The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced the top ten culture, sports and tourism events in 2008.
1. The activities of cultural exchanges were held successfully, creating echoes and leaving a positive impression on international friends.
2. April 19 was considered as the Cultural Day of ethnic Vietnamese people under a decision signed by the Prime Minister. Days of culture, sports and tourism in 2008 were also held successfully across the country.
3. The Miss Universe Pageant ’08 was held for the first time in five major cities in Vietnam, with the participation of 81 beauty queens from 81 countries and territories across the globe.
4. The Hue Festival ’08, the Tay Son – Binh Dinh Festival, the first fireworks display contest in Da Nang City and the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival ’08 were organised.
5. Cultural activities on the UN Day of VESAK 2008 in Viet Nam and the grand ceremony of commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of King Tran Nhan Tong who abdicated his throne and founded the Truc Lam sect to practice a religious life.
6. The film Bao Gio Cho Den Thang Muoi (The Love Doesn’t Come Back) was selected as one of the 18 best Asian films of all times. The collection of photos featuring the cultural traditions of ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands won the World Cup of the 29th Black and White Photographic Art Contest.
7. Vietnam ranked 71st among 200 countries and territories taking part in the Beijing Olympic Games ’08 in China with a silver medal in the weightlifting.
8. Vietnam organized and competed successfully the World Junior Chess Championships, won 4 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze medals and ranked second among 81 countries and territories.
9. The national U22 football team won the trophy of the Merdeka Cup held in Malaysia. Vietnam qualified for the Southeast Asian Football Championship (AFF) Suzuki Cup ’08. Vietnamese mountaineers conquered Everest Mount peak.
10. Vietnam launched voting campaigns for Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park and Mount Fansipan as new world natural wonders. It also successfully organised activities in the framework of the Year of National Tourism in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.