On April 1, Quang Ninh’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hanh chaired a meeting regarding the implementation of coordination regulations for managing tourist vessels between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, as well as the management of inland waterway vehicles and tourist boats operating on Ha Long Bay.
At the meeting, Vice-chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hanh required the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board to urgently work with boat associations to standardise criteria. She emphasized that all vessels must fully comply with technical safety and environmental protection requirements, particularly those applied to overnight cruise ships, floating restaurants and floating hotels, as well as other relevant provincial regulations to ensure absolute safety in all aspects.
On March 26, 2026, the People’s Committees of Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City People’s Committee signed a coordination agreement on the management of inland waterway passenger and tourist transport operating on Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The agreement took effect on April 1, 2026. The introduction of coordinated management for the Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay tourism route marks a new step forward in linking heritage tourism spaces between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. It also represents a positive momentum for Quang Ninh’s tourism sector as it enters the 2026 sea tourism season.
According to the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board, once the regulations come into effect, an additional 5,000 to 6,000 domestic and international tourist arrivals per day are expected, with more than 50 overnight cruise vessels operating from Lan Ha Bay to Ha Long Bay.
By Viet Hung
