Miss World 2026 officially announces the opening event in Ha Long

The opening night of the 73rd Miss World pageant at Halong Marina Square, Quang Ninh marks the first time Vietnam hosts the world's leading beauty contest, Miss World. The journey in Quang Ninh from August 8 to 12 is an opportunity for Quang Ninh province to showcase to a large number of tourists and international audiences the image of a modern and dynamic coastal tourism city, a heritage destination rich in cultural identity.

Quang Ninh - an impressive greeting from the host country Vietnam

2026 marks the first time Vietnam hosts Miss World, as well as the 73rd edition and the 75th anniversary version of the contest.

According to the schedule announced by the Organizing Committee, this year's competition officially takes place from August 8 to September 5, covering three destinations including Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Nha Trang.

The representative of Vietnam in this year's competition is Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc - First Runner-up of Miss World Vietnam 2022, Miss Intercontinental 2022. Bao Ngoc competing on her home ground also creates a closer connection with the domestic public during Vietnam's first hosting of Miss World.

Quang Ninh is the first destination on the journey, taking place from August 8 to 12. The highlight is the opening night of the 73rd Miss World pageant, scheduled to be held on the evening of August 11 at Halong Marina Square - a coastal urban area developed by BIM Land in Bai Chay Ward. Quang Ninh becoming the venue for the Opening Ceremony not only affirms the province's position on the map of tourism and international events but also opens up opportunities to introduce remarkable values about nature, culture, people, and investment environment here to friends worldwide through the influence of Miss World.

Ha Long Bay, the culture of the Northeastern coastal region, and the hospitality spirit of the local people become part of Vietnam's greeting to the contestants, the Organizing Committee, and the international audience. Therefore, organizing the opening night in Quang Ninh carries greater significance than a mere tourism promotion activity. The event contributes to showcasing the local capacity for hosting and organizing cultural, tourism, and international exchange programs; while creating opportunities to spread the image of Quang Ninh through content shared by international representatives.

The grand opening event at Halong Marina Square

According to the published schedule, on August 8, national and territorial representatives will begin participating in activities accompanying the competition at the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort.

On August 9, a Welcome Party will be organized to welcome contestants, international delegations, and accompanying units. On the evening of August 11, the opening night of the 73rd Miss World pageant will take place at Halong Marina Square, marking the official kickoff of the competition with the participation of contestants from more than 100 countries and territories. The stage featuring a large LED screen will be set against the scenic backdrop of the heritage bay, providing the audience with an impressive opening program with spectacular artistic performances combined with sound and light displays. A highlight of the opening night is the presentation of the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai by all 120 contestants, contributing to honoring the beauty of traditional culture while spreading the friendly, culturally rich image of Vietnam to the international community.

The capability of operating an international destination

All main schedules for the opening event of the Miss World pageant are organized within the Halong Marina coastal urban area, showcasing the ability to simultaneously meet requirements for hospitality, logistics, and security for the contestants, as well as the demands for venues and organizing large-scale events from the Organizing Committee. 

The InterContinental Halong Bay Resort developed by BIM Land and managed by IHG Hotels & Resorts, which began operation in 2025, features a collection of 275 rooms, suites, and villas, along with meeting spaces, dining, wellness, and leisure areas overlooking the bay. The resort has been chosen as the accommodation location and host for the welcoming activities for international contestants participating in the Miss World pageant, showcasing the prestige and luxury standards of the hotel, capable of meeting stringent requirements for accommodation, security, and international safety levels.

After Quang Ninh, Miss World will continue to Hai Phong and Nha Trang. However, images by Ha Long Bay will become the first impression of the 2026 organizing year in Vietnam.

In that picture, Halong Marina is not just a venue; with its role as a modern urban coastal center, integrating living, tourism, service, and event spaces, Halong Marina is gradually being positioned as an "experience gateway" to Ha Long - where heritage connects with the rhythm of new urban life, and serves as a starting point for the image of a dynamic, integrated, and vibrant Quang Ninh in the eyes of international friends.