Cover of the photo book by photographer Tran Phong (Photo courtesy of Tran Phong)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Photographer Tran Phong has released a new bookentitled Tuong Go Tay Nguyen (Wooden Statues in The Central Highlands of Vietnam).
The bilingual English – Vietnamese book is published by The Gioi PublishingHouse with 256 pages and about 300 photos to feature the deep and brilliantbeauty in the cultural flow of the ethnic groups in the Central Highlands.
"I took the photos in the book in 1986 and many years later," saidthe veteran photographer.
"I selected more than 300 photos from about 1,000 photos that I shot ofwooden statues, charnel-houses and activities related to the funerary customsmainly in Jarai and Ba Na groups in Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces. I want toprint these photos to preserve and promote traditional culture."
Wooden statues in the Central Highlands are unique sculptures of Vietnam,according to the preface by Phong. "Today, going to the villages in theCentral Highlands we no longer have the opportunity to see the wooden statueswith artistic value like many years ago. The charnel-house and the statues havebeen modernised with cement and steel roofs. Very few elderly artisans are leftin the area and the wooden statues gradually disappear in modern life."
In the photos, the cultures of the two largest ethnic groups in Truong Son Dong(eastern Truong Son Range) becomes vivid featuring aspects of the CentralHighlands, according to the foreword by Associate Professor Ngo Van Doanh.
"In the Central Highlands, the charnel-house is a unique location,combining different arts such as architecture, sculpture, painting, knittingand decoration. All elements make the charnel-house unique."
Funerals are one of the most important ceremonies for many ethnic groups in Vietnam’scentral highland region.
During his 30-year career, Phong has won hundred awards at home and around theworld. He is a member of Vietnam Association Photography Association's ArtCouncil.
He published two books entitled Dieu Khac Go Dan Gian Jarai, Ba Na (Folk WoodEngraving of Jarai and Ba Na Groups) in 1995 and Le Hoi Tay Nguyen (CentralHighlands Festival) in 2008./.
The preservation and development of the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) cultural features must respect principles of diversity, said Luong Hong Quang, deputy head of the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies.
Charnel -house statues – part of the unique cultural identity of the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) ethnic groups, are likely to disappear, experts warn.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
Cover of the photo book by photographer Tran Phong (Photo courtesy of Tran Phong) 
