The ceremony took place on August 12 in Quang Ninh, marking the first time Vietnam has hosted the Miss World pageant. Quang Ninh was selected to host the opening activities from August 8 to 12, with contestants representing countries and territories around the world.
The opening night combined music, performance, sound and lighting shows with presentations showcasing Vietnam's culture, people and landscapes.
The most anticipated segment was an ao dai presentation featuring 111 contestants from around the world.
The traditional Vietnamese dresses were paired with hand-painted conical hats depicting images of Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu and cultural symbols of Quang Ninh. The presentation brought together international beauty and Vietnamese traditions while conveying a message of cultural exchange and peace.
Bao Ngoc, Vietnam’s representative, performs at the opening ceremony of Miss World 2026 in Quang Ninh Province on August 12 (Photo: Organising committee).
The contestants also appeared in evening gowns, while the programme featured a series of musical performances inspired by Vietnamese culture.
Reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri also attended the event. The Thai beauty queen had previously spoken about her impressions of Quang Ninh after visiting Ha Long Bay for the first time and experiencing local culture.
Vietnamese representative Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc also drew attention during the opening ceremony. Born in 2001 and from Can Tho, she stands 1.86 metres tall. She was the first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2022 and won the Miss Intercontinental 2022 title.
Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc is the host nation’s representative at Miss World 2026 (Photo: World Beauties).
Before the opening ceremony, contestants took part in activities across Quang Ninh from August 8 to 12, including visits to Ha Long Bay and other attractions, as well as community programmes.
On August 9, Opal Suchata and more than 20 contestants visited the Quang Ninh Provincial Social Assistance Centre, where they presented gifts to children facing difficult circumstances.
Vietnam's hosting of Miss World is expected to provide an opportunity to promote the country's culture and tourism to an international audience.
After the Quang Ninh leg, the Miss World 2026 programme will continue in other parts of Vietnam before the grand finale, scheduled for September 5 in Khanh Hoa Province. Organisers have confirmed Nha Trang as the venue for the final week and the grand finale.