Tran Dinh Khoa, secretary of Vung Tau provincial People’s Committee, said the event will serve to honour and preserve coastal cultural heritage values, stimulate domestic and international tourism demand, and promote local economic development.

An art performance programme, which will take place on the evening on May 25, will make up the highlight of the festival.

Visitors will also have the chance to sample fresh seafood and beverages at a trade fair consisting of 300 booths.

The event will introduce traditional dishes made from rice originating from the southern region such as bánh khọt (moulded rice cake), and bánh canh (rice noodle soup cooked in southern style).

An array of activities will be organised on May 23 - 24 during the festival, including Minishow The Luminous Harmony Show, a yoga performance and talks which seek to highlight the importance of Vietnam’s seas and islands, as well as to introduce marine economic strengths.

In particular, an Ao Dai (traditional long dress) parade on May 24 on Quang Trung coastal road in Vung Tau city will help to honour the beauty of the Vietnamese costume. As many as 500 people wearing Ao Dai will be arranged in an S shape to create a beautiful image of the country and to assert Vietnamese sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.

VOV