On Ha Long Bay, vibrant red sails carry visitors away from the wharf on a one-hour journey along the bay’s shoreline. The leisurely pace offers an intimate, relaxing perspective imbued with the maritime culture.
Introduced to visitors in late June 2026, Ha Long’s three-panel sailing boats are a new tourism product jointly operated by Quang Ninh Waterway Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company and Vietnam Sightseeing Joint Stock Company. In the initial phase, the fleet comprises six boats, each accommodating up to 12 visitors and two crew members. The boats operate daily from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with each journey lasting approximately 60 minutes. Their small size creates a private, quiet atmosphere - ideal for families, small groups of friends, or travelers seeking a gentle experience after exploring the city.
More than just a means of transport, each three-panel boat tells a story about the long-standing boatbuilding craft and the creativity of coastal residents. The boats in service today were restored based on original design at the workshop of People’s Artisan Le Duc Chan in Lien Hoa ward, with minor adjustments to meet safety requirements and tourism need. Their striking red sails set against the limestone mountains and water, creating a distinctive feature on the bay.
From the story of the boat itself, the journey takes visitors on a fresh exploration of “at once familiar and new” Ha Long Bay. After leaving the wharf, the boat passes Bai Tho Bridge, Vincom Ha Long shopping centre, the Quang Ninh Museum and Library, the Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Expo Center and Hon Gai Beach before returning to the starting point. The The 12-kilometer route offers just enough time for visitors to enjoy the captivating transition between the natural landscape and the coastal urban setting.
Viewed from the water, familiar landmarks in Hon Gai appear to take on a different look. The dark, sleek architectural block of Quang Ninh Museum stands prominently on the waterfront, while the curved, dolphin- inspired curves of the Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Expo Center become strikingly clear. In the distance lies a modern coastal urban strip, while beside the boat stretch Ha Long Bay’s open water, sea breezes and iconic limestone cliffs unfold.
The open setting and proximity to the water not only change the viewing perspective but also allow visitors to feel the movement of the waves and wind more clearly. As the sails fill, the gentle sound of water lapping against the wooden hull offers a different experience from sitting aboard large tourist vessels. The journey therefore also provides an ideal opportunity to take photographs, sightseeing the city from the sea or simply steping away from the bustling city pace.
To enhance the journey beyond mere sightseeing, the experience also incorporates QR-code audio guides, enabling visitors to learn about the history of three-panel boats, local maritime culture, and the landmarks along the route. Future developments aim to integrate introductions of fishing-village cuisine, folk singing performances and other appropriate authentic cultural activities. Thanks to these enrichments, the short excursion gains greater cultural depth and brings visitors closer to indegenous values.
By Ha Phong
