You beauties: Miss Viet Nam 2012 Dang Thu Thao (centre) and the first runner-up Duong Tu Anh (left) and the second runner-up Do Hoang Anh.(right) — Photo coutersy of Miss Viet Nam organisation committee.

DA NANG — Dang Thu Thao, a 21-year-old finance student at Tay Do University in the southern city of Can Tho, took the crown of the Miss Viet Nam at the pageant finals at Da Nang's Tuyen Son Sports Centre on Saturday.

Thao, who stands 1.73m with measurements of 83-60-90 and hails from the southern province of Bac Lieu, edged out Hanoians Duong Tu Anh and Do Hoang Anh to win the title. She becomes the first woman from the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta to win the title since the Miss Viet Nam pageant debuted in 1988.

Thao doubled her celebrations when she also won the pageant title for the most beaufiful face. She receives a cash prize of VND300 million (US$14,000).

First runner-up Tu Anh, 19, a student from the Media and Communications Academy, also impressed the jury, while 18-year-old model Hoang Anh, the youngest candidate among the 39 finalists, has passed the examination to enter the Ha Noi-based Culture College.

The organising committee disqualified contestant Vuong Thu Phuong just five hours before the final began, saying the 21-year-old had violated pageant regulations due to a rumour that she had engaged to be married.

The final night was brightened with colourful lights and a show of the 39 finalists in swimsuits, traditional ao dai (long dresses) and evening dresses. The jury also presented awards for talent, best long dress, smoothest skin, and longest hair.

The newly-crowned Miss Viet Nam and the top 10 finalists paid a charity visit to patients at the Da Nang General Hospital and Cancer Hospital yesterday. — VNS