On the morning of December 23, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism assigned Van Hoa newspaper to lead the organization of the 2025 Voting Ceremony for Vietnam’s Top 10 Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Events.

At the event, Nguyen Anh Vu, Editor-in-Chief of Van Hoa (Culture) and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared that 2025 has seen a vibrant array of cultural, sports, and tourism activities tied to major national milestones.

Beyond events serving political missions that left a positive impression on the public, cultural and entertainment industries - especially the performing arts - have experienced an explosive year. Notably, the sector has also made significant strides in institutional reform.

This year, the committee received 135 nominations from 50 organizations and selected 15 highlights for final voting. A press conference was held with the participation of national and local media to determine the top 10 events of 2025.

Among the 15 nominated events were:

Major progress in institutional reform, seen as a bright spot of the year and the entire term, laying a solid foundation for Vietnam’s cultural, sports, and tourism sectors to advance confidently into the new era.

The grandest-ever Exhibition of National Achievements, themed “80 Years of the Journey for Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” opened new directions for large-scale exhibitions and fairs, affirming Vietnam’s position and potential.

Celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s revolutionary press (June 21, 1925 – June 21, 2025) and the 80th anniversary of the country’s cultural sector (August 28, 1945 – August 28, 2025), featuring strategic guidance from General Secretary To Lam.

Vietnam’s cultural heritage asserted its international stature with four new UNESCO recognitions across different heritage types in 2025.

UNESCO’s General Assembly approved Vietnam’s proposal for the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development.

Vietnam’s strong presence at Expo 2025 Japan and global recognition at the inaugural World Culture Festival.

The nationwide impact of the Vietnamese Inspiration campaign, part of the 3rd National Journalism Awards for Cultural Development.

A wave of major cultural and musical events celebrating national milestones, making 2025 a breakthrough year for Vietnamese pop music at home and abroad - fueling cultural industry growth.

The inaugural Vietnam Happy Fest, a new national cultural movement, created a series of meaningful activities positioning Vietnam as a global symbol of peace, happiness, and humanism.

The Da Nang Asian Film Festival III (DANAFF III), the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, and the cultural impact of Red Rain demonstrate cinema’s growing role in Vietnam’s cultural industry.

Successful hosting of the ASEAN Ministers of Sports Conference and related events in 2025.

Vietnam’s men’s national football team won the ASEAN Cup in convincing fashion.

Vietnam placed in the top three at SEA Games 33, thanks to determined performances by the national sports delegation.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Vietnam achieved the world’s most impressive tourism growth in 2025, surpassing 20 million international arrivals and over 130 million domestic travelers for the first time.

The Vietnam Tourism Awards returned after five years and, for the first time, will be held every five years going forward.

Tinh Le