Ngoc Trinh, a 21-year-old model from Vietnam, defeated 35 contestants to become the first Miss Vietnam International in the final night in Orange County, California, USA on August 13.

Ngoc Trinh’s victory is said to be a surprise, because though she has ideal outward aspect (1.71m, 85-58-91), Ngoc Trinh is considered to have poor conducts owing to an interview she made before attending the pageant.

In the final night, Ngoc Trinh shined with confident performance style, a baby face, lovely smiles and the snow-white skin. She looked eminent among 36 contestants.

The Vietnamese model also won two other titles, the Best in Swimwear and Miss Asia.

Two other contestants from Vietnam, Tra Ngoc Hang and Phan Nhu Thao, entered the top five contestants with Ngoc Trinh.

In the interview round, Ngoc Trinh was questioned: “Who is the most influential person in your life?” Ngoc Trinh honestly mentioned her father, who worked as a motorbike driver to nurture Ngoc Trinh and her three brothers.
“It is very meaningful because today is the Ram thang bay or Buddhist holiday of Vu Lan (traditionally considered an important event in praise of motherly love). This prize will be the gift to show my gratitude to my parents,” she said.

The answer was applauded by the audience. Ngoc Trinh won the highest points from the jury to become Miss Vietnam International 2011, with $30,000 bonus.

Tra Ngoc Hang, also a Vietnamese model, won the first runner-up title. Hang (1.71m, 90-62-94), won Miss Ca Mau title (a beauty pageant in her home province of Ca Mau), and was in the top ten models at the Vietnam Supermodel 2010 competition. Another Vietnamese model, Phan Nhu Thao, ranked fourth.

This is the first Miss Vietnam International pageant, which is held for Vietnamese girls around the world.