Optimising the untouched beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay to lure visitors
Located within the buffer zone of the Ha Long World Natural Heritage site, Bai Tu Long Bay boasts more than 300 limestone and shale islands. It features majestic, untouched landscapes, and rich ecosystems.
A view of Ao Tien Passenger Port which serves tourist tours on Bai Tu Long Bay. (Photo: VNA)
Quang Ninh (VNA) ജ– The northern province of Quang Ninh has recently launched new tourism routes in Bai Tu Long Bay — a move that marks the beginning of a wider strategy to expand marine and island tourism spaces and ease pressure on the world-famous Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, has long been a global tourist magnet, drawing millions of visitors each year. However, this popularity comes with challenges — overcrowding and a lack of diversity in visitor experience. In this context, developing tourism in Bai Tu Long Bay, through a blend of cruise services and eco-experiences on the islands, offers a refreshing alternative and a chance to unlock the area’s untapped potential.
Located within the buffer zone of the Ha Long World Natural Heritage site, Bai Tu Long Bay boasts more than 300 limestone and shale islands. It features majestic, untouched landscapes, and rich ecosystems. The area includes a host of dramatic caves, pristine beaches, and lush primary forests. Notably, the Bai Tu Long National Park has been recognised as the 38th ASEAN Heritage Park, covering over 15,783 hectares and home to more than 2,400 species, including 106 rare animals and plants, making it a prime location for sustainable eco-tourism.
Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of Quang Ninh’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted that Bai Tu Long is well connected to other attractive destinations such as Co To, Cai Chien, and Tra Co, forming a cohesive tourism network. While Ha Long has established a strong global brand, especially with its luxury cruises and cave tours, Bai Tu Long should pursue a distinct model focusing on immersive, adventurous, ecological, and sustainable tourism.
Former Director of the Department of Tourism and current Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Business Association, Pham Ngoc Thuy, said he believes Bai Tu Long should be positioned as a destination for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and those in search of raw, eco-friendly experiences. He recommends a new model: cruising – discovery – adventure – ecology – marine sports. Unlike Ha Long, where many experiences happen onboard, Bai Tu Long could offer in-depth island exploration with overnight camping, stargazing, and bonfires on the beach.
Thuy also suggested leveraging the area's natural features - coastal cliffs ideal for rock climbing, trekking routes on islands like Cai Bau and Ba Mun, and marine activities based around coral reefs and diverse sea life. Bai Tu Long Bay could become a haven for sailing, kitesurfing, surfing, diving, and kayaking in sheltered coves. Mountain biking on larger islands like Quan Lan and Ngoc Vung, with their scenic coastal roads, and exploring untouched caves such as Soi Nhu and Phat Co, would add to the tourist eco-experience.
Nguyen Hoai Nam, Business Manager at Vietfoot Travel, emphasised the importance of coupling development with conservation, particularly through waste management to protect the bay’s pristine waters. He also called on businesses to create tourism products linked to local life, turning residents into active stakeholders. Experiences such as fishing with locals, visiting aquaculture farms, and using digital tools to build interactive maps and itineraries can make tourism here more authentic and accessible.
A view of Quan Lan, an island within the Bai Tu Long Bay (Photo: VNA)
Tour operators agree that Bai Tu Long must carve out a distinct identity from Ha Long. A clear and professional branding strategy is essential, positioning it as a “pristine paradise for adventure, ecology, and ocean sports”. Collaborating with international travel bloggers and influencers (KOLs) will be key to promoting its unique offerings. Applying for global eco-tourism awards could also help place Bai Tu Long on the world travel map.
To realise this vision, Quang Ninh needs to boost promotional efforts, attract green and sustainable tourism investments, and diversify offerings through seasonal tourism to increase visitor stays. Hosting events such as international yacht and sailing festivals, eco-tourism fairs, seafood markets, traditional fishing village exhibitions, and folk performances could breathe life into the destination.
Drawing lessons from Ha Long Bay, many experts stressed the importance of limiting mass development of cruise fleets in Bai Tu Long. The focus should instead be on service quality, environmental protection, and encouraging the use of clean-energy vessels that respect the marine ecosystem./.
Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province holds immense potential for tourism development. To capitalize on its natural beauty and cultural richness, local authorities have introduced new sightseeing routes and engaged experts and businesses to enhance visitor experiences.
The plan includes 10 new tour routes on Bai Tu Long Bay and three others connecting it with Ha Long Bay, offering fresh opportunities for the local tourism sector while making sightseeing experiences in both bays more diverse and attractive.
Authorities in Cam Pha city, the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, have not granted permission to any entity to convert caves in Bai Tu Long Bay into large-scale dining venues, according to Pham Le Hung, Chairman of the city People's Committee.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
