Miss World Gets into Full Swing in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province
National ambassadors from around the world have begun their Miss World journey with a memorable opening chapter in Ha Long Bay, filled with new friendships, Vietnamese culture, warm hospitality and Beauty With a Purpose in action.
The 75th Anniversary Edition of Miss World is officially underway in Vietnam, and after only a few days together, the national ambassadors are already making memories that will last far beyond the Festival.
The excitement began from the moment the contestants arrived in Vietnam. Welcomed by the Sen Vàng team, the national ambassadors stepped into the spotlight almost immediately, meeting the local team, giving their first interviews, and sharing their excitement at finally beginning the journey they had spent months preparing for.
For many, it was the first time meeting the women they would share this extraordinary experience with. The smiles, hugs, and conversations quickly replaced introductions, and friendships began forming almost instantly.
From their arrival, the contestants traveled to the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, their home for the opening days of the Festival. Overlooking one of Vietnam’s most celebrated destinations, the resort provided the setting for a busy program of filming, interviews, official activities, and opportunities for the contestants to get to know one another.
Reigning Mr World Danny Mejía and the 70th Miss World Karolina Bielawska have also been in Ha Long Bay as part of the Miss World social media team, interviewing the national ambassadors and taking audiences behind the scenes of the Festival. Reigning Miss World Opal Suchata joined them as the contestants experienced some of their first nights together in Vietnam.
The schedule has been so full that it already feels as though the contestants have been together much longer.
Among their first experiences was a visit to The Night Lights of Ha Long Bay, offering the national ambassadors an introduction to the atmosphere, entertainment and beauty of their first host destination.
Another highlight was the official Welcome Dinner, celebrating Vietnamese culture, music and hospitality. Government representatives welcomed the national ambassadors, who were presented with traditional Vietnamese conical hats specially decorated by local artists, creating a meaningful souvenir of their time in Quang Ninh.
The contestants were individually introduced on stage, while Danny Mejía added another memorable moment to the evening by performing for the audience.
But from the very beginning, the Festival has also remained firmly connected to the mission at the heart of Miss World: Beauty With a Purpose.
A group of national ambassadors visited local children, spending time with them and delivering gifts as well as scholarships worth approximately US$7,500, presented through Sen Vàng in the name of Beauty With a Purpose.
For Miss World Opal Suchata, beginning the Festival through an initiative centered on education carried particular significance. She spoke of her pride in starting this journey by helping create opportunities for children, emphasising her belief that education can open doors for any child who dares to dream, regardless of their circumstances.
The initiative set the tone for a Festival in which the national ambassadors arrive not only representing their countries, cultures and aspirations, but also carrying the social projects and causes they have worked on at home.
Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, has also arrived in Vietnam and has been delighted to see the Festival taking shape. Having visited the country many times over the years, she has witnessed its remarkable development first-hand and once again expressed her admiration for its people, culture, and hospitality.
Vietnam holds particular significance for this special edition. The country is hosting Miss World’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, with Sen Vàng joining the Miss World Organization as local organizer and co-producer. The partnership builds on their previous collaboration during the Mr World Festival in Vietnam.
And Ha Long Bay is only the beginning.
The weeks ahead will take the national ambassadors through a program combining challenges, cultural experiences, social initiatives, and opportunities to discover Vietnam while sharing their own cultures.
For now, however, the first chapter belongs to Ha Long Bay.
In only a few days, there have been arrivals and reunions, interviews and performances, Vietnamese traditions, children’s smiles, new friendships, and countless cameras capturing the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Miss World journey has begun for the 111 women vying for the coveted title this year. Meet them HERE.
