Marine and island tourism products lure tourists
In order to enhance destination competitiveness and create fresh, memorable experiences for visitors, tourism authorities and businesses in Quang Ninh have continuously innovated and improved their offerings. Notably, a variety of high-quality and distinctive marine and island tourism products have been introduced, promising to become new magnets for tourists.
Earlier, the real-scene performance “Seeking the pearl trace” made its debut in June at Ngoc Rong cave (also known as Bat cave), located within the Vung Duc historical and scenic site in Cam Pha city. For the first time in Vietnam, a real-scene show is staged inside a natural cave, bringing to life the legend of the dragon descending over Bai Tu Long and Ha Long Bays. The performance highlights the richness of local cultural heritage, blending maritime traditions, spiritual beliefs, and the legacy of the mining region.
This unique show integrates cutting-edge multimedia technology with various forms of performing arts, including dance and acrobatics. Guided by a team of veteran Vietnamese artists, the production offers a multi-sensory experience that immerses audiences in the cultural and artistic depth of the region.
“We aim to introduce a high-end tourism product tailored to luxury travelers. This performance will be connected with our broader tourism ecosystem such as luxury cruises to offer exclusive experiences. In the coming time, we will continue promoting this product to travel agencies and partners in both domestic and international markets”, said Ngo Phuoc Linh, Market Development Director at APC Group.
"Seeking the Pearl Trace" was developed with a commitment to cultural creativity while preserving the historical integrity of the site. This one-of-a-kind tourism product enriches visitor experiences in Cam Pha and strengthens the link between Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. It helps expand the tourism space and leverages the province’s investments in scenic landscapes and infrastructure. Initial responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Director of Star World Travel (Taiwan), Warren Su, remarked: “This will definitely be a highlight for international travelers. It offers more than just sightseeing. It’s a full experience of performance, culture, and cuisine. We will certainly promote it as a standout attraction in Vietnam for our Taiwanese clients.”
While marine and island tourism remains a key strength of Quang Ninh’s summer tourism season, local businesses are not passively receiving tourists. Instead, they are actively enhancing the quality and variety of their offerings to stay competitive.
At Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, the Ha Long Tourist Boat Association has launched a new Night Cruise Street, operating daily from 5 PM to 11 PM during the peak travel season. This journey follows the tourism route No. 8 on Ha Long Bay, officially introduced by Quang Ninh Province in 2024, taking visitors from Tuan Chau International Port to Ha Long International Port and Nam Cau Trang Port. The cruise offers stunning views of Ha Long by night, as well as onboard cultural performances, art, and cuisine.
“All cruise boats on the Night Cruise Street are newly built steel vessels, replacing wooden ones in accordance with provincial plans issued in 2019. They fully meet modern standards for safety and service. We believe this product will offer fresh experiences, maximize cruise capacity, and enhance Ha Long Bay’s appeal, especially as a promising model for the night-time economy”, said Chairman of the Ha Long Tourist Boat Association, Tran Van Hong.
So as to further boost marine and island tourism, localities have introduced a number of new offerings, including sightseeing routes around Bai Tu Long Bay, new island exploration tours in Co To district, and the Cai Chien Island Tourism Week.
At the same time, areas such as Van Don and Co To are moving toward more in-depth tourism models, developing high-end resorts, recreational services, adventure activities, and marine sports on the water, under the sea, and on remote islands. These are accompanied by efforts to celebrate maritime culture and ensure local communities play an active role in tourism, creating sustainable livelihoods and increased income for residents.
Workforce development is also a priority, with a focus on training local human resources in foreign languages, digital skills, and cultural knowledge to serve a growing and diverse tourist base.
“To fully unlock our marine and island tourism potential, the province will continue to invest in upgrading port infrastructure and improving safety standards. We also place top priority on developing environmentally responsible and safe tourism products. At the same time, we are fostering stronger links between tourism and other sectors such as fisheries, offshore aquaculture, maritime transport, and logistics. These efforts not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to achieving our goal of welcoming 20 million tourists and maintaining an economic growth rate above 14% this year and beyond”, said Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Lam Nguyen.
