If you're looking for a summer experience that is both vibrant and emotionally rich, Carnaval Hạ Long 2026 is an unmissable destination. — Photo dulichvinhhalong.net.vn

QUẢNG NINH — A vibrant mix of colour, music and cutting-edge technology is set to transform Hạ Long into one of Việt Nam’s most electrifying summer destinations, as Carnaval Hạ Long 2026 returns with an expanded programme and bold ambitions.

Unveiled at a press conference this week, the province’s annual summer cultural, sports and tourism week will run from April 25 to May 3, featuring 14 standout events designed to captivate both domestic and international visitors.

With its sights set on welcoming around 1.3 million travellers, Quảng Ninh is doubling down on its reputation as a dynamic, world-class tourism hub.

Under the theme 'Carnaval Hạ Long 2026 – Wonders shining in a new era', this year’s festivities will stretch beyond the familiar waterfront of Hạ Long City to include key destinations such as Hòn Gai, Bãi Cháy and the spiritual landscape of Yên Tử – turning the entire region into a sprawling festival stage.

At the heart of the celebration is the much-anticipated opening night and international street parade, 'Dance of the Five Continents', set to take place at 8pm on April 30 at 30/10 Square. Expected to draw a crowd of more than 80,000, the event promises a high-energy fusion of music and movement, featuring top Vietnamese artists including Mỹ Tâm, Tùng Dương and Quang Hùng MasterD.

A centrepiece parade of 60 elaborately designed floats will roll through the city, showcasing the cultural identity of Quảng Ninh’s mining heritage alongside performances by international art troupes – a visual spectacle that blends local pride with global flair.

But beyond the parade, it is the festival’s immersive, multi-sensory experiences that are set to define this year’s edition.

Visitors can look forward to 'waves of light' – a mesmerising nighttime display of 50 illuminated cruise boats gliding across Hạ Long Bay – alongside a high-octane EDM concert enhanced by 3D mapping technology at 30/10 Square on May 2.

For those seeking a deeper cultural connection, the semi-epic performance 'Sacred Yên Tử' will bring to life the spiritual journey of King-Monk Trần Nhân Tông, staged against the dramatic backdrop of forested mountains, offering a striking contrast to the festival’s modern energy.

Complementing the headline events is a wide array of supporting activities, from international food streets and OCOP fairs to hot air balloon showcases themed 'Fly with the Wonder' and traditional martial arts competitions – all contributing to a rich, layered festival atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, dedicated teams have been mobilised to ensure smooth operations, with specialised subcommittees overseeing logistics, security and healthcare to guarantee a safe and seamless experience for visitors.

More than just a seasonal celebration, the event reflects Quảng Ninh’s broader strategy to elevate tourism into a key economic driver, in line with the Politburo’s Resolution No 80-NQ/TW on cultural development.

The province has set an ambitious target of 22 million visitors in 2026, including 5.2 million international arrivals, with projected tourism revenue reaching around VNĐ55 trillion (about US$2.15 billion). In the first quarter alone, Quảng Ninh welcomed over 6.2 million visitors, surpassing expectations and signalling strong growth momentum.

As the summer season approaches, Carnaval Hạ Long 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a festival – it is a statement of intent, positioning Quảng Ninh as a rising powerhouse for large-scale entertainment and cultural experiences in the region. — VNS