The Ha Long cherry blossom festival 2016 will open in 30/10 Square, Ha Long city in the northern province of Quang Ninh on March 18, indulging visitors in a sea of pale pink and white blooms brought by Japan.

A variety of cultural and arts exchanges between Vietnam and Japan are among the focal points, with 40 stalls offering tourist products, food, apparel and household appliances, among others.

A conference promoting investment in tourism and trade, particularly the UNESCO-recognised World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay, has been scheduled, as well as promoting traditional folk games.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors in and outside the country are expected to join the three-day event, which is expected to boost trade and tourism between Vietnamese and Japanese firms, and between Quang Ninh and Japanese localities in particular.

VNA