The opening performance at the 2008 Ha Long Carnival will be held at several points in the area, including the old Bai Chay ferry landing, the Bai Chay bridge and the Gulf of Cua Luc. It will be organised in the form of a carnival on the sea and on land and will include a fireworks display.

According to the Organising Committee, the inauguration will take place a floating stage with model ships and sampans bobbing up and down in the background.

Also during the Ha Long 2008 Tourism Festival, various activities will be held such as domestic and foreign art cultural performances, an international trade fair and a cuisine festival all relating to the theme "Ha Long – one of the wonders of the world".