Fostering cross-border tourism via the Hoanh Mo - Dong Zhong Border Gate

Cross-border tourism is gaining momentum as a sustainable development trend in the global travel industry. In this context, efforts to promote and expand tourism routes linking Hoanh Mo Border Gate (Vietnam) and Dong Zhong Border Gate (China) with key tourism communes and wards in Quang Ninh Province not only open up new opportunities but also help diversify products and tap into broader markets.

Since the official reopening of the Hoanh Mo - Dong Zhong border gate pair in June 2024, local authorities and tourism stakeholders have moved quickly to seize the moment. By late June 2025, the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, Dongxing City tourism officials, and businesses from both sides conducted joint field visits, product-matching activities, and working sessions aimed at developing a professional, sustainable cross-border tourism route.

The survey covered signature destinations in Binh Lieu, Hoanh Mo, and Luc Hon communes, including Khe Van Waterfall, Cao Son Flower Garden, and Cao Ly Campsit,  all being shaped into eco-tourism and community-based tourism offerings. Delegates also experienced Quang Ninh’s modern tourism infrastructure, including Duc Duong resort and the vibrant coastal townscape of Bai Chay ward.

At a follow-up conference, tourism representatives from China expressed appreciation for the complementary strengths of the two sides. Dong Zhong boasts unique borderland landscapes and a rich tapestry of traditional culture; Hoanh Mo and Luc Hon are known for their unspoiled nature and cool climate; and Bai Chay offers a dynamic, international-standard tourism ecosystem. Together, they form a well-rounded tourism circuit with diverse experiences and smooth connectivity.

Mr. Banh Zhi Yong, representative of the Dongxing Tourism Association, noted that the surveyed destinations have valuable cultural and natural resources, with convenient transport links to world-renowned attractions such as Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. This, he said, creates strong potential for a cross-border tourism route that is both attractive and easily integrated.

The two sides agreed to collaborate on developing shared tourism products, with a focus on a Hoanh Mo-Dong Zhong travel route that links to premium experiences in Bai Chay including bay cruises, luxury resort stays, shopping, and entertainment. These itineraries will be offered flexibly through both tourist visas and border travel permits to facilitate ease of access for visitors.

Quang Ninh introduced a range of highlight tourism products to Chinese businesses, such as Ha Long Bay cruises, nature discovery tours, and resort packages in Bai Chay. Duc Duong Tourism Company showcased its integrated tourism model, which includes a night market, walking street, and traditional hat xam folk music performances. Meanwhile, Hon Gai Travel Company presented an innovative cross-border cycling tour between Dong Zhong and Hoanh Mo, which drew praise for its creativity and appeal to adventure travelers.

Quang Ninh tourism businesses also showed strong interest in developing the reverse flow, bringing Vietnamese visitors to destinations on the Chinese side. Many called for faster development of infrastructure, tourism services, and transportation to be ready to welcome Vietnamese guests. Both sides also emphasized the need to continue organizing joint surveys and thematic workshops to refine tourism products and formalize cooperation mechanisms.