The first Miss World 2026 contestants arrived in Quang Ninh on the afternoon of August 8, marking the beginning of the pageant's opening activities. Among those arriving from the Philippines, Indonesia, France, Belize, the Cayman Islands and Nicaragua were Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska and reigning Mr World Daniel Mejía.

The contestants expressed their appreciation for the warm and thoughtful welcome from the host country. More delegations are expected to arrive in Quang Ninh throughout August 8, with all contestants scheduled to be present by August 9 for the official programme.

Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska said she was delighted to return to Vietnam and impressed by the hospitality of the Vietnamese people and organisers' careful preparations. She believed the journey with Miss World 2026 would bring many memorable experiences and lasting memories.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua's representative Belén Cáceres said this was her first visit to Vietnam. She chose to wear an Áo Dài, Vietnam's traditional long dress, as a gesture of appreciation and respect for Vietnamese culture. She looked forward to exploring Quang Ninh's landscapes and meeting local people during the pageant.

Showcasing Vietnam to the world

According to the schedule, Quang Ninh will host a series of opening activities from August 8 to 12, including welcoming ceremonies for the contestants, a welcome reception, social and community activities, the opening programme and experiences at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The contestants will explore Quang Ninh on double-decker buses, visit Ha Long Bay and take part in activities showcasing the province's culture and tourism through domestic and international media platforms.

A highlight will be the “Welcome Miss World to Quang Ninh - Vietnam” programme, scheduled for the evening of August 11 at Ha Long Marina Square in Bai Chay Ward, with around 10,000 delegates, local residents and visitors expected to attend.

During their stay in Quang Ninh, the contestants will be accommodated at InterContinental Halong Bay. The province has made comprehensive preparations for security, health care, accommodation and logistics to ensure the best possible conditions for the pageant.

After their activities in Quang Ninh, the contestants will continue their nearly month-long journey across Vietnam, taking part in the main competitions as well as cultural, community and local experience programmes in Hai Phong and Khanh Hoa. The Miss World 2026 final is scheduled for September 5 in Khanh Hoa and will be broadcast live to a global audience.

Vietnam's representative at Miss World 2026 is Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, the first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2022 and Miss Intercontinental 2022.

Hosting Miss World 2026 adds to Vietnam's growing record of hosting major international events in recent years. With more than 120 contestants, along with thousands of international journalists, production crews and guests, the pageant is expected to help promote Vietnam's image, culture and destinations to audiences around the world through Miss World's television and digital platforms.

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