Summer tourism in Quang Ninh: From mountains to sea

With its rich natural resources spanning from islands to forests, Quang Ninh has become a vibrant destination during the peak summer travel season, attracting millions of visitors for sightseeing, entertainment, and relaxation. Notably, the tourism sector has introduced a variety of high-quality and appealing products, creating fresh highlights and catering to a wide range of tourist markets.

On the evening of July 4th, a high-altitude fireworks show organized by Ha Long Sun Company at Ha Long International Passenger Port drew thousands of locals and tourists. The 15-minute display featured 2,100 low-altitude fireworks and 1,000 high-altitude shells, accompanied by thematic music, delivering a multi-sensory experience.

According to Chief Operating Officer of Sun Group in the Northeast region, Pham Van Hiep, this is the first time Quang Ninh has hosted fixed weekend fireworks displays. The company plans to continue organizing these shows regularly and safely while enhancing media coverage to encourage longer visitor stays and boost nighttime tourism in the coastal city.

Beyond the fireworks, numerous entertainment venues have also been revamped to offer visitors a broader array of options. At Sun World Ha Long Complex, the Sun Wheel has resumed operation after a maintenance period in addition to thrilling rides. The site has also refreshed areas like the An Nhien Lotus Pond, flower gardens, and cartoon-themed statues to enhance the sightseeing and photo-taking experience. Daily performances such as the “Samba Show” and “Rescue the Samurai” have brought vibrant, festival-like energy reminiscent of international street carnivals.

The peak season has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers, particularly on weekends, with hotels and resorts operating at 60-80% capacity. Many establishments have capitalized on their infrastructure to offer wellness services, afternoon tea, and culinary packages.

“Our room occupancy during summer reaches 40–60%, and can climb to 90% on weekends. Besides ensuring service quality and facilities, we collaborate with Ha Long Bay cruise providers to offer 10% discounts for guests, thereby creating attractive packages and showcasing the province’s tourism potential”, said General Director of Saigon-Ha Long Hotel, Nguyen Thai Hung.

Island and marine tourism remains a highlight in Quang Ninh. Since early summer, Ao Tien Premium Passenger Port has been bustling with visitors queuing for tickets to Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and Co To islands. Among them, Co To, often referred to as a marine paradise, continues to charm thousands of tourists with its pristine beauty and diverse experiences: scuba diving around Thanh Lan Island, scenic boat or canoe tours, "a day in the life of a fisherman," trekking and exploring unspoiled beaches and sedimentary rock formations, as well as eco-friendly activities like collecting marine litter.

Nguyen Nhu Ngoc, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “I had heard so much about Co To, and this trip exceeded my expectations. I love the island’s peaceful, untouched beauty. The fresh air, delicious seafood, and excellent services made this a very satisfying experience. I especially support the local policy of banning single-use plastic on the island to protect the environment.”

In the first six months of 2025, Quang Ninh welcomed an estimated 12.1 million visitors, reaching 116% of the same period in 2024 and achieving 112% of the growth target. Domestic travelers accounted for around 9.8 million, while international tourists totaled approximately 2.3 million. Guest stays were estimated at over 3.7 million, a 118% increase year-on-year. Total tourism revenue exceeded 29,140 billion VND, equal to 131% of 2024’s figures and 107% of the growth scenario.

In the 3rd quarter, Quang Ninh is projected to welcome 5.45 million visitors, generating tourism revenue of around 16,500 billion VND.

The province plans to organize a wide range of cultural, sports, and tourism events, including the 2025 U23 National Fencing Championship, the Quang Ninh Open Sports Dance Tournament, the Yen Tu Heritage Marathon, a culinary showcase honoring top chefs in Quang Ninh, the Northeast OCOP Fair 2025, the Ha Long Heritage International Marathon, the “Golden Autumn in Uong Bi” program, and the Mid-Autumn Festival with a light show by the Heritage Bay.