Old vessels on Halong Bay are gradually being phased out, and businesses building new boats must increase passenger area and amenities to improve service quality.
The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province is developing a plan to improve the quality of tourist vessels operating on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay by 2030.
Ha Long Bay cruise ships are increasing in size many times compared to old ships.
This plan, led by the Quang Ninh Department of Transport, follows the department regaining management authority over Halong Bay cruise ships from the People’s Committee of Ha Long City.
Quang Ninh Province encourages companies to replace wooden boats with steel-hulled vessels to improve safety and reduce pollution risks from waste oil. The province aims to fully transition to steel-hulled ships by 2030.
Additionally, Quang Ninh’s Department of Transport promotes the replacement of two ships with one larger-capacity vessel to enhance safety, increase amenities, and boost overall fleet capacity to better serve tourists.
Notably, Quang Ninh will gradually reduce the number of old boats in operation (currently 508 vessels) while adding newer, high-service-quality ships with attractive designs to bolster the Quang Ninh tourism brand, making it more competitive with neighboring regions.
Cruise ship in Ha Long Bay is as big as a mountain
For new vessels, Quang Ninh will mandate expanded passenger space and improved amenities, with a minimum of 1.4 m² per passenger. Ships will also offer additional space for services (such as bars, viewing lounges) and be equipped with high-quality equipment, adhering to 5-star standards or higher for overnight boats and floating restaurants.
To renew its tourism fleet, Quang Ninh also plans to introduce cross-bay tours on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. specifically, three itineraries connecting Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay will be offered, including:
- Route 1: Destinations on Route 4 of Halong Bay (Port – Co Cave (Thien Canh Son) – Thay Cave – Cap La Cave – Vong Vieng – Tung Ang Ecological Zone – Cong Do Island – Hon Xep Park) – Van Don (Thang Loi) Island – Ngoc Vung Island – Quan Lan Island – Minh Chau Island).
- Route 2: Destinations on Route 4 of Halong Bay – Van Don (Ban Sen Island – Nha Tro Cave).
- Route 3: Destinations on Route 4 of Halong Bay – Cam Pha (Dua Island – Vung Duc – Ong Cu Island – Reu Island – Cua Ong).
@Thanhnien.vn
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Source: Vietnam Insider