Thanh Hang walks the runway during the introduction of the host and judges for the show's ninth season, on the afternoon of 28/7. The model expressed her excitement about returning to the judging panel of the model search competition. Previously, Thanh Hang was involved with Vietnam's Next Top Model in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

The model said she will use her more than 20 years of experience to share with and train the contestants. Thanh Hang's criteria for the next generation of Top Models include: potential (40%), attitude (30%), and spirit (30%).

"For me, professional mindset is the core element that helps a model go further. They don't just walk on and off the catwalk, but must understand what they represent and how to shine not only with their outfits but also with their qualities," Thanh Hang said.

Fashion designer Do Manh Cuong returns to the show after the first season in 2010.

Makeup artist and creative director Nam Trung - who was involved in the first seasons of Vietnam's Next Top Model - returns as a judge.

Ms. Trang Le (center), the show's executive director and producer, said the competition aims to support the next generation of young models. This year's theme, "Graceful Steps", seeks contestants who are not only skilled but also possess a positive attitude, professional spirit, and a professional work ethic.

After three days of casting with thousands of applications, the judges selected the top 15 to enter the shared house. At the event, the contestants wore matching outfits with rose corsages. They showcased their individual personalities through various styles on the catwalk.

Creative director Ha Do, one of the four judges in the 2016 season, returns with higher expectations for the contestants.

Ha Do graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York (USA) and has over 20 years of experience in the creative field. She has worked on the design and production of popular films like "Gai gia lam chieu 3", "Em va Trinh", and "Co dau hao mon". She is also the first Vietnamese person to serve as a judge for the Cannes Lions awards - known as the "Oscars" of the Marketing & Communication industry.

Ai Bang, 20 years old, from Lam Dong province, is 1.78 m tall, and has a striking angular face.

Uyen Do, 28 years old, from Da Nang, attracted attention with her curly hair.

Tra My, the youngest contestant, born in 2006, is known online as "Nang Mo" and walked the runway at Vietnam International Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2025 in June.

The chosen contestants are all part of Generation Z and have experience in fashion events. The organizers said this year's focus is not on training contestants from scratch but on finding a star who can shine on both domestic and international runways.

Contestant Bao Ngoc, 20 years old, from Dong Thap province, is 1.77 m tall.

From left to right: Tam Thanh, Mai Hoa, Mi Lan, and Giang Phung during the introduction.

The contestants will participate in challenges to win the grand prize of 300 million VND. The winner will also have the opportunity to walk at international fashion weeks in the UK, France, and Italy, and appear on the cover of a prestigious fashion magazine.

Former contestants from the show shared their experiences with the new contestants. From left to right: runner-up TyhD (2017), winner Kim Dung (2017), and runner-up Tra My (2011).

Vietnam's Next Top Model is based on the American show Next Top Model, created by supermodel Tyra Banks. The first season aired in 2010. Over eight seasons, the show has discovered many famous faces in the fashion industry, including Trang Khieu, Tuyet Lan, Hoang Thuy, Ngoc Chau, Mau Thuy, H'Hen Nie, Huong Ly, Nguyen Hop, Nguyen Oanh, and Kim Dung. After the "all-star" season (featuring notable contestants from previous years) in 2017, the show took a break and has recently been revived.

Tan Cao

Photo, video: Multimedia