Vietnam opens cross-bay tourism route linking Ha Long, Lan Ha

The move allows tourist vessels to operate between the two bays under a coordination mechanism agreed on March 26, aimed at boosting tourism and enhancing the value of the shared heritage area.

According to the Ha Long–Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board, Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province, is expected to receive an additional 5,000 to 6,000 visitors per day and more than 50 overnight vessels from Lan Ha Bay of Hai Phong City following the launch.

Quang Ninh authorities said relevant agencies have been instructed to align vessel standards, with tourist boats required to meet technical safety and environmental regulations under current rules for floating accommodation and restaurant vessels.

Border guards, waterway police and port authorities will also step up inspections and enforcement to ensure safety and maintain order in tourism operations.

Tickets for the new route will go on sale from Saturday at Tuan Chau Port and Ha Long International Passenger Port.

Ha Long Bay was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1994 for its outstanding landscape and geological value, while the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago, which includes Lan Ha Bay, received extended recognition in 2023 for its ecological and biodiversity significance.