Vietnam contestant brings coconut candy, rice paper to Mister International 2026

'More Than Just a Flow' is Nguyen Vu Linh's introduction video for Mister International 2026, portraying Vietnam's Mekong Delta through the Mekong River, traditional craft villages, the dignity of local work and everyday cultural life.

From Mekong Delta to international stage

After the organizers released the video, it received positive feedback from audiences in Vietnam and abroad. 

Shot in a cinematic style, the video tells the story of Linh's journey to adulthood, from his hometown in Ben Tre to the international stage.

The Mekong River is a recurring image throughout the video, connecting Linh to his hometown and his journey. 

From the waterways of the Mekong Delta, he moves into the fast-paced life of Ho Chi Minh City before stepping onto the international stage.

Smoke rising from batches of rice paper, the making of coconut candy, coconut handicrafts and images of local workers create a portrait of the Mekong Delta as a rustic region with a distinct cultural identity. 

Rather than focusing only on scenic landscapes, the video tells the story of the region through its people, their work and cultural traditions passed down through generations.

Training sessions, interviews, filming, photo shoots and project preparations are woven throughout the video, showing the continuous work and preparation behind Linh's public appearances.

Linh said he was proud that international contestants showed interest in the Vietnamese images featured in the video. 

For him, promoting his homeland is also part of his mission as a contestant at Mister International.

"I grew up in the Mekong Delta, a region shaped by the Mekong River, a flow that never stands still. As I travel through different cultures, I have learned that if you want to go far, you must first know where you come from," Linh said.

He also reflects on his years living in Ho Chi Minh City, where he found opportunities but also faced the need to work hard every day.

"People see a moment on stage. But behind that moment are thousands of repetitions. Ambition gives me direction. Discipline gets me there," he said.

Beyond his personal story, the video also highlights Linh's social activities, community projects and charity work as part of his journey of personal growth.

Vietnam's culture flows beyond borders

Do Kim Khanh, national director of Mister International Vietnam, said the team behind the video wanted not only to introduce Nguyen Vu Linh but also to promote Vietnam's landscapes, culture and people.

"His hometown is an important part of Nguyen Vu Linh's journey of growth. From the rivers of the Mekong Delta and traditional craft villages to working communities and the modern pace of Ho Chi Minh City, everything is connected as one continuous flow," Khanh said.

Photographer Kieng Can directed the introduction video. 

He said: "Linh may not have been the best when he started, but he is a strong, persistent fighter who is determined to see things through."

"I made More Than Just a Flow with the idea of telling a story that begins at his roots, moves into the city and then reaches out to the world. It is also a flow of local culture, people and the ambition to reach the world."

Nguyen Vu Linh left for Thailand on September 12 to compete at Mister International 2026. 

He is currently in Phuket with other contestants, taking part in photo shoots and side activities.

During the events, the Vietnamese representative has drawn attention for his confidence, English communication skills and energy. 

Several beauty pageant-focused websites have predicted that Linh will make the top five.

For Linh, his journey at Mister International 2026 is about more than a competition.

"My journey is a flow, from my hometown to the city and then out into the world. I carry Vietnamese pride with me, not only to compete, but to connect, share and honor our cultural identity on the international stage," Linh said.