Online Reporter
JUST a day in Vietnam and beauty queen Brunette Makanyiso has already been blown away by the beauty of the country.
It will be her adopted home for the next three weeks.
The 26-year-old pharmacist will represent Zimbabwe at the Miss World 2026 beauty pageant, whose grand finale will be held on September 5.
The 2026 Miss World winner will be crowned in Nha Trang, a stunning coastal city in Vietman.
“First day in Vietnam and I already wish I could stay here forever,” Brunette said.
Tourism is huge in Vietnam and last year the country received a record 21,2 million foreign visitors.
That was a 20,4 percent increase from the previous year. Nha Trang, where the pageant is being held, is famous for its six-kilometre crescent-shaped golden sand beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.
It blends natural tropical beauty with rich cultural heritage and modern entertainment.
It is strategically located at the gateway of the south central coast and central highlands and it benefits from its favourable geographical position, climate, and natural beauty.
It is one of the prime tourist destinations in Vietman. The city has been honoured as one of the world’s 29 most beautiful bays by Travel and Leisure magazine. With a diverse array of islands offering picturesque landscapes both above and below the water, Nha Trang attracts both local and international visitors seeking its unique blend of unspoiled beauty and relaxation.
Visitors can enjoy long sandy beaches, explore scenic islands like Hon Mun and Hon Tre, or venture to nearby waterfalls such as Yang Bay and Ba Ho.
Cultural landmarks like Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, and Nha Trang Cathedral add historical depth, while the local cuisine – from fresh seafood to iconic noodle dishes – completes the experience.
Zimbabwe has been part of the Miss World story for some time now and in 1994, Angeline Musasiwa finished fourth at the global beauty showcase.
It remains the best performance by a local beauty queen at the Miss World pageant.
In sharp contrast, Mozambique has sent its first participant at the Miss World beauty showcase.
Arcénia, a model who rose to national prominence after winning the Mozambique Beauty Award, on January 31, is representing her country in Vietnam.
In 1971, Ana Paula de Almeida, who was born in Mozambique and had held the Miss Mozambique title, went on to represent Portugal at Miss World.
She finished as second runner-up, a result that remains Portugal’s highest placement in Miss World history. Now, more than half a century later, Mozambique is making history with a representative, competing at Miss World under the country’s flag, for the very first time. – H-Metro Reporter/ Miss World/ routesonline.com
