The lack of phone or internet signal outside Ha Long Bay has been going on for many years now and has not been resolved. This has left tourists on the bay "lost" as they cannot contact the mainland or use social networks.

Because of this, Ha Long Bay loses the opportunity to be promoted for free on social networks by tourists, which is essential for the development of the local tourism industry.

In addition, the lack of phone signal also makes it difficult for authorities to handle many unexpected incidents that occur in the bay.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Duong (Korean tour guide) said that for many years now, every time he leads a tour group, the most common question he receives from tourists is "lost phone signal?", "where can I get phone signal?"...

Furthermore, when arriving at beautiful locations in Ha Long Bay, tourists cannot livestream or post photos right at sea but have to wait until they get to shore.

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Ha Long Bay currently has no telephone coverage, making it impossible for visitors to communicate or use Internet services.

"It is not true to say that the phone signal has been completely lost because some places have signal but it is weak, like there is no signal; if this problem is overcome, Ha Long Bay will be no less than other beach tourist destinations in the world," Mr. Duong shared.

Head of Ha Long Bay Management Board Vu Kien Cuong said that currently, in the core heritage area, there are 2 areas where broadcasting stations are installed: Ti Top island has a common broadcasting tower of 3 network operators MobiFone, VinaPhone, Viettel and Hon Rong island (Hon Phao) in the military area has a broadcasting station of Viettel network.

The reason why Ha Long Bay has no phone signal is because the natural terrain of the bay has many high limestone islands that block the waves. Areas that are blocked from view will not have phone signal or 4G, 5G internet.

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Perspective of the broadcasting station on the limestone mountain of Ha Long Bay disguised as a palm tree. Photo: NH

"The installation of broadcasting stations is difficult because the islands do not have electricity and the limestone terrain is difficult to access. At the same time, the construction of stations will directly impact the original elements of the heritage, affecting the landscape," said Mr. Cuong.

The Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee is assigning the Department of Information and Communications to coordinate with telecommunications corporations to study and propose the installation of additional broadcasting stations. The stations and broadcasting towers will be disguised as palm trees to harmonize with the natural landscape.