In the morning they met with representatives of Hanoi’s People Committee, visited the Temple of Literature and walked around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Paula Mary Sugart, president of the Miss Universe Organisation, expressed her joy at the hospitality shown to them by the Vietnamese people and said that she and the contestants would always treasure the memories of their visit.

That evening, they met with their respective ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions during the Ambassadors Gala Dinner to promote a cultural exchange between Vietnam and the rest of the world.

Miss Vietnam Nguyen Thuy Lam

“With its tradition of hospitality, benevolence, faithfulness and respect for beauty as well as its pursuit for truth, Vietnam has the great honour of hosting this year’s event,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan at the gala dinner.

 “I hope when you return to your home countries, you will become goodwill ambassadors for Vietnam and spread the message that ours is a hospitable and peace-loving nation that wants to befriend every country in the world,” he added.

“The ambassadors gala shows that the Vietnamese government considers this a significant cultural event, and it would like to express Vietnam’s gratitude to all the countries and regions that sent their beauty queens and also for co-operating with the country in many sectors,” said Pham Sanh Chau, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Culture.

Before coming to Hanoi, the contestants visited the historic city of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province on June 25.

They also spent time visiting Nam Hai Resort and the Palm Garden Resort, and joined in a number of activities including beach volleyball, surfing, and playing Vietnamese folk games on Hoi An beach. The contestants also joined in with local fishermen in their daily activities.

The contestants also travelled on cyclos in a parade through Hoi An’s main streets, and joined a performance of traditional costumes, where each participant’s national dress was represented.

The 57^th Miss Universe beauty contest will be held at the Crown Convention Center (Diamond Bay Resort) in Nha Trang on July 14 where the outgoing title holder Riyo Mori will crown her successor.