Ha Long Carnival 2026 opens in spectacular style

Themed “The Wonder Illuminated – A New Era”, this year’s carnival is organised on a grand scale, blending modern performance art with traditional cultural values.

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Singer Tung Duong ignites the stage with electrifying opening performances of “Ha Long Smile” and the powerful “Sea Chanty.” Under the theme “The Wonder Illuminated – A New Era,” the festival brings to life the legends of Ha Long Bay and the rich cultural identity of Quang Ninh, while showcasing a dynamic, modern, and youthful province in a new era.

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Audiences are constantly surprised by spectacular performances emerging from all sides of the stage. A vibrant, multi-coloured lighting design combined with the powerful sound effects of crashing ocean waves created an immersive and breathtaking atmosphere.

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Singer Minh Tuyet make a dramatic entrance, descending from the stands to the stage via a cable system, before teaming up with singer Trong Hieu for the high-energy Latin-inspired hit “Let’s Get Loud.”

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The performances bring together thousands of participants, including renowned artists, hundreds of professional dancers, and over 1,000 performers and extras, creating a truly grand spectacle.

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HIEUTHUHAI fires up the stage with his dynamic Rap/Hip-hop style, while Quang Hung MasterD delivers a modern EDM-pop performance, elevated by spectacular fireworks perfectly synchronised to the music.

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Vibrant performances by art troupes from Laos and China brings a rich palette of colours and styles, creating a lively multicultural exchange that delights the audience.

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Singer My Tam energises the crowd with vibrant, uplifting songs, inviting audiences to visit Quang Ninh this summer. The programme concludes with a dynamic artist mashup, culminating in a dazzling high-altitude fireworks display lighting up the waters of Ha Long Bay.

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Earlier, Ha Long Carnival’s signature street parade takes place along Tran Quoc Nghien coastal road, where thousands of spectators line nearly one kilometer to watch the vibrant procession unfold.

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More than 1,000 participants, including 14 domestic and international art troupes, lion and dragon dance performers, festival drummers, circus artists, professional dancers, and a lineup of beauty queens, runners-up, and models join together in a spectacular street performance.

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The vibrant heritage of Quang Ninh comes to life through the images of Then ritual artisans from the highlands, coal miners, marine-themed carnival troupes, and parade floats representing localities across the province.

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The programme also features fiery Samba dances, circus acts, street hip-hop, dancesport performances, Japanese Yosakoi routines, and captivating showcases by artists from China.

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The performances celebrate the values of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and the spirit of “Discipline and Solidarity” of Quang Ninh’s people, while affirming the province’s position as an internationally integrated hub for tourism and services. In the photo: Guangxi Art Troupe (China) performs in a street parade.

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Locals and domestic and international visitors join in the vibrant street dances, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. Ha Long Carnival serves as the centerpiece of Quang Ninh’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week. Quang Ninh expects to welcome around 1.3 million visitors during the April 30–May 1 holiday, kicked off by this spectacular opening night.