Miss World 2026 contestants perform in Vietnamese ao dai at the opening ceremony on August 12. VNA/VNS Photos

QUẢNG NINH – The opening ceremony of the 73rd Miss World pageant officially took place at Hạ Long Marina Square in Bãi Cháy Ward, Quảng Ninh Province, on August 12.

Jointly held by the Quảng Ninh authorities, the Miss World Organisation and the pageant’s organising committee, the event attracted more than 10,000 delegates, local residents and visitors. The ceremony featured 111 contestants representing 111 countries and territories worldwide.

The opening night featured a vibrant artistic programme, beginning with “Hello Vietnam” and a parade of contestants in an áo dài (traditional Vietnamese long dress) collection by designer Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam. The contestants also carried hand-painted conical hats depicting images of Quảng Ninh’s heritage.

The programme continued with two themed segments, “Welcome Miss World to Quảng Ninh – Việt Nam” and “Sound of Beauty”, featuring prominent Vietnamese artists and energetic performances by the contestants.

Miss World 2026 contestants perform in Vietnamese áo dài at the opening ceremony on August 12.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lê Văn Ánh said 2026 marks a milestone as Việt Nam hosts Miss World for the first time, coinciding with the pageant’s special 75th anniversary.

Quảng Ninh’s selection as the venue for the opening ceremony reflects international confidence in the province’s event-hosting capacity, development environment and growing position in international integration.

After the opening leg in Quảng Ninh from August 8 to 12, contestants will continue their journey through Việt Nam’s heritage destinations, including Hải Phòng City and Khánh Hòa Province’s Nha Trang, before competing in the grand finale. — VNA/VNS