Vietnam has officially unveiled the itinerary for Miss World 2026, which will bring together more than 130 contestants from countries and territories around the world for a month-long program spanning Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Nha Trang.

The schedule was announced during a press conference and farewell ceremony for Vietnam's representative, Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, on August 3.

Three-city journey across Vietnam

Contestants will begin arriving in Quang Ninh on August 8, followed by a welcome reception on August 9 and the official opening ceremony on August 11.

The competition then moves to Hai Phong, where activities include:

Contestant presentation and welcome reception (August 13)
Talent competition (August 16)
Chef Beauty cooking challenge (August 17)
Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest featuring the Top Model competition (August 18)
Sports Challenge (August 19)

The final stage will take place in Nha Trang, with a packed schedule including:

Gala dinner (August 21)
Head-to-Head Challenge, Round 1 (August 22)
Talent Show (August 23)
Closed-door interviews (August 30)
Vietnam Flag Ceremony, tribute to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers and charity gala (August 31)
Charity run (September 1)
Dances of the World (September 2)
Grand Final (September 5)

Appearing at the farewell ceremony, Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc became emotional as she reflected on months of preparation.

She thanked her team and friends for standing beside her throughout the demanding journey.

"There wasn't a single day when we stopped working or thought about giving up," she said, adding that despite moments of exhaustion, the team always supported one another.

Bao Ngoc also paid tribute to her parents, saying they are the people who shine brightest in her eyes.

"Thank you to my family for always standing by me, supporting me and raising me so that today I can proudly represent Vietnam on the Miss World stage," she said.

Bao Ngoc's mother, Nguyen Thi Thu Hai, also spoke during the event.

She said that both she and Bao Ngoc's father are doctors, leaving them limited time with their daughter while she was growing up. However, Bao Ngoc developed independence and a passion for learning from an early age.

According to her mother, the family chose to invest in language education rather than material possessions, believing those opportunities played an important role in shaping Bao Ngoc's future.

She encouraged her daughter to stay healthy, enjoy every moment of the competition and maintain her determination until the very end.

A welcome message to the world

As the representative of the host country, Bao Ngoc also addressed the international contestants in English.

She invited them to relax after their long journeys and assured them they would be welcomed not merely as visitors, but as members of one family.

Bao Ngoc also encouraged the contestants to explore Vietnam's landscapes and capture memorable moments throughout their stay.

The 25-year-old from Can Tho was crowned first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2022 before winning the Miss Intercontinental 2022 title.

In addition to her pageant achievements, she graduated with honors in Business Administration from the International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, and holds an IELTS score of 8.0.

Her father, Le Van Cong, is a colonel and specialist physician at Military Hospital 121, while her mother also works in the medical profession.

Huy Minh