The People’s Committee of northern Quang Ninh Province has allowed cars driven by Chinese nationals to enter Ha Long City through Mong Cai border gate for tourism purposes.

Cars driven by Chinese tourists enter Viet Nam through Mong Cai border gate. — Photo dantri.com.vn

The entry of Chinese cars will be allowed on a trial basis until December 31 this year, Vu Van Hop, Chief of the Secretariat of the provincial People’s Committee, told the Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper.

Since January 1, 2017, the province has only allowed cars with less than nine seats owned by Chinese nationals and enterprises to enter Mong Cai City and vice versa during a trial period of one year.

Chinese tourists are not allowed to stay beyond three days per entrance. In case of accidents or broken-down cars, the stay is extended by another day.

In 2017, there were 93 cars ferrying 256 Chinese tourists to Mong Cai City and 38 cars with 110 tourists from Viet Nam to Dongxing City in China.

Cars entering Viet Nam through Mong Cai border gate are allowed to travel around Mong Cai City. Meanwhile, tourists from Viet Nam are allowed to travel around Dongxing City only.

Before starting the trial in Ha Long City, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Bình Minh asked Quang Ninh Province’s People’s Committee to calculate the number of vehicles operating every month, map the areas in which cars are allowed to enter and take measures to ensure public security and traffic safety.

Meanwhile, the Government Office asked the province to further enhance tourism between Mong Cai City and Dongxing City through Mong Cai border gate.

China also agreed to expand the travel area up to Nanjing City, some 220km from Dongxing City.

According to Quang Ninh’s authorities, expanding the area of travel up to Ha Long City will create opportunities to attract tourists and bring profits to enterprises, as well as to the local and State budget. — VNS