Hen Nie was popular during the national pageant for her brown complexion and athletic body. She won for a sweeping answer for the Top 3 final questions and took home the crown “Empower” worth 2.7 billion VND (118,800 USD).

She will represent Vietnam at Miss Universe 2018.

Other two professional models, Hoang Thi Thuy and Mau Thi Thanh Thuy became the pageant’s first and second runner-up, respectively.

The grand finale started off by the contestants’ performance in “ao dai” – Vietnamese traditional gown, followed by swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

Prior to the final night, the contestants have taken part in many social and charity activities in Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Phu Yen and Lam Dong provinces.

It was the third time Miss Universe Vietnam has been organised since 2008.

Nguyen Thuy Lam from northern Thai Binh province was Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 and Pham Thi Huong from the northern port city of Hai Phong was Miss Universe Vietnam 2015.-VNA