The world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay in northern Quang Ninh province has been swarming with luxury cruise liners since early this year, demonstrating the bay’s attraction to international tourists.

According to the Thoi bao Kinh te Vietnam (Vietnam Economic Times), Saigontourist, one of the leading travel service companies in Vietnam, expects to welcome an average five cruise tours a week during the period from January to April.

In particular, the Malaysia-based ship operator Star Cruises has increased the frequency on its Sanya (China)-Ha Long route to between three to five trips a week.

Some local travel agencies in Quang Ninh are also serving regular ships coming from Fangcheng (China) every Friday.

At the same time, an increasing number of cruise liners from Europe and America have also included Ha Long Bay in their itinerary, such as Silver Shadow, Seabourn Pride, Nautica, SS Voyager and Crystal Symphony.

However, to keep the cruise lines coming, Quang Ninh, is advised to continue improving infrastructure and expand the range as well as quality of services.

Other popular destinations for foreign cruise ship passengers in Vietnam include Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang in the central region and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. -VNA