Innovations in Tourism Development on Ha Long Bay
With a unique natural heritage like Ha Long Bay, tourism development must also be distinctive to attract visitors from all over the world. In recent years, the tourism industry of Quang Ninh Province, as well as Ha Long Bay Management Department and other stakeholders, have made significant efforts to introduce many innovations to make the beauty of the Ha Long even more dazzling.
Expanding Products and Reducing Pressure on the Core Area of Ha Long Bay
At the end of July, the first guests of the 6-star cruise Grand Pioneer 2 were thrilled to be the first to embark on a journey exploring Ha Long Bay, a completely new route introduced by Quang Ninh Province. This heritage exploration journey takes tourists to the most unique destinations on Ha Long Bay, such as Vung Viêng fishing village and the Xep Stone Park, which dates back approximately 350 million years."
Ms. Tran Bich Van (Hanoi) could not hide her surprise when she witnessed the stone park with layers of stones stacked neatly on top of each other, each layer marking the passage of millions of years. 'I have never seen such grandeur. Ha Long Bay truly has so many fascinating things hidden, waiting for us to explore.'
Tourist Pam Angela from the United States was very excited about the experience of kayaking on the Bay. She shared that she was on the La Caste Cruise tour, exploring the beaches on the islands in the Bay and kayaking. 'I will come back to Ha Long Bay to explore more new destinations,' said Pam Angela.
On July 19, 2024, Quang Ninh Province issued a decision to announce new sightseeing and tourism routes on Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. According to Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Director of the Ha Long Bay Management Department, these routes not only rearrange existing tours but also introduce new routes. They aim to explore new attractions of the Bay while helping to ease the crowd density in the core area and traditional tourist spots.
Accordingly, there are 8 routes in Ha Long Bay, 10 routes in Bai Tu Long Bay, and 3 routes connecting both Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay."
The decision by Quang Ninh Province also specifies that the announced sightseeing and tourism routes on Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay serve as a basis for planning tourism destinations, products, and implementing relevant state management tasks in accordance with legal regulations. The tourist attractions and service points on these routes are only allowed to operate when they meet the conditions set by the competent authorities in compliance with the Tourism Law and current regulations.
According to Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Director of Ha Long Bay Management Department, out of the 21 routes announced by Quang Ninh Province, only 5 are existing and have been previously exploited, while the remaining 16 are completely new: 'Among the newly announced routes, 10 are on Bai Tu Long Bay and 3 connect Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Of the 8 routes on Ha Long Bay, 5 have been in operation for a long time,' said Mr. Vu Kien Cuong.
He also stated that according to the evaluations of scientists, economists, researchers, and even the Ha Long Bay Management Department, only about 20% of the Bay's potential values have been exploited so far.
In August, Ha Long Bay Management Department conducted surveys at caves and small sandy beaches along the foothills in the offshore areas of Ha Long Bay, which have not been exploited for tourism before, with the aim of developing additional tourism products here.
Mr. Vu Kien Cuong further explained that Ha Long Bay is home to hundreds of caves and sandy beaches, thousands of islands, and many beautiful and unique points and islands that have not yet been explored for tourism. Of these, about 20 beaches and 20 caves could be developed into tourism products. However, the Department will need to carefully assess all potential impacts before opening these destinations to ensure the preservation of their pristine beauty and minimize human impact on the natural landscape of Ha Long Bay.
Priority will be given to developing the beach system first, followed by caves, taking into account areas that are best suited for offering experiential services for visitors, such as organizing music and dance performances, entertainment, and other activities.
Some caves and beaches that have been surveyed and highly rated include: Hoa Cương, Chân Voi, Lờm Bò, Cọc Chèo, Bái Đông, several caves on Bo Hon Island, Giếng Tối Island, Cặp Lờm Cave (Cặp Lờm Island), Trà Giời, Cát Oăn, Trà Sản - Cống Đỏ, Lờm Bò, Soi Sim, etc. These are mostly destinations in the offshore areas, still little known but considered to have hidden beauty and abundant potential for sustainable tourism development on Ha Long Bay.
Unlike Trà Giời, the Cát Oăn area is not a single beach but consists of several adjacent sandy beaches. The largest beach is a sandbar that rises in the middle of the sea, with both ends protected by two mountain ranges. From this beach, visitors can walk along the foot of the rocky mountains to reach the neighboring beaches on the adjacent mountains.
Lờm Bò Island, located in the area where the water borders with Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba in Hai Phong, remains quite pristine with rows of coconut trees casting long shadows across the island.
Ha Long Bay is home to hundreds of small beaches along the foothills, similar to Trà Giời or Cát Oăn. In many areas, the beaches are often grouped together, such as in the Cát Oăn or Trà Sản - Cống Đỏ areas.
Tourism Routes on Ha Long Bay
8 Tourism Routes on Ha Long Bay
Route 1:
Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Dog Stone Island - Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Island - Trong Mai Island.
