Quang Ninh is home to two adjacent bays that are world heritage sites and natural wonders: Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay, extending through Cam Pha and Van Don, boasts stunning natural landscapes and appealing tourist routes. The ecosystem of Bai Tu Long National Park, recognized as the 38th ASEAN Heritage Park, preserves the landscape, flora, and fauna ecosystem, as well as cultural and historical values.

Quang Ninh Province has identified Bai Tu Long Bay’s diverse and unique resources for tourism exploitation. The Master Plan for Tourism Development of Quang Ninh Province to 2020 and vision to 2030 prioritizes Bai Tu Long Bay for tourism.

In December 2020, the province issued a project to develop tourism products in the Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay area, associated with Van Don and Co To.

Planned products include sightseeing, ecology tours, cruises, resorts, and biodiversity research, with Bai Tu Long and the Van Don area as key spaces.

On February 7, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province issued a plan to develop local tourism products in 2024. This plan focuses on creating new, diverse, unique, and competitive tourism products, especially high-end resort tourism that leverages Quang Ninh’s natural and cultural values.

Quang Ninh