2009 Ha Long carnival opens with great fanfare

Thousands of people gathered to take part in performances to show the hospitality of Quang Ninh province, its tourism potential and culture of the sea.

Other activities included a firework display, concerts and fashion shows.

The event has become an annual rendez-vous for domestic and foreign tourists, and is part of the programme to vote for Ha Long Bay as a world cultural heritage site.

The 2009 Ha Long carnival has attracted many international delegations, including those from Laos, China, Indonesia and India.