HA NOI (VNS)— Thirty-one of the most beautiful women coming from diverse ethnic groups from the north of Viet Nam have been selected to compete in the final round of the third national Miss Ethnic Viet Nam Pageant in Hoi An from June 5-21.

Before that, the final round for the southern region will be held in the coastal city of Vung Tau between May 29 and 31.

The annual beauty pageant aims to honour the beauty of Vietnamese ethnic women.

"We expect to attract more tourists to explore the culture of ethnic groups and promote national solidarity and social care for Vietnamese ethnic women," said Doan Thi Kim Hong, deputy chairwoman of the competition's organising committee.

The victorious contestant will be awarded VND100 million (US$5,000). Other titles will be best costume, Miss Sport, Miss Ao Dai, Miss Beach and Miss Tourism.

More than 1,000 girls from 35 ethnic groups in Viet Nam have registered to take part in the contest.-VNS