Unlocking the potential of Quang Ninh’s night-time economy

As part of its broader development strategy, Quang Ninh is actively cultivating a vibrant night-time economy to fully leverage its existing infrastructure and tourism assets. This approach not only boosts spending by visitors but also positions Quang Ninh as a leading night-time economic hub in the region.

Visitors strolling through Halong Marina Street Fest in Bai Chay Ward can immerse themselves in an energetic atmosphere illuminated by dazzling lights, savor local street food, enjoy chill live music, and explore diverse cultural activities.

Unlike conventional night markets, the Street Fest is planned as an “open-air festival” with an international pedestrian street vibe, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. Each week introduces a new theme, along with exclusive promotions and giveaways. The space is divided into distinctive zones, including over 100 food stalls, a 2,000m² kids' playground, shopping areas with daily “golden hour” deals, and eye-catching 3D photo spots, ensuring everyone from children to families and groups of friends finds something to enjoy.

“I was blown away by the festive spirit here,” said Mathis Riepe, a tourist from Germany. “I got to try traditional Vietnamese dishes and incredibly fresh seafood from Quang Ninh. The music and games were so much fun, it was an unforgettable experience.” Within just three nights of its opening (July 10–12), the festival drew over 12,000 visitors, quickly becoming a must-visit destination contributing to Quang Ninh’s thriving night economy.

BIM Group’s Marketing Director, Doan Anh Vu, emphasized that nighttime tourism is a strategic component of the group’s commitment to sustainable urban development. In addition to expanding vendor offerings, the group is planning a spectacular water-music show set to launch this September.

Other major investors are also tapping into night-time economic opportunities. Sun Group’s Ha Long division has rolled out weekly fireworks displays along Sun Carnival Square and Fireworks Bay, with 1,000 pyrotechnic shells and 50+ dazzling effects synced to lively music every Saturday at 9:30 PM through September 2, 2025.

Tourists can enjoy the spectacle from the shore or aboard luxury cruises, including gourmet dinners from the Halong International Cruise Port. Nearby, the Vui-Fest night market features more than 30 stalls offering street food, drinks, souvenirs, and interactive games, making for a well-rounded evening experience.

Quang Ninh has also launched several pedestrian night streets in other districts, including Tran Phu in Mong Cai, Tien Yen night street, Minh Chau walking street, and Sonasea Van Don night market, each designed to showcase local culture through live street performances, Zumba, calligraphy, traditional cuisine, and OCOP products.

These events typically run from 6pm to midnight on weekends, offering both locals and visitors rich cultural immersion and promoting a civilized urban lifestyle.

High-end cultural experiences are emerging as well. In June, APC Corporation debuted “The Search for the Pearl,” a multisensory multimedia show at Ngoc Rong Cave (Bat Cave) in Vung Duc Scenic Area, Cam Pha. The performance combines cutting-edge technology with circus, dance, and local culinary traditions, creating a uniquely immersive journey through Vietnamese folklore.

According to Market Development Director at APC, Ngo Phuoc Linh, the show aims to serve upscale tourists and will be integrated into the company’s broader cruise tourism ecosystem. Future plans include linking the show with key destinations like Tran Quoc Tang Temple, coastal drives, and cultural sites, particularly appealing to Northeast Asian travelers who value spirituality and legendary symbols like dragons.

Quang Ninh is also bringing music into the night economy. Hundreds of concerts, ranging from pine-forest sessions to shipboard performances in Halong Bay, have been staged, featuring renowned artists and drawing significant tourist attention. These events not only enhance nighttime tourism but also breathe new creative energy into the local cultural scene.

The Halong Night Cruise Street was recently launched at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port. Running daily from 5-11 PM, the new experience follows Route 8, introduced by the province in 2024: Tuan Chau - Halong International Cruise Port - Nam Cau Trang. Tourists enjoy the bay’s night views, local specialties, and cultural performances onboard, creating a holistic night cruise experience.

Quang Ninh is uniquely positioned to develop a strong night economy thanks to its robust infrastructure, improved service quality, and attractive investment climate. With Halong Bay already a top global destination, stakeholders are pushing not just to receive visitors passively, but to actively improve offerings and boost competitiveness.

Experts suggest that the night-time economy could contribute up to 70% of total tourism revenue. By embracing this potential, Quang Ninh can extend visitor stays, increase spending, and maximize industry value. Even a modest increase in tourist spending by $300-400 per person could significantly elevate local revenue.

Recognizing this, the provincial government approved a pilot night economy development plan (2023-2025) in September 2023 to explore new economic opportunities and raise residents’ incomes.

Chairman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, Nguyen The Hue, noted: “Night-time activities have already proven highly appealing to tourists and have boosted arrivals across the province. These programs enrich tourist experiences, improve infrastructure usage, extend stays, and increase spending, all of which raise tourism revenues. Moving forward, the association will support businesses and localities in developing more night-time economy models with a strong emphasis on safety, cultural heritage, and community engagement.”