The semi-final round of Miss Vietnam 2026, held in Hai Phong, saw the return of Miss Vietnam 2002 Mai Phuong. She attended the event alongside reigning Miss Vietnam Ha Truc Linh and Miss Vietnam 2024 first runner-up Chau Anh, captivating audiences with her enduring grace. The competition's final is slated for 7/11 in Do Son, Hai Phong.

The beauty attended the semi-final round of the Miss Vietnam 2026 pageant, held in her hometown of Hai Phong. At 38, she maintains her youthful appearance. In recent years, she has worked at the Hai Phong Customs Department and rarely participated in entertainment activities.

She was crowned Miss Vietnam 2002 at just 17 years old, an alumna of Tran Phu Gifted High School (Hai Phong) specializing in Physics, and later studied Business Administration at the University of Luton (UK).

Reigning Miss Vietnam Ha Truc Linh is actively involved as a companion for this year's competition. She shares her valuable experiences with the contestants, offering guidance on body care and maintaining good health to ensure they perform at their best throughout the pageant.

Reigning Miss Vietnam Ha Truc Linh serves as a companion for this year's competition. She shares her experiences with contestants on body care and maintaining good health to stay in top form.

The beauty wore a gemstone-embellished gown by Vo Thanh Can at the event.

Miss Vietnam 2024 first runner-up Chau Anh, a trailblazer as the first female military officer to reach the top three of the competition, also graced the event. She currently serves as a first lieutenant at the Military University of Culture and Arts. After securing her runner-up title, Chau Anh has actively engaged in numerous community events and delivered inspiring talks as a speaker.

Miss Vietnam 2024 first runner-up Chau Anh. She is the first female military officer to reach the top three of the competition. Chau Anh currently works at the Military University of Culture and Arts, holding the rank of first lieutenant.

After winning the runner-up title, the beauty participated in many community events and served as an inspiring talk show speaker.

Joining the distinguished guests was Miss Vietnam 2024 second runner-up Van Nhi, who is currently a student at Phenikaa University in Hanoi. She was appointed Hai Phong Tourism Ambassador in May, undertaking a significant role in promoting the city's attractions.

Miss Vietnam 2024 second runner-up Van Nhi is currently a student at Phenikaa University (Hanoi). She was appointed Hai Phong Tourism Ambassador in May.

The judging panel for this year's competition includes notable figures from various fields. Director Dang Thai Huyen, known for her film "Mua Do" (Red Rain), is among the judges. According to journalist Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper and Head of the Organizing Committee, Director Dang Thai Huyen was selected for her deep understanding of inner beauty, cultural and historical depth, as well as her insight into appearance, demeanor, and acting ability. The organizing committee also hopes she will discover talents suitable for cinema.

Director Dang Thai Huyen of the film "Mua Do" is one of this year's competition judges. According to journalist Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper and Head of the Organizing Committee, Director Dang Thai Huyen was invited as a judge due to her qualities aligning with the competition's criteria: understanding inner beauty, cultural and historical depth, as well as appearance, demeanor, and acting ability. Additionally, the organizing committee expects the director to discover talents suitable for cinema.

The three judges at the competition included designer Le Thanh Hoa, photographer-director Le Thien Vien, and MC Tran Ngoc (from left to right).

Following the semi-final round, 25 out of 53 contestants advanced to the next stage. The final is expected to take place on the evening of 7/11 in Do Son, Hai Phong.

Miss Vietnam is a prestigious beauty pageant initiated by Tien Phong Newspaper, first organized in 1988 under the name Miss Tien Phong Newspaper Festival. Bui Bich Phuong, from Hanoi, was the first to hold the crown. Over the years, despite the rise of many other beauty contests, Miss Vietnam has maintained its reputation as a quality platform with a distinct identity. Many titleholders have achieved success in various fields and are well-known to the public, such as: Ha Kieu Anh (1992), Mai Phuong Thuy (2006), Dang Thi Ngoc Han (2010), Dang Thu Thao (2012), Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen (2014), Do My Linh (2016), Tran Tieu Vy (2018), Do Thi Ha (2020). The reigning Miss is Ha Truc Linh, 22 years old.

Ha Thu

Photo: Organizing committee provided