(VOVworld) – Miss Ethnic Vietnam 2013 opened its semifinal round in Hanoi on Monday in the categories of swimsuit, ethnic costume, and evening gown. The northern semifinal drew 60 contestants from 16 ethnic groups, 7 of them the unique representative of their minority which, like the Xinh Mun, Giay, Co Tu, and Co Lao, was attending the competition for the first time.

A contestant from Xinh Mun minority (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

50 finalists selected from the northern and southern semifinals will compete for the crown next month in Hoi An town in Quang Nam province.