Bac Lieu southern province’s Dang Thu Thao claimed the Miss Vietnam 2012 title after captivating the heart of the judges and audience thanks to her natural beauty during the final held at Tien Son Sports Palace in Da Nang central city on Aug. 25.

Duong Tu Anh and Do Hoang Anh, both of them hailing from Hanoi, are first and second runners-up.

Hanoi beauty Dang Thi Ngoc Han won the crown in 2010.

Thu Thao will get a cash award of VND 300 million (US$15,000) while Tu Anh and Hoang Anh will receive VND 150 million ($7,500) and VND 100 million ($5,000), respectively.

Standing in 1.73m, the 21-year-old Dang Thu Thao, who also won Miss Mekong 2012, is currently student at Tay Do University in Can Tho southern province.

During the event which was broadcast live on Vietnam National Television Station last night, other awards went to Miss Talent, Miss Beach, Miss Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional dress), Miss Beautiful Face and Miss People’s Choice.

The biennial Miss Vietnam pageant was launched by Tien Phong Newspaper in 1988.

Miss Vietnam 2012 winner Dang Thu Thao (center) second place contestant Duong Tu Anh (left) and third place Do Hoang Anh (right). Photo: Tuoi Tre

Miss Vietnam 2012 has a natural beauty. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Five finalists in the Q&A session. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The pageant finale's stage. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Contestants compete in Miss Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) round. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Contestants compete in Miss Beach round. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Contestants compete in Miss Gown round. Photo: Tuoi Tre