Back to the bay

      Up to half a million tourists are descending on the city of Ha Long to enjoy the festivities this week.
Fireworks, stage acts galore, a huge street parade and a long procession of tourist boats last Saturday night heralded the start of this year’s Ha Long Tourism Festival by the famous bay of the same name on Vietnam’s far north coast.
The grand opening show with a cast of thousands was held at the old Bai Chay Ferry Station, which will remain the center of entertainment until the festival concludes on Saturday night.
Half a million people are expected to drop in this week to enjoy the entertainment in Ha Long City as well as the popular tourist spots of Mong Cai, Van Don and Uong Bi.
There are two themes this time around: “Ha Long Wonder Destination” and “Ha Long World Natural Wonder” (a reference to Ha Long Bay’s listing as a World Heritage Site).
As usual, the offerings include stage shows in abundance, food fairs, exhibitions, folk games, dance contests, photographic and art competitions, displays by the ethnic minorities of Quang Ninh Province, and a trademark-promotion fair.
Performance troupes, including those from France, China, Japan, South Korea, Laos and Thailand, are coming from near and far to entertain the crowds.
A definite highlight will be the concert by a symphony orchestra in Dau Go Cave in Ha Long Bay.
Sports fans can watch international beach volleyball matches and boat races, the Quang Ninh Tennis Open, and the provincial badminton club championship.
The festival will close on Saturday evening with “Heritage Meeting Night” at Bai Chay Ferry Station that will feature guest performers from countries and territories which have World Natural Heritage Sites, and a special presentation about Ha Long Bay.
According to the authorities of Quang Ninh Province, the festival will do much to make Ha Long Bay a standout among the world’s top 21 natural wonders to be announced in July.