From May 1, 2025: Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to Officially Connect Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay Tourism Routes
On April 26, the Ha Long Bay Management Board announced the implementation of entrance fees for several new tourism routes within Ha Long Bay, along with the official connection of tours between Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) and Lan Ha Bay (Hai Phong) starting from May 1, 2025, in accordance with Resolution No. 51/2025/NQ-HDND of Quang Ninh Province.
The Management Board has finalized the fee plan for three new sightseeing routes—Ha Long Bay routes 6, 7, and 8 (VHL6, VHL7, VHL8)—and coordinated with relevant agencies to establish a mechanism to connect routes VHL3, VHL4, VHL5, and VHL6 with corresponding tour routes in Lan Ha Bay.
Tour boats from Cat Ba (Hai Phong) that meet operational conditions will be allowed to take tourists on VHL3–VHL6 routes and pick up/drop off passengers at Tuan Chau International Port and Ha Long Port, provided they comply with Quang Ninh’s maritime regulations and sign operational contracts with the Ha Long Bay Management Board.
According to the Board, this connection aligns with the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Standing Committee's policy to enhance cooperation with Hai Phong in managing and promoting the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site.
Speaking to the Business Forum, Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board, noted that allowing boats to cross directly between Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay addresses the inconvenience of boats only stopping at Lan Ha-side borders. Previously, tourists had to transfer by speedboat or small vessels, which was inefficient and burdensome. After receiving many complaints from tourists, Quang Ninh approved the plan to allow direct cross-bay travel.
The Hai Phong Tourism Association also proposed that Quang Ninh integrate more attractions into the connected system, particularly VHL3 and VHL4—beautiful routes that currently receive few visitors despite being officially designated.
Mr. Vu emphasized the rationality and feasibility of the integration, noting that Hai Phong’s proposals generated significant public interest. “Upon receiving the suggestions, Quang Ninh's provincial government promptly instructed relevant agencies to research and organize meetings on the matter. Earlier in April, the province held a working session with various departments and the Ha Long Bay Management Board to define key directions for tourism development in 2025,” he added.
The Board noted that every year, a large number of visitors travel from Lan Ha Bay through Quang Ninh’s Tuan Chau and Sun Group ports—around 300,000–400,000 visitors, mostly international. Conversely, international tourists traveling from Quang Ninh to Cat Ba reached about 500,000 in 2024. The integrated route will therefore generate significant revenue for both provinces.
In recent years, Quang Ninh has focused on tourism quality. While maintaining traditional products that define its brand, the province is also developing high-end, exclusive tourism products to attract premium customers and increase sustainable revenue, leveraging the value of Ha Long Bay.
In practice, connecting sightseeing routes not only optimizes tourism resources and revitalizes under-visited areas such as VHL3 and VHL4, but also helps reduce route congestion and alleviate pressure on the overburdened waterway network.
To implement the plan, the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee has introduced multiple measures: ports are upgrading facilities to accommodate boats from Cat Ba; the Department of Construction is reviewing and licensing new routes; the Management Board will sign contracts with compliant operators and oversee fee collection; and the provincial police will increase patrols to ensure maritime safety.
The Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay connection not only enhances the visitor experience and boosts local tourism competitiveness but also reflects Quang Ninh’s strategic vision: regional linkage, heritage value unlocking, and sustainable development.