The Miss Tourism Vietnam 2026 pageant, themed “Vietnam Shining Bright,” is set to launch, promising a spectacular showcase of Vietnamese culture and beauty on a global stage. The grand finale is scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Quang Ninh province. A press conference held on June 8th unveiled the prestigious judging panel and outlined the competition’s ambitious goals.
A Star-Studded Launch and a Vision for Cultural Ambassadors
The launch event attracted a galaxy of celebrities, including runner-up Huyen My, beauty queen Dao Ha, and renowned singer Dam Vinh Hung. Adding to the star power was the presence of the top three finalists from the 2024 Miss Tourism Vietnam pageant: winner Pham Thi Ngoc Quynh, first runner-up Huynh Kim Anh, and second runner-up Le Thi Anh Tuyet. The event underscored the pageant’s high profile and its commitment to promoting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
Images from the event showcased the vibrant atmosphere and the impressive lineup of attendees. Dam Vinh Hung and several other Vietnamese stars graced the event, highlighting its significant cultural impact.
More Than Just Beauty: Seeking Cultural Ambassadors
People’s Artist Quang Vinh, former Director of the Department of Performing Arts, Chairman of the Hanoi Music Association, and Chairman of the pageant’s judging panel, emphasized the unique nature of Miss Tourism Vietnam. He distinguished it from other beauty pageants, stating, “We aim to find individuals with the potential to become tourism ambassadors—those who possess both beauty and the ability to effectively communicate about tourism, thereby boosting our nation’s key economic sector.”
This year’s judging panel boasts a diverse array of prominent figures. In addition to People’s Artist Quang Vinh, the panel includes lawyer Nguyen Chien, the Chairman of the Advisory Board; MC Thao Van; Miss Jennifer Pham; runner-up Tu Anh; and Meritorious Artist Viet Anh. The panel’s breadth of expertise ensures a holistic evaluation of the contestants.
Judges’ Perspectives: Beauty, Intelligence, and Cultural Understanding
Miss Jennifer Pham, a familiar face to the pageant as a previous emcee, expressed her honor at joining the judging panel this year. She stated her desire to find contestants who are not only beautiful but also proficient in foreign languages, possess a deep understanding of their homeland, and cherish Vietnamese culture. She emphasized the importance of using this platform to project a positive image of Vietnam to the international community.
Runner-up Tu Anh, returning for her second year with the pageant, shared her observations on the evolving nature of contestants. She noted the increased confidence and capabilities of today’s students compared to her own experience as a contestant many years ago. “I’ve been a runner-up for 12 years now, so I fondly remember the feeling of seeing beautiful, radiant women on stage,” she remarked. “I hope the contestants give it their all; whether they win or not, it’s a memorable experience. As public figures, they can spread positive things to society.”
The Pageant’s Unique Mission: Beyond the Crown
Dam Phuong Anh, Head Organizer of Miss Tourism Vietnam, reiterated the pageant’s distinct character. “We don’t just seek a beauty queen,” he explained. “We’re looking for an inspirational figure, a cultural tourism ambassador capable of narrating Vietnam’s story with heart, aspiration, and action in the modern era.” This statement underscores the pageant’s commitment to finding a representative who can actively promote Vietnam on the world stage.
Eligibility and Competition Structure: A Path to the Crown
The pageant is open to Vietnamese nationals or Vietnamese-origin individuals residing and working abroad. Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old, at least 1.65 meters tall, and not have undergone gender reassignment surgery, be married, or have children. Contestants who have won titles in beauty pageants at the school, unit, or provincial levels between 2021 and 2024 are eligible for direct entry into the semi-finals.
The Southern region preliminary round is scheduled for November 2025, followed by the Northern region preliminary round in December 2025. The semi-finals are slated for December 27, 2025. The grand final, featuring competitions in áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress), swimwear, evening gown, and a question-and-answer segment, will determine the top three finalists: Miss Tourism Vietnam and the first and second runners-up.
Beyond the main titles, several subsidiary awards will be presented, including awards for best physique, most charming face, talent, compassion, fashion, most popular contestant, best evening gown, and best áo dài. This comprehensive awards system recognizes diverse talents and attributes among the contestants.
A Legacy of Promoting Vietnamese Tourism
Miss Tourism Vietnam, first held in 2008 with Phan Thi Ngoc Diem crowned as the inaugural winner, was revived in 2022 and has since become a biennial event. The 2024 pageant saw Pham Thi Ngoc Quynh from Hai Duong claim the top prize, while Huynh Kim Anh and Le Thi Anh Tuyet secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. The pageant has consistently showcased Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Sa Pa, and Cam Pha. This geographical breadth has effectively promoted tourism across the country, highlighting Vietnam’s beauty from plains to mountains and cities to coastal regions. The pageant’s impact extends beyond the winners, showcasing the beauty of Vietnam to both domestic and international audiences.
The upcoming 2026 pageant builds upon this legacy, promising a renewed focus on promoting Vietnam’s rich culture and captivating landscapes to a global audience. The selection process emphasizes not only physical beauty but also intelligence, cultural awareness, and the ability to act as a true ambassador for Vietnam’s tourism industry. The organizers aim to find a contestant who can authentically represent the nation’s vibrant spirit and allure.
The Miss Tourism Vietnam 2026 pageant is poised to be a significant event, showcasing the best of Vietnam on a national and international stage.
