A new sea tourism route linking Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay has been officially launched, opening up seamless travel across one of Vietnam’s most iconic coastal landscapes.
The passenger transport service, jointly developed by Quang Ninh Province and Haiphong City, marks a key milestone in leveraging the shared value of the UNESCO-recognized Halong Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago.
Local authorities say the new route will strengthen regional cooperation and unlock fresh tourism potential across the heritage zone. Nguyen Thị Hạnh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh People’s Committee, highlighted that the initiative will not only drive visitor growth but also enhance the long-term value of heritage tourism.
Officials from the Halong Bay–Yen Tu World Heritage Site Management Board estimate the route could bring an additional 5,000 to 6,000 visitors per day to Halong Bay. It is also expected to see more than 50 overnight cruise vessels arriving daily from Lan Ha Bay.
To support the rollout, Quang Ninh authorities are fast-tracking efforts to standardize vessel operations. All tourist boats must comply with strict technical, safety, and environmental requirements, particularly those outlined for overnight cruise ships and floating restaurants.
At the same time, authorities are simplifying licensing procedures and improving connectivity between the two destinations. Border guards, waterway police, and port authorities will increase monitoring to ensure safety, security, and fair competition across the tourism sector.
The launch follows the implementation of coordination agreements signed on March 26, 2026, aimed at removing administrative hurdles and creating a more integrated tourism offering for both domestic and international travelers.
Tickets for the new sea route went on sale from April 4 at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and Halong International Cruise Port.
