Heritage and ancient customs passed down from generation to generation are the precious legacies of the ancestors and must be well preserved.

Cultural industries boast great potential and opportunities for development, and they are increasingly playing an important role in the economy, becoming a driving force for sustainable development.

Despite rainy conditions, many markets throughout Hanoi were packed with people shopping for offerings for the the first full moon of the year, known as Tet Nguyen Tieu, from the early morning of February 24.

People believe that the night lit by the first full moon in the new year will begin a new year with the pure scent of warm, fresh weather that is full of spring vitality.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) plans to spend VND350 trillion on a national culture promotion and development program from 2025 to 2035.

Studies have shown that Vietnamese dragons have many differences from those of other Asian countries.

Going to festivals at the beginning of the year is a long-standing tradition of Vietnamese people. It is also a occasion for people to spend time with their families and friends while praying for luck and good things for the new year.

As Tet approaches, the festive atmosphere covers every corner of Vietnam. Each ethnic group has its own way of celebrating in terms of timing, rituals, customs and cuisine, creating a colourful panorama in the tapestry of national Tet celebrations.

Eating a piece of toast with jam and sipping tea is an amazing moment to enjoy the Lunar New Year (Tet) with friends and family.

To ensure good luck for the house, the selected “first foot” is normally required to have zodiac signs compatible with the host. He or she should also be successful and content with life.

Giving away lucky money is a traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) custom through which Vietnamese people exchange the best wishes with one another, hoping for a year of peace and good luck.

Markets form a unique feature of every rural area whenever the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches as they carry traditional cultural values and are deeply imbued with the soul of the Vietnamese countryside.

Arranging a five-fruit tray during the Lunar New Year celebration is a long-standing tradition in Vietnam.

During the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, each ethnic group in Vietnam has its own culinary specialties that reflect the culture of their people and are used as offerings to worship their ancestors.

“Tat nien” is a traditional practice of Vietnamese people in the last day of a lunar year, during which Vietnamese families gather for a meal, look back on the past year and get themselves ready for a new year.

Visitors will be able to admire the newly discovered collection of unique artifacts from the ancient culture of Dong Son.

Using culture in diplomacy is a common activity which is organized both at the state level but also at the enterprise level, said Nguyen Dinh Thanh, culture management expert.

This year Nha Nhac marks the 20th anniversary of its accreditation as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Experts believe that protecting "living cultural heritage" or “heritage holders” is very important to develop a sustainable cultural life in Vietnam.