Quang Ninh (VNA) - Quang Ninh is blessed with a vast and stunning coastal and island region, captivating millions of visitors each year. As part of its commitment to developing tourism in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh is forging connections between this World Natural Heritage site, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong) to enrich the tourism experience and expand its allure.
On October 18, the Tuan Chau Express, operated by Havaco Investment Joint Stock Company, successfully trialed its route from Ha Long (Quang Ninh) to Cat Ba (Hai Phong). This exciting new service is set to officially launch on November 15. The ferry will run daily, departing from Ha Long International Passenger Port at 7:30 AM and arriving at Dong Ho Bay (the heart of Cat Ba Town) at 8:30 AM. After a brief stop, passengers will be transported from Dong Ho Bay to Dong Bai Port and back. At 3 PM, the ferry will return to Ha Long, allowing travelers to enjoy a scenic journey in just one hour for an affordable ticket price of 250,000 VND per person.
The Tuan Chau Express features a sleek twin-hull design that meets European standards, accommodating up to 300 passengers with a range of entertainment options. With a maximum speed of 28 nautical miles per hour, the vessel is engineered for stability and comfort, minimizing noise and seasickness, and is capable of operating even in challenging weather conditions, including winds up to level 7.
This express service not only offers residents and tourists a delightful travel experience but also alleviates congestion on the busy ferry routes during weekends. It enhances connectivity between the Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island region, further celebrating their status as a World Natural Heritage site.
According to Mr. Phan Van Tung, CEO of Havaco Investment Joint Stock Company, the team meticulously studied the tourism market before launching the Ha Long-Cat Ba high-speed route. This initiative aims to attract international visitors to Ha Long by partnering with travel agencies, showcasing the wealth of existing tourism products in Ha Long Bay, and enriching the visitor experience.
With the introduction of the high-speed ferry, local authorities are actively reviewing and discussing policies to capitalize on advantages and overcome challenges. Both provinces are also making recommendations to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the government to establish a legal framework for cooperative planning and management of this inter-provincial heritage. There is a strong focus on global promotion, ensuring that the beauty and uniqueness of this heritage reach potential tourists worldwide.
In addition to expanding the tourism landscape between Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba, Quang Ninh is diversifying its offerings with unique, high-quality tourism products, particularly luxury resort experiences linked to Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don, Co To, and several islands in the province. This strategic development aims to enhance accessibility for various tourist segments and solidify the destination's brand as the "Four-Season Wonder." In 2024, Quang Ninh plans to introduce 62 new tourism products, including 11 that leverage the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Highlights will include immersive experiences like a day as a fisherman in Vung Vieng fishing village, traditional dragon boat racing on Ha Long Bay, and restaurant cruises that elegantly blend wedding celebrations with scenic views.
Additionally, the newly launched "Heritage Journey" tour connecting Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay promises to offer enchanting experiences for visitors. This unique maritime route allows tourists to marvel at the iconic landmarks of the World Natural Heritage site while exploring pristine areas of Bai Tu Long Bay, including outdoor geological parks, mangrove forests, ancient fishing villages, and vibrant natural coral reefs.
Quang Ninh is truly a treasure waiting to be explored, where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage, inviting all to experience its wonders./.
