The Ha Long Festival opened on Sunday night in the northern province of Quang Ninh's Ha Long City. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Ha

HA NOI — Tens of thousands of international and domestic tourists wallowed in a Ha Long Sparkling with Colours festival in the northern province of Quang Ninh on Sunday.

Tourists joined nearly 3,000 professional and amateur performers at the Bai Chay tourist site during a public street party.

The festival opened with a special music performance with the participation of famous singers from many countries.

More than 100 decorated boats created a splendid scene in the harbour; there was a Samba dance staged by over 500 dancers; a laser, sound and water performance lasting up to 90 minutes; and a closing fireworks display.

Cultural events during the festival include a poetry-music show, a competition for MCs, culinary festival, tennis tournament, bonsai exhibition and a cock fight festival.

Director of the provincipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ha Quang Long said the carnival was even more important than usual with the vote for UNESCO's World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay as one of the world's New Seven Wonders looming in November.

The bay is second in the poll behind South Korea's Jeju Island. In total, there are 28 finalists on the New Wonders list.

The provincial authorities invested more than VND138 billion (US$6.57 million) in preparations for the festival.

Tourism week is expected to attract around 500,000 tourists to the bay by tomorow, accounting for 8-10 per cent of the average annual visitors to the province.

In northern mountainous Lao Cai Province, nearly 11,000 tourists flocked to Sa Pa Town. Art and cultural performances from Dao Do ethnic minority such as fire jumping festival and the wedding, and special food such as horse soup, and colourful sticky rice attracted many foreign tourists.

Tourist Ha Huy Long, from HCM City, said the four seasons in the town and diversified culture of ethnic minorities would satisfy any visitors. It would attract more and more tourists if well-exploited.

Other features, including brocade embroidery, field ploughing and herbal baths, received applause from tourists.

Thousands of tourists also flocked to other tourism sites, such as Da Nang City, Bac Lieu Province, Binh Duong Province and Ly Son Island District.

Da Nang City had a Fireworks Festival and Bac Lieu Province celebrated an upgraded Bac Lieu Bird Garden.

Ecological Tourism Sites from Xiem Cang to Ganh Hao towns received double the number of tourists during the long weekend. — VNS