Travel

Sea tour launched to connect Ha Long, Lan Ha bays

The new passenger transport scheme, jointly implemented by the two localities, is designed to facilitate seamless travel across the heritage zone and materialise their cooperation commitments following UNESCO’s recognition of the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago complex.

Tourist boats anchored at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Quang Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)
Tourist boats anchored at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Quang Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh (VNA) - A sea tourism route connecting Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province and Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong city was officially launched on April 1, marking a major step toward unlocking the shared value of the UNESCO-recognised heritage area spanning the two destinations.

The new passenger transport scheme, jointly implemented by the two localities, is designed to facilitate seamless travel across the heritage zone and materialise their cooperation commitments following UNESCO’s recognition of the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago complex.

Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh People’s Committee, said unlocking this route will not only open up significant development potential for both localities but also help enhance the value of heritage exploitation.

According to the Management Board of the Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu World Heritage Site, once the new mechanism takes effect, Ha Long Bay is expected to welcome an additional 5,000–6,000 visitors per day, along with more than 50 overnight cruise vessels arriving from Lan Ha Bay.

To ensure smooth and safe operations, relevant agencies in Quang Ninh have been instructed to urgently standardise vessel requirements. Tourist boats must strictly comply with technical safety and environmental regulations under Circular No. 66/2025/TT-BXD issued by the Ministry of Construction, particularly those applied to accommodation vessels and floating restaurants.

Alongside facilitating licensing procedures and improving connectivity between the two bays, competent forces, including border guards, waterway police, and port authorities, will strengthen oversight and strictly handle violations to maintain security, safety, and a fair tourism business environment.

The implementation of coordination regulations signed on March 26, 2026, represents a significant breakthrough in removing administrative barriers in tourism development, paving the way for building an attractive inter-regional tourism product for domestic and international visitors.

Tickets for the route will officially go on sale on April 4 at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and Ha Long International Cruise Port./.

VNA
#sea tourism route #Ha Long Bay #Lan Ha Bay #Quang Ninh #Hai Phong #UNESCO-recognised heritage area Hai Phong Quang Ninh
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