Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay buzzes with 1,000 intra-provincial visitors

Quang Ninh province aims to open the bay to visitors across Vietnam in November 

Following Quang Ninh authorities’ resumption of intra-provincial tourism and entertainment activities, UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay was bustling after months of inactive tourism, says VnExpress.  

As part of the province’s efforts to boost domestic tourism, entry tickets to Ha Long Bay are currently free for all visitors. During the pre-pandemic period, tickets were charged at VND250,000 (USD10.86) per person. 

However, Quang Ninh authorities still restrict visitors from outside the province to tour Ha Long Bay due to the complicated development of the pandemic. Destinations are also only allowed to receive intra-provincial visitors who have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose.  

“Quang Ninh is currently a safe locality in terms of COVID, so my family decided to visit Ha Long Bay after tourism activities were resumed. I just hope the COVID-19 pandemic would quickly end so that life could return to normal,” said Lan, a visitor residing in Ha Long Town. 

According to the management board of Ha Long Bay, more than 1,000 tourists visited the world-renowned destination last weekend.  

Tuan Chau Wharf, where all Ha Long Bay cruise ships and boats dock, was also busy last weekend after several months of strict social distancing measures. 

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In November, Quang Ninh authorities intend to welcome back tourists from other provinces across Vietnam. 

Ha Long Bay was recognised as a UNESCO natural world heritage in 1994, and ever since, travel bloggers and filmmakers have hailed to the bay’s emerald waters and towering limestone pillars.