Vietnam's 'Ngoc Ong' Festival: A New Era for Coastal Culture and Tourism

Vietnam's traditional 'Nghinh Ông' (Whale God Welcoming) festival, a deeply rooted coastal folk custom, is gaining prominence as a cultural heritage and a driver for regional economic and tourism development. Notably, the festivals in Cần Giờ and Vũng Tàu, recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, exemplify a collaborative effort between local communities and authorities to preserve the festival's 'original essence' while transforming it into a modern tourism asset.