Route 2:
Port - Soi Sim Beach - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Tung Sau Lagoon - Maze Cave - Bo Nau Cave - Luon Cave - Trong Cave - Trinh Nu Cave - Dong Tien Lake.
Route 3:
Port - Cua Van Floating Cultural Center - Tien Ong Cave - Ba Ham Lake - Ba Men Temple - Ang Du - Bamboo Forest.
Route 4:
Port - Grass Cave (Thien Canh Son) - Thay Cave - Cap La Cave - Vung Viêng - Tung Ang Ecological Zone - Cống Đỏ Island - Hon Xep Park.
Route 5:
Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Dog Stone Island - Ba Hang - Dinh Huong Island - Trong Mai Island - Gia Luận Wharf (Cat Ba - Hai Phong).
Route 6:
Port - Chân Voi Island - Ba Cua Lagoon - Tùng Lâm Island - Cặp Bài Island (end point of the journey bordering Gia Luận, Lan Hạ Bay, Hai Phong).
Route 7:
Explore Ha Long Bay following Routes 1-2-3-4 (only applicable to exploration cruises).
Route 8:
Tuan Chau International Marina - Ha Long International Cruise Port - Nam Cau Trang Port.
10 Tourism Routes on Bai Tu Long Bay
Route 1:
Ao Tiên Port - Tây Hoi Island - Lucky Cat Island (Lazy Cat Island) - Bản Sen Island - Nhà Trò Cave.
Route 2:
Ao Tiên Port - Phat Co Cave - Pearl Farming Area (Đá Đen Island) - Lão Vọng Canal - Đũa Island (Dù Island) - Minh Châu Island.
Route 3:
Ao Tiên Port - Hon Xep Park.
Route 4:
Ao Tiên Port - Lão Vọng Fishing Village - Trà Ngọ Lớn Island - Thiên Nga Island.
Route 5:
Ao Tiên Port - Cái Đé Area - Máng Hà Overnight Anchorage.
Route 6:
Ao Tiên Port - Trà Thần Lagoon (Trà Ngọ Lớn Island) - Cái Lim Beach - Máng Hà Overnight Anchorage - Cái Đé Area.
Route 7:
Port, Wharf (Cẩm Phả) - Lương Ngọc Beach - Vũng Đục - Ông Cụ Island - Rều Island - Cửa Ông.
Route 8:
Port, Wharf (Cẩm Phả) - Lương Ngọc Beach - Vũng Đục - Ông Cụ Island - Rều Island - Cửa Ông - Tây Hoi Island - Bản Sen.
Route 9:
Port, Wharf (Cẩm Phả) - Cửa Ông - Rều Island - Ông Cụ Island - Vũng Đục - Lương Ngọc Beach - Ngọc Vừng Island - Thắng Lợi Island - Quan Lạn Island - Minh Châu Island.
Route 10:
Port, Wharf (Cẩm Phả) - Vũng Đục - Hon Xep Park.
Innovations in Heritage Tourism Development
Over the years, many tourism products unique to Ha Long have become iconic brands representing tourism in Quang Ninh, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors, especially among the younger generation.
Notable examples include musical tourism on land and aboard tourist boats, overnight stays on 5- and 6-star luxury cruise ships, culinary tourism on the Bay, exploring new destinations on Ha Long Bay, cave sightseeing, beach visits, kayaking, overnight stays on tourist boats, and sightseeing Ha Long Bay by seaplane.
These products are constantly being refreshed by businesses, who are also developing new high-quality offerings to meet the increasing demands of the market, such as musical tourism products (the Sun Hill and Lighthouse complexes by the 1900 business group; Lulacoffe; Tuần Châu Harmony); commercial pedestrian street products (Vuifest, Bai Chay Pedestrian Street); and products that explore the cultural value of the sea (Chã Small Village, inspired by the small fishing villages by the Bay – Bim Group).
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism products are also booming, hosting large groups such as over 5,100 people from Bắc Giang Garment Company and 4,500 Indian tourists.
According to Ms. Nguyễn Huyền Anh, Director of Quảng Ninh Department of Tourism, there are currently 8 sightseeing and tourism routes and 5 clusters of overnight accommodations on Ha Long Bay. The tourism products and services on the Bay include cave exploration, sightseeing, overnight stays, entertainment, beach activities, kayaking, and rowboat rides.
In 2023 and 2024, Quảng Ninh Province introduced 19 new tourism product categories for Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Along with this, the province issued directives to study and add some high-end tourism products and services on Ha Long Bay. The focus has been on developing large-scale beaches and small, safe beaches to meet the diverse needs of tourists; as well as identifying new caves and scenic areas that are beautiful and safe to introduce into the tourism circuit.
In addition, the province has also called for focused research on locations for hosting art performances in caves and on beaches; the creation of unique souvenirs reflecting the identity of Ha Long Bay to meet the needs of tourists; and the introduction of experiential tourism products such as night cruise streets, overnight stays along the shores of Ha Long Bay, and fishing and squid (seafood) experiences in suitable areas.
