The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) launched a campaign to vote for Ha Long Bay and other Vietnamese sites in a bid to have them recognised as one of the new natural wonders of the world in central Da Nang city on Nov. 28, 2008.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, MCST Minister Hoang Tuan Anh said that, as well as being part of the priceless heritage of the world at large, world heritage sites in Vietnam are national treasures and the pride of the country and its people.
Ha Long Bay , in addition to three other sites, namely Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park , Mt. Fansipan and the Mekong River, are included in a list of candidates for seven new world wonders, offering an opportunity for Vietnam to promote its image, culture, beauty and position around the world, he said.
The minister called upon localities, agencies, and political and social organizations, as well as individuals to continue registering their votes for Vietnam’s natural wonders.
Following the ceremony, thousands of local youths formed a parade along the streets of Da Nang to encourage locals to participate in the voting.
Ha Long Bay currently ranks second out of 77 candidates in the online poll for the seven new natural wonders of the world, launched by NewOpenWord.