Hoang Thi Yen, 33, won the Mrs. Vietnam Pageant of 2009 held in Vung Tau on September 26 to become the country’s first married pageant icon.

Yen, mother of two and director of the UBS Company in HCM City, beat out five other finalists. The pool of 64 contestants had been cut to 20 before a question-and-answer session. She received 150 million dong, the crown, plus jewelry worth $10,000 and many gifts.

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, a 26-year-old owner of Hanoi-based medical equipment shop, finished the contest in second place, while 27-year-old Dam Thi Ly, manager of the fresh vegetable project of Nam San Ltd Co, received third place. Pham Hong Tham of HCM City won the Mrs Congeniality award.

“I must improve my strength and knowledge to prepare for the upcoming beauty contest,” Mrs Vietnam 2009 stated. “I believe I will win at the Mrs World Pageant 2009.”

Mrs. World 2008, Nataliia Shmarenkova, performed the song “The Phantom of the Opera” from the stage musical of same name on the final night.

The Mrs. Vietnam Pageant 2009 was organized by the Vietnam Women’s Association and the CIAT Advertising and Trade Fair Management Company.

Other winners of Mrs. Vietnam 2009 pageant:

Mrs. Photo: Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, 1977 from Ha Giang province

Mrs. Self-motivation: Han Thi Phuong, 1970, Thai Nguyen

Most Beautiful Hair: Phung Thi Lan, 1977, dn

Fairest Skin: Duong Minh Quynh Lien, 1985, HCM City

Best Body, Hoang Thi Thu Huong, 1977, Lang Son

Best in Evening Gown: Duong Hoang Dieu Thu, 1979, HCM City

Best in Traditional Costume: Le Thi Tuyet Nhung, 1982, Hanoi

Mrs. Talent: Nguyen Thu Hai, 1961, HCM City

Most Charming Smile: Tran Thi Kim Huong, 1982, Ha Tinh

Most Beautiful Eyes: Ka The, 1983, Lam Dong

Most Charming Lady: Trinh Thi Van Anh, 1962, HCM City

Mrs. Sport: Mac Thi Thuy Nga, 1980, Hai Phong

Energetic Lady: Hoang Le Minh Nguyet, 1983, Lam Dong

Mrs. Communications: Nguyen Hong Ha, 1974, HCM City

Successful Lady: Truong Thi Tuyet Nga, 1961, HCM City and Nguyen Thi Tuyet, 1962, Thanh Hoa.

Photos of the Mrs. Vietnam 2009 Hoang Thi Yen:

PV