To promote the values and potential of Ha Long Bay, targeting high-paying tourists, Mrs. Nguyễn Huyền Anh, Director of the Quảng Ninh Department of Tourism, stated that the province has directed relevant departments to study and advise on the development of new tourism products on Ha Long Bay. These include large and small beaches, introducing new caves and scenic areas that are beautiful and safe for tourism, organizing short-term art performances in caves and on beaches, and creating distinctive souvenirs reflecting the identity of Ha Long Bay. This also includes exploring the development of high-end restaurant ships and overnight cruise ships on Ha Long Bay.
Several new tourism routes, attractions, and services are being developed on Ha Long Bay, including the trial operation of exploration cruise ships with three exclusive tour routes; the night cruise street product; and the expansion of tourism products based on the conservation and promotion of the historical and cultural values of fishing villages, archaeological culture, and biodiversity on Ha Long Bay.
12 tourism products introduced from 2023 to the present:
- Check-in point at Hai Thinh Lake
- Bai Tho pedestrian street route
- Music listening service on restaurant boats, overnight cruise boats on Ha Long Bay
- Exhibition area introducing Ha Long Bay at Dau Go Cave
- Ha Long Bay check-in point with the heritage symbol at Ti Top Island
- Hai Dang Lighthouse entertainment and amusement complex
- Cruise restaurant product combined with weddings on Ha Long Bay
- High-class accommodation products on the shore and on Ha Long Bay
- "Old Memories" market
- Bai Chay pedestrian street and food
- Community-based tourism model in Son Duong commune
- Diamond Entertainment Complex (Tuan Chau).
Several caves and beaches have been surveyed for potential development:
- Hang Hanh lagoon: fishing, light refreshments combined with music performances inside the cave.
- Soi Sim: Beach swimming and light refreshments.
- Trinh Nu Cave: Beach swimming, light refreshments.
- Mê Cung lagoon: Sightseeing, fishing.
- Trống Cave: Music performances, refreshments.
- Various beaches such as Bàn Chân, Lưỡi Liềm, Hòn Nất, Cát Oan, Trà Giời, Trà Sản: Beach swimming, light refreshments on the beach.
Additionally, Ha Long Bay Management Department has plans to propose the restoration of Vung Viêng Fishing Village, the Floating Cultural Center, and the addition of recreational activities in the Ha Long Bay area.
Turning potential into resources
According to Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Director of Ha Long Bay Management Department, there are still many tourism resources on Ha Long Bay, as well as other natural and cultural resources, that have not been exploited due to various reasons. These include limited investment resources, the inability to fully expand across the more than 400 km² of Ha Long Bay, and the lack of a sufficient team of experts to thoroughly research and identify the depth and value of the Bay.
"Currently, we have only exploited about 20% of the total area of more than 400 km² of Ha Long Bay." - Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Director of Ha Long Bay Management Department.
Furthermore, there are not yet sufficient mechanisms or policies in place to fully harness these untapped resources. The Management Department has recognized these issues and is actively working on conducting thorough surveys.
In the near future, Ha Long Bay Management Department will recommend that the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province introduce pilot mechanisms or policies strong enough to exploit these new tourist destinations.
"Quang Ninh Province has directed relevant departments and agencies to research and advise on developing new tourism products for Ha Long Bay," said Mrs. Nguyen Huyen Anh, Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism.
Mr. Vu Kien Cuong also mentioned that the introduction of these new tourism products aligns with the province's goal of preventing resource waste by utilizing available yet untapped resources, while also easing the pressure on already overcrowded tourist sites. "We have conducted a scientific study evaluating the carrying capacity of tourist sites, as well as transportation, human resources, and activities around the tourist points in Ha Long Bay. In the future, we will apply this carrying capacity assessment similar to the lessons learned from other countries to avoid overexploitation of tourism resources, while also ensuring that we don't waste the resources that have yet to be fully utilized," the Director of Ha Long Bay Management Department stated.
However, in order to exploit these newly surveyed routes and destinations, there is still much work to be done.
"Currently, we have only exploited about 20% of the total area of more than 400 km² of the entire Ha Long Bay. The introduction of new routes and destinations depends on many factors, such as surveying the navigable channels for ships, whether the routes are part of the national maritime lanes, secondly, the system of buoys, navigation signs, and waterway traffic signals—whether they are fully adequate, and thirdly, the infrastructure of the destinations. For example, when going to Bai Tu Long, if a boat wants to dock at an island, there must be a dock and infrastructure to support the operations of transportation vehicles that bring tourists there. Currently, everything is still at the survey stage, and we are beginning to build and implement the transportation and technical infrastructure to exploit these areas," said Mr. Vu Kien Cuong.
It can be seen that expanding the tourism space in the Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay areas, as well as creating new tourism products, tours, and routes, contributes to the development of unique and new tourism products. At the same time, it helps avoid local overload in Ha Long Bay and extends the duration of tourists' stays. These new tourism products will also be a factor in attracting more domestic and international visitors, not only to Ha Long but also encouraging them to return multiple times.
Translated by Thuy Ha