Inauguration of new tourist routes in Bai Tu Long Bay
On the morning of March 29th, at Ao Tien Passenger Port (Van Don District), Quang Ninh provincial authorities solemnly held a ceremony to announce and inaugurate new tourist routes from Ao Tien International Port to various destinations in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Pham Duc An, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee; Madam. Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as leaders of several relevant departments, agencies, and localities.
Bai Tu Long Bay is one of the most attractive destinations in Quang Ninh Province, featuring majestic natural landscapes, a diverse ecosystem, and rich cultural and historical values. Unlike the bustling Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay boasts a pristine and peaceful beauty, making it ideal for the development of eco-tourism, leisure, and experiential travel. Therefore, introducing new tourism routes will not only provide visitors with more options when visiting Quang Ninh but also contribute to enhancing the economic and tourism value of Van Don District.
The newly launched tourism routes on Bai Tu Long Bay include: Route BTL1: Ao Tien Port - Tay Hoi Island - Lucky Cat Islet (Lazy Cat Islet) - Ban Sen Island - Nha Tro Cave. Route BTL2: Ao Tien Port - Phat Co Cave - Pearl Farming Area (Black Rock Islet) - Cong Lao Vong - Dua Islet (Du Islet) -Minh Chau Island Route BTL3: Ao Tien Port - Cong Lao Vong Fishing Village - Tra Ngo Lon Island - Swan Islet. Route BTL4: Ao Tien Port - Cai De Area - Mang Ha Overnight Anchorage Point. Route BTL5: Ao Tien Port - Tra Than Lagoon (Tra Ngo Lon Island) - Cai Lim Beach - Mang Ha Overnight Anchorage Point - Cai De Area.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the new tourism routes on Bai Tu Long Bay, Madam. Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, affirmed that Van Don District is one of the four key tourism centers of Quang Ninh Province. The district holds a significant portion of Bai Tu Long Bay - a uniquely beautiful marine area, distinguished by its diverse system of large and small islands, unspoiled beaches, and precious nature reserves.
She emphasized that Bai Tu Long Bay is of exceptional tourism value as it is not only a stunning coastal area but also an important ecological conservation zone closely linked with the historical and cultural heritage of Vietnam’s maritime regions. Particularly noteworthy is Bai Tu Long National Park, recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, which stands out as one of Vietnam's exemplary efforts in nature conservation.
The Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee also emphasized that over the past ten years, Van Don District has developed a modern infrastructure system, including Van Don International Airport, Ao Tien International Port, service zones, and new urban areas - all meeting the demands of tourists.
This has laid a solid foundation for the official launch of these distinctive sightseeing and tourism routes on Bai Tu Long Bay, following more than two years of dedicated preparation by Quang Ninh Province - particularly Van Don District - along with various departments, agencies, businesses, travel agencies, and cruise operators.
This is one of the key steps in the roadmap to achieve the goal of welcoming 20 million tourists by 2025, with a focus on increasing tourism products, extending visitors' length of stay, boosting tourist spending, and improving the quality of services provided. It also aims to contribute to the economic development of Quang Ninh, improve the quality of life for local residents, and affirm Quang Ninh as one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations.
The launch of the tourism routes on Bai Tu Long Bay will also help maximize the value of tourism resources, continuing to build unique and high-quality tourism products in line with the strategy for sustainable tourism development, linking exploitation with the protection and enhancement of the natural heritage values of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. At the same time, it will create interconnected travel routes, offering new and exciting experiences for visitors, further promoting the growth of the tourism industry in localities such as Cam Pha city, Van Don district, Co To district, and other areas in the province.
Immediately following the inauguration of the new tourism routes on Bai Tu Long Bay, tourist boats will operate daily from Ao Tien International Port to serve tourists. During the upcoming April 30th and May 1st holidays, the number of tourist boats will be increased to accommodate more visitors, with additional services such as dinner on board. In 2025, the province and relevant departments and localities will complete overnight stay points to develop the overnight cruise product on Bai Tu Long Bay.
Translated by Thuy Ha