The opening ceremony of the 73rd Miss World was held at Ha Long Marina Square in Bai Chay Ward. The event was attended by representatives of Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Quang Ninh authorities, diplomatic missions, local agencies and businesses, as well as representatives of the Miss World Organization and Miss World Vietnam.

Themed “Vietnam - Timeless Charm,” Miss World 2026 combines the international beauty competition with a series of cultural, tourism and social activities in Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Le Van Anh emphasised the province was pleased to host the opening activities and pledged to work with the Miss World Organization and the organising committee to ensure the event is held professionally, safely and successfully.

He said hosting the pageant provides an opportunity to introduce Quang Ninh's landscapes, culture, people and tourism destinations to international visitors and audiences, while promoting cultural exchange and tourism development.

The opening programme featured performances combining music, lighting and elements of traditional Vietnamese culture, with artists including Le Quyen, Trang Phap, Ha Myo, Will, Hera Ngoc Hang, Yen Nhi and Que Anh.

A highlight of the evening was a special Áo Dài presentation featuring all 111 contestants in “Tinh Hoa Lua Viet” (Essence of Vietnamese Silk), a collection by designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam.

The contestants also wore conical hats decorated with images of Ha Long Bay, the Yen Tu Complex of Monuments and Landscapes and other distinctive cultural features of Quang Ninh.

Ha Long Bay takes centre stage

The pageant's activities in Quang Ninh from August 8-12 gave contestants opportunities to experience the province beyond the opening stage.

They attended a welcome reception, visited and presented gifts at the provincial social assistance center, visited the Tran Quoc Nghien Temple and the provincial Museum and Library, and experienced Ha Long Bay.

The activities have provided opportunities to introduce Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, together with Quang Ninh's cultural and tourism values through domestic and international media platforms.

Miss World Vietnam President Pham Kim Dung said the pageant's mission goes beyond the crown, giving young women a platform to use their beauty and voices to contribute to positive social change.

She emphasised that the Miss World mission focuses on vulnerable groups, children and communities, while contributing to wider social development.

“A queen is at her most beautiful not when she stands on stage, but when she changes someone's life,” she stressed.

This social mission has been reflected in the contestants' activities in Vietnam, which have combined cultural and tourism experiences with community-oriented programmes.

Reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri said she had visited and taken a boat trip around Ha Long Bay and hoped people around the world would have the opportunity to see Vietnam's natural beauty.

She also expressed a desire to experience more of Vietnamese culture during the remainder of her stay, including trying local cuisine, wearing Áo Dài and visiting more destinations.

Miss World was first held in 1951 and has since been organised in countries around the world. Its longstanding message, “Beauty with a Purpose,” places social responsibility and community engagement alongside the competition itself.

The 73rd edition is being held in Vietnam from August 8 to September 5, with activities taking place in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Khanh Hoa.

Following the opening programme in Quang Ninh, the contestants will travel to Hai Phong on August 13 to continue activities within the pageant.

Vietnam's representative at Miss World 2026 is Miss Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc.