West Asian tourists 'flock' to Ha Long Bay, many tourist attractions are packed

Going to Ha Long Bay is meeting West Asian guests

According to information from the Ha Long Bay Management Board, since the beginning of the year, the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay has welcomed 697,178 visitors, an increase of 102% over the same period in 2024. Notably, the number of international visitors is overwhelming compared to domestic visitors. Specifically, international visitors to Ha Long Bay reached more than 622,000, mainly from West Asia, China, and South Korea.

Foreign tourists crowded at Ti Top Island pier in Ha Long Bay. PHOTO: LA NGHIA HIEU

Destinations chosen by many international tourists include: Thien Cung Cave, Ga Choi Islet, Dau Go Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, Ba Hang Cave... Foreign visitors mainly come from countries: Korea, India, Europe, America... Notably, visitors from Korea, India and Malaysia have increased dramatically. This continues to affirm the brand of Ha Long Bay as a destination not to be missed by international tourists on their journey to explore Vietnam.

According to Thanh Nien reporters , the main tourist attractions in Ha Long Bay are West Asians, wearing typical costumes. These tourists enjoy experiences such as kayaking or climbing mountains to admire the magnificence of the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay.

West Asian tourists to Ha Long Bay make up the majority. PHOTO: LA NGHIA HIEU

Speaking to Thanh Nien , a representative of the Ha Long Bay Management Board said that recently, especially after the devastating Yagi storm (storm No. 3), the functional forces of Quang Ninh province have focused on restoring the environment to welcome tourists. After a series of environmental sanitation campaigns, the environmental quality at tourist attractions in Ha Long Bay has now improved significantly.

A new feature in the flow of visitors to the World Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay since the beginning of this year has been visitors from West Asia, with Indian visitors making up the majority. Traditional Chinese visitors have decreased significantly compared to previous years.

Developing cruise lines

With the advantage of having top-class cruise ports in Vietnam, in recent times, the tourism industry of Quang Ninh province has focused on exploiting the international tourist market arriving by sea.

Tourists climb mountains to see Ha Long Bay. PHOTO: LA NGHIA HIEU

The excitement of tourists coming by sea, with this locality constantly welcoming super luxury cruise ships bringing thousands of visitors each trip to Ha Long Bay.

Since the beginning of 2025, Quang Ninh has welcomed over 20 international cruise ships, carrying over 26,000 international tourists from many markets in Europe, America, Australia, and Northeast Asia. It is expected that this year, Quang Ninh will welcome about 70 cruise ships, with nearly 90,000 international tourists. The tourism industry is making efforts to attract new cruise ship tourist markets.

Tourists enjoy kayaking to see Ha Long Bay. PHOTO: LA NGHIA HIEU

Previously, in November 2024, the Beihai - Ha Long sea tourism route was opened after the connecting efforts of Quang Ninh province (Vietnam) and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) in concretizing tourism cooperation agreements.

The Bac Hai - Ha Long cruise route was once active for 10 years, starting in 1998. However, this route later stopped operating for many reasons.

Quang Ninh focuses on attracting international tourists arriving by ship. PHOTO: LA NGHIA HIEU

From this sea tourism route, Quang Ninh province aims to develop new sea tourism routes from China to Quang Ninh.

Notably, on April 30, the Pacific World cruise ship, managed and operated by Peace Boat (Japan), will bring about 1,700 tourists, mainly Japanese tourists, to Ha Long Bay for the first time.

Notably, this is the first time Quang Ninh has welcomed a cruise ship chartered from Japan to Ha Long.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khach-tay-a-do-bo-vinh-ha-long-nhieu-diem-tham-quan-chat-kin-185250331105718959.htm