Bao Ngoc (second from right) secured a top 6 placement at the Miss World 2026 final on the evening of 5/9, held at 2/4 Square in Khanh Hoa. The top title was awarded to Joheirry Mola Dominguez, a 24-year-old beauty from the Dominican Republic. While Bao Ngoc did not win the crown, her achievement represents Vietnam's best performance in 24 participations at Miss World.

Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, 25, from Can Tho, stands 1,86 m tall. She was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2022. In recent years, Bao Ngoc established Gen Zero, an organization empowering young people to engage in climate and sustainable development issues. She is also preparing for a master's degree in public policy and environmental studies in the US.

Bao Ngoc during the Q&A round, where she demonstrated fluent English. She received strong support from the home crowd during the competition night.

During nearly one month of the competition, Bao Ngoc expressed pride in not only showcasing herself but also having the opportunity to introduce Vietnam to international friends. Bao Ngoc (left) expressed comfort upon arriving in Quang Ninh on 8/8, joining the organizing committee to welcome contestants and commence the first activities of the competition.

In Ha Long City, Bao Ngoc participated in various activities promoting local tourism and culture. On the evening of 12/8, she showcased ao dai and evening gowns at the opening ceremony.

She achieved her first group victory in the head chef beauty challenge on 17/8. Each morning, she would wake up early to prepare outfits for activities, do her makeup, and be on time for transportation.

Bao Ngoc participated in the sports challenge in Hai Phong on 19/8. Although she did not place in the top, she stated that the activity helped her relax and connect with other contestants.

Upon reaching Nha Trang, Bao Ngoc dedicated her full effort and focus to several important competition rounds. She entered the head-to-head challenge on 24/8, presenting her sustainable community development project, Gen Zero, which focuses on environmental issues. As a result, she was eliminated by Asia Rose Simpson of the Philippines, who won that segment for the Asia-Oceania region.

Bao Ngoc during the talent round for 23 contestants who had passed the previous selection. On stage, she played a lithophone while singing and rapping. "Having the opportunity to perform in this segment was a big surprise for me because I know my own abilities. The happiest thing is that I was able to introduce a traditional musical instrument to friends around the world," she said. Prior to this, she had spent many months practicing with a professional teacher.

Bao Ngoc in the second round of the fashion challenge on 27/8. Here, she leveraged her runway experience and earned the title of "Asia's Top Model", securing a spot in the top 40 before the final.

On 30/8, she entered the closed-door interview round with the judges. Bao Ngoc stated that she shared insights into her personality, character, and development plans for her work and community project. "Stepping out of the interview room, I felt satisfied and at ease," she said.

On the evening of 31/8, Bao Ngoc was one of six outstanding representatives from the Asia-Oceania region in the beauty with a purpose round.

In the final stage, Bao Ngoc maintained high energy, a factor that earned her the trust and high regard of international beauty publications. Before the decisive night, numerous prominent beauty websites such as Missosology, Sash Factor, and Pageanthology predicted Bao Ngoc would win.

Several contestants from Thailand, Cambodia, and Turkey described Bao Ngoc as friendly and amiable during side activities and backstage. "As the host, she and the organizing committee welcomed us warmly," said Mongkoutphet Harnsan of Laos. For Bao Ngoc, one of her greatest joys at the competition was making many new friends.

After 72 seasons, Miss World was held for the first time in Vietnam, organized by Sen Vang company in collaboration with the Miss World Organization. The event spanned three provinces: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Khanh Hoa, from 8/8 to 5/9.

First organized in 1951, Miss World is one of the two largest and oldest beauty pageants globally, alongside Miss Universe. The competition celebrates a spirit of global solidarity by seeking out women with beauty, education, and impactful community projects.

Tan Cao

Photos, video: Miss World