Starting August 13, around 120 Miss World 2026 contestants began a series of activities in Hai Phong, one of the destinations on the itinerary of the 73rd Miss World pageant in Vietnam.

The contestants are staying at Dragon Hill International Tourist Area in Do Son from August 13 to 19, where they will take part in exchanges, cultural experiences, sightseeing activities and competitions while discovering the city's distinctive character.

The Hai Phong leg began with a press conference on August 13 to introduce the Miss World 2026 contestants, where sashes were presented to around 120 contestants, officially marking the start of their pageant journey in the city.

A different impression of Hai Phong

Miss World Organization Chair and CEO Julia Morley CBE was among those impressed by the destination. She praised the scenery and resort setting at Dragon Hill, as well as the warmth and hospitality of local residents.

Morley said the setting reminded her of resorts in the United Kingdom where people go to relax. She described Dragon Hill as a wonderful resort, saying Miss World has a special opportunity to introduce the destination to an international audience.

She also said Hai Phong has left a distinctive impression on her, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share the destination with the world.

During their nearly week-long stay, the contestants will take part in various activities and competitions, including Talent, Sports, Chef Beauty and Top Model.

A highlight will be the 16th Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest, scheduled for August 18 at Dragon Beach in the Dragon Hill International Tourist Area in Do Son.

Contestants experience local culture and cuisine

Beyond the pageant activities, the Hai Phong leg gives contestants an opportunity to experience the city's culture, scenery, cuisine and people firsthand.

For Madeline Miller, Miss Panama 2026, who is visiting Vietnam and Hai Phong for the first time, the warmth and friendliness of local people have been among her strongest impressions.

Miller said she was excited and happy to be in Vietnam. From her hotel to the streets, she told the press she has experienced a warm welcome from local people.

She has also sampled several Vietnamese dishes, praising their flavours and variety.

For Miller, Hai Phong is a beautiful city, with its appeal lying not only in its scenery but also in the warmth of its people.

The experiences shared by organisers and contestants highlight a broader dimension of the Miss World journey in Hai Phong. Alongside the pageant, the event is giving international participants a chance to discover a destination in Vietnam firsthand.

After Quang Ninh province, Hai Phong city is the next destination in the Miss World 2026 journey through Vietnam, linking the international beauty pageant with efforts to showcase local destinations, culture and tourism.