adminOn the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day, Vietnam Heritage Magazine, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Heritage Association and the Gen Z San (Heritage Generation) Media Group (FPT University), successfully organized the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2025 Ceremony at the Ton Duc Thang Museum. The event was attended by specialized agencies, professional photographers, and the heritage-loving community.
Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards – A Space to Honor the Beauty of Vietnamese Heritage
The Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2025, themed “Touch Heritage, Feel Your Own Essence” (“Chạm di sản, cảm chất riêng”), was held to celebrate the unique values of Vietnam’s natural and cultural heritage, while simultaneously spreading national pride and encouraging the community to join hands in preserving and protecting heritage. The contest called upon photographers to explore and capture the diverse beauty of Vietnamese heritage: from natural landscapes, festivals, architecture, and traditional crafts to green actions for the environment.
This year’s contest included two main categories with appealing prize structures: After nearly one month of launching (October 15 – November 11, 2025), the contest received 1,034 submissions from 203 authors across the country. The works richly depicted the cultural and natural values of Vietnam: tangible and intangible heritage, traditional festivals, customs, community life, magnificent landscapes, and the distinctive cultural features of each region.
The contest saw widespread participation from authors nationwide, with the Northern region leading with 105 authors and over 571 submissions. Hanoi alone contributed 57 authors, alongside notable participation from provinces like Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Lai Chau, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, and Thai Nguyen, creating a diverse picture of the culture and nature of these cities and provinces.
In the Central region, the contest received nearly 30 authors with 167 submissions. Many representative localities participated, including Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thua Thien Hue, Khanh Hoa, Quang Tri, with a notable contribution from Da Nang with 10 works. The Central Highlands region also made its mark through submissions from Gia Lai and Dak Lak.
For the Southern region, 71 authors submitted 296 works, demonstrating the rich creativity of the photography community. Ho Chi Minh City had a prominent number of authors, alongside An Giang, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, and Vinh Long – all depicting the unique aspects of life and heritage in the South.
This year’s contest featured a wide range of ages. The oldest author was born in 1952, showing the enduring passion for photography. Meanwhile, the youngest author, born in 2009, brought a youthful and promising perspective to the season.
From the 1,034 submissions, the Jury selected the most excellent works for the final round and 81 works for display at the exhibition during the award ceremony.
More than 30 most excellent works were awarded including Categories A: Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2025 and Category B: Junior Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards (for Gen Z, 18 – 28 years old). Each category encompasses one Gold Medal, two Silver Medals, three Bronze Medals, and 10 Consolation Prizes.
The Youth – A New Driving Force for the Heritage Preservation Journey
A special highlight of this year’s season is the partnership with Gen Z San – a group of FPT University media students. The participation of these young individuals helped the communication activities become more creative, relatable, and generated a strong ripple effect among the student community and young people.
In their role as the official communication coordinating unit, Gen Z San supported the building of the contest’s identity, content, and promotion across multiple platforms. Thanks to this effort, the message “Touch Heritage, Feel Your Own Essence” was conveyed in a modern way while retaining its cultural depth. This also serves as proof of the positive shift in bringing heritage closer to the Gen Z generation – those who will play a crucial role in the journey of preserving and promoting the value of the national culture.
Acknowledgements
The Organizing Committee sincerely expresses its gratitude to the organizations that accompanied the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2025 Contest and the Award Ceremony. The valuable support from these units significantly contributed to the program’s success and strongly spread the spirit of preserving and honoring Vietnamese cultural heritage values.
The Organizing Committee sincerely thanks the support of press agencies for actively reporting on the contest, especially the accompanying media partners, including: Sống Khỏe Plus, Báo Du Lịch & Giải Trí, Navigator, Doanh Nhân Magazine, Saigon Biz, Vietnam Golf Magazine, CEO Brand, and Mốt & Cuộc Sống. The partnership of these units helped the program’s message reach a wider audience.
The Organizing Committee also deeply acknowledges and thanks the Accompanying Sponsors: Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay; The Secret Con Dao; Nikko Hotel Saigon; Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh and Emeralda Resort Tam Coc; Hotel Des Arts Saigon – MGallery; Rex Hotel Saigon; Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon; Pandanus Resort Mui Ne; Chào Show – a national music and three-region cuisine program; Madame Lam Restaurant; Phở SOL and Savoure Bakery.
Furthermore, the Organizing Committee highly appreciates MaiHoa Group – MaiHoa Group in their role as the Printing Sponsor, providing essential support for the organization and exhibition to be fully executed.
With all sincerity, the Organizing Committee extends its thanks to all partnering units and hopes to continue receiving support in the promotion, preservation, and development of Vietnamese cultural heritage activities in the future.
The Organizing Committee sincerely thanks the companionship of these units and hopes to continue receiving support in promoting and preserving Vietnamese cultural heritage in the future.