Lantern float parade and Mid-Autumn fireworks

   A convoy carrying giant lantern models moves along the bayside coastal road and closes with high-altitude fireworks over Bãi Cháy. The route runs along đường bao biển Kỳ Quan, đường Hạ Long, the VUI-Fest Ha Long area and Sun Elite City, all within Bãi Cháy ward, so standing at any single point along it is enough. It is a seafront programme open to residents and visitors, and the organisers have announced no charge.

   The heart of the night is the lantern convoy, setting off from đường bao biển Kỳ Quan, passing the Bãi Cháy roundabout and returning along the bay road. Buggies and specialised trucks carry the models, forming a procession of light strung out along the coastal street.

   Alongside the familiar folk figures of unicorn, dragon, carp, lotus, phoenix and tortoise, this year's procession adds Thánh Gióng and Thỏ Ngọc, the Jade Rabbit. A lion and dragon dance troupe, dancers and a team of entertainers travel with it, performing traditional dances to festival drums and engaging the crowds on both sides of the road.

   What happens once the convoy arrives:

• — the procession gathers at the Bãi Cháy lighthouse area
• — the traditional Mid-Autumn feast with baked and sticky mooncakes and a five-fruit tray
• — interactive games and local food
• — an artistic high-altitude fireworks display expected to last around 10 minutes

   This is the second consecutive year Sun Group has run the programme for local residents and visitors over the Mid-Autumn holiday. Quảng Ninh has been steadily expanding its night-time cultural and tourism offerings, and folding Mid-Autumn symbols into a street carnival format is expected to widen what Bãi Cháy can offer travellers.

   It suits families with children and anyone already staying in Bãi Cháy. For a good spot with a view of both the procession and the fireworks, come early and pick a stretch near the lighthouse.