Eight international teams, including three first-timers, will compete at the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2018.

Carved woodblocks bearing the Sutras of Zen Buddhism at Bo Da Pagoda in Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province, have been named national treasures.

 Japanese guitarist Yuki Matsui will perform in Ho Chi Minh City on April 27, in Da Nang on April 28 and in Hanoi on April 29 within the “Yuki Matsui - Live in Vietnam 2018” program.

 A traditional Vietnamese long dress contest will be organised in Prague, Czech Republic, in mid June.

 An artist in Hanoi has been operating a free flute class for seven years.

 The Czech Republic will organise Mrs Ao Dai Vietnam Europe 2018 this June to honour the graceful and delicate beauty of Vietnam’s Ao Dai costume (traditional long dress).

 The music licensing company Sky Music has been accused by many musicians at the Vietnam Centre for Protection of Music Copyright (VCPMC) of using their songs without permission.

The National Library of Vietnam has announced its plans to organise the 2018 book festival, which will take place from April 19-24 in Hanoi, as part of activities to mark Vietnam Book Day (April 21), and World Book and Copyright Day (April 23).

 A book of Turkish tales, containing 200 small humorous stories about Nasreddin Hodja, was launched in Hanoi recently. 

 The Vietnam National Museum of History announced on April 9 that it will begin displaying archaeological treasures of the country on April 12.

Hanoi’s Sword Lake has become a cultural hub for Co Tuong, or Chinese chess, a mental sport activity that attracts people from all walks of life.

 The 2nd EuroSphere - European Art of Living exhibition will open on May 18 at the White Palace Convention Center in HCM City’s Phu Nhuan District.

The Krossing Over Arts Festival (KOAF) will feature a series of interdisciplinary and collaborative performances along with a plethora of artist talks, dance workshops, and international film screenings on April 16-22 in HCM City.

 Events in Hanoi & HCMC on April 9-15

 The 2018 National Drama Festival is scheduled to be held at the Army's Theatre in Tan Binh district, Ho Chi Minh City, from April 11-25.

L'Espace in Hanoi has opened a new branch on the campus of the Hanoi University of Architecture in Ha Dong district, as part of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France.

 A ceremony was held in Ngu Loc commune, Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoa province, on April 6 to kick off the Whale worshipping festival and receive a certificate recognising it a national intangible cultural heritage.

 The 2017 Golden Kite Awards’ organisation board received 117 cinematographic submissions in various categories, including featured film, TV series, documentary film, cartoon, scientific films and short films.

Bo Da Pagoda, sitting at the north foot of Phuong Hoang mountain in Tien Son commune, Bac Giang's Viet Yen district is among the few pagodas preserving intact its Vietnamese ancient architecture.

 It seems that the flea market has become an attractive destination for both collectors and antique lovers.