The number of libraries nationwide has reached 40,000. This is a huge number, yet the effectiveness of the libraries is in question. Promoting reading culture and attracting more readers are areas libraries are struggling in.

 Artisans from Vietnam and Indonesia have shared experience during the ‘Cultural Exchange through Batik and Brocade Weaving’ held in Buon Ma Thuot city, the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

A selection of noteworthy artistic and cultural events to take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

 The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam will hold the JF Garage Concert No.18 featuring The Flying Clef Quintet in Hanoi on Friday, December 28, starting at 8 p.m.

 A Christmas atmosphere has spread across Hanoi’s downtown streets.

 The classic Christmas carol "Jingle Bells" can be heard across HCM City, a sign that the holiday is very near, with New Year’s Day not far away. 

Artisan Pham Van Vang from Bach Lien village has been known for his efforts to revive the local Bo Bat pottery craft, an art which had been lost for around ten centuries.

Artisan Bui Van Hung in Xuan Truong commune, Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province is well known for his in-depth knowledge about Xuan Pha folk dance.

Artist Le Xuan Giang, who is called “witch” in scale modelling circles, owns a collection of original models showing the country and people of Vietnam.

Duong Hoang Thong from Hanoi has created artistically carved candles imprinted with the cultural traits of Vietnam.

Artisan Lam Ngoc Vinh in Hoc Mon district, Ho Chi Minh City, creates mini bonsai trees which are truly works of art showing the artisan’s ingenuity, meticulousness and passion.

 A documentary titled “Vietnam: Connecting East Africa” will be broadcast on the Discovery East Africa channel on December 27 for the first time, and on the Discovery Southeast Asia three days later. 

 Funerals customs vary between ethnic groups in Vietnam. For many ethnic minority groups, funeral activities include games, dancing, and dressing in special ritual costumes, which might be considered odd in other cultures.

 Musician Hinh Phuoc Long renowned for a range of distinctive songs on the nation’s outpost of Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago. 

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam has approved two fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve in HCMC, with one show taking place at high altitude at Saigon River Tunnel in District 2 and the other at low altitude at Dam Sen Theme Park in District 11

Vietnam International Junior Fashion Week 2018 opened in Hanoi today, December 21, attracting the participation of 300 child models.

 World renowned disco band Boney M and Austrian pop band Joy, will thrill Hanoian audiences at the Vietnam National Convention Center on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8th).

 The Vietnam Centre for Protection of Music Copyright (VCPMC) is intending to take legal action against SkyMusic JS Company for copyright violation.

As Christmas is drawing near, Hanoi’s streets on these days have been filled with the vibrant colours of thousands of Christmas decorations.

 Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 winner H’Hen Nie has successfully made it to the top five in the global Miss Universe 2018, which concluded in Bangkok, Thailand on December 17.