Battling it out at the weekend in the final of Miss Vietnam World – billed as the best yet by organisers – will be 42 belles, who are currently camped at Vinpearl Land in the central coastal city of Nha Trang. 

"The final night on August 14 will be the biggest and most special yet in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia," said Nguyen Trong Hien, head of the organising committee.

The stage and backdrop for the final, which reflects Vietnam's culture, has been designed by committee members Do Thanh Hai and Pham Hoang Nam, Hien said.

They will also design the stage for Miss Earth 2010 in Nha Trang in December, Hien added.
Throughout the week, music will be performed by Il Divo and a number of other well-known Vietnamese groups, he said.

In the first round of the final, contestants will be able to choose what dress to wear. The second and third rounds will be swimming costume and ao dai (traditional long dress).
Judges will select the top 15 for the grand final

Miss Vietnam World will receive a cash prize of VND500 million (US$26,300), while the first runner-up will be awarded VND300 million (US$15,800) and second runner-up VND200 million (US$10,526).

The organising committee will also award prizes for Miss Sport, Miss Talent, Miss Friendly, Miss Traditional Robe, Miss Fashion, Miss Beach, Miss Favourite (nominated online), Miss Photographic and Miss Elegant. Each of the winners will be presented with VND30 million (US$1,580) prize money.

Le Khac Hiep, deputy head of the organising committee, said contestants would not be asked to take part in charitable activities during the event as on previous occasions.
"The contestants will not be taking part in charitable activities, but money raised from ticket sales for the final and from the auctioning of the Miss Vietnam World crown will go to charity.

"After the contest, winners will have all the time they need to help the needy."

On the judging panel will be journalists Le Canh Nhac and Hong Thanh Quang; artists Pham Anh Phuong and Nguyen Nhu Quynh; anthropometrist Le Diep Linh; Miss Vietnam 1992, Nguyen Dieu Hoa; and Miss Earth 2009, Larissa Ramos.

The MCs will be Miss Asian in America, Jennifer Pham, and journalist Anh Tuan.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite contestants by visiting www.missvietnamworld.com.vn./.