The programme featured legendary stories about Doc Cuoc Temple and Trong Mai site as well as late President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Thanh Hoa and fishing with local people.

According to Vu Dinh Que, chairman of the Sam Son Town People’s Committee and deputy head of the festival’s organising board, three big screens have been installed around the main stage for local people and visitors to watch, and local police forces have been deployed to ensure security for the opening ceremony.

Mr Que said Thanh Hoa has poured VND70 billion into upgrading infrastructure facilities such as roads, the electricity supply, drainage and telecommunications systems, and relics and tourist attractions such as Doc Cuoc, Ba Trieu and Co Tien Temples and Tu Thuc Cave.

Notably, in response to the Sam Son Town People’s Committee’s appeal, more than 400 makeshift kiosks illegally erected on pavements and public areas have been pulled down voluntarily by their owners. Doan Van Phu, director of the provincial Tourism Department, said the festival has helped change local people’s minds on a green, clean and beautiful tourism environment. 

More than 100,000 domestic and foreign visitors have flocked to Sam Son over the past few days to enjoy the ebullient festive atmosphere and local special dishes. All hotels and guesthouses have fully been occupied.  

Nguyen Thi Phuong, a guesthouse owner on Ho Xuan Huong road, said she had invested VND2 billion in refurbishing the guesthouse in the hope of better catering to visitors’ tastes.

“This is a special occasion and we hope to enjoy a bonanza this year,” said Phuong. 

With a diverse range of activities, the four-day festival is expected to create a breakthrough in the development of the provincial tourism sector which has set a target of receiving 1.1 million visitors in 2007, up 19 percent against last year.