Over 100 Miss World 2026 contestants begin week-long journey in Vietnam

The Miss World 2026 organizing board on Thursday held a press conference in the city to introduce the contestants competing for the Miss World 2026 crown.

The highlight of the event was the sash ceremony, officially marking the start of the international contestants’ journey in the Miss World 2026 competition.

Representing countries and territories around the world, the 111 contestants received their Miss World 2026 sashes and began their Hai Phong itinerary on the same day, with activities scheduled through August 20.

Hai Phong is one of the Vietnamese localities hosting key activities of the 73rd Miss World pageant, which is being held in Vietnam.

Vietnam marks its debut as host of the global pageant, a move expected to boost tourism and spotlight Vietnamese culture on the world stage.

Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, winner of Miss Intercontinental 2022, represents Vietnam at the 73rd Miss World in 2026.

The contestants are divided into several groups for experiences and filming at destinations across Hai Phong on Friday and Saturday.

Their itinerary includes a mangrove forest, Thuy Tinh Water Park and Dragon Beach, offering opportunities to showcase the city's natural attractions and promote its tourism.

Also, the contestants are set to demonstrate their talents in music, dance, performance, painting, and traditional arts at the Talent Audition on Sunday.

Those selected will advance to the Talent Show.

As part of the contest, the Chef Beauty program will take place on Monday next week with the participation of ambassadors' wives.

The culinary exchange will give the contestants an opportunity to learn about Vietnamese ingredients, dishes, and food culture while introducing distinctive culinary traditions from their own countries.

As scheduled, Dragon Beach will host Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVI on August 18, with the event incorporating the Top Model competition.

The round will assess the contestants' runway performance, poise, stage presence, ability to command the catwalk, and skill in showcasing fashion.

The Hai Phong leg of the journey will conclude with the Sport Challenge on August 19.

The activity is aimed at emphasizing physical fitness, coordination, teamwork, and the contestants' ability to adapt to an active environment.

The Miss World 2026 delegation will then travel to Nha Trang, a popular tourist destination of the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

The contestants will continue to take part in the Head to Head Challenge, Talent Show, closed-door interviews, Dances of the World, and activities under the Beauty With A Purpose initiative.

The Miss World 2026 grand final is scheduled for September 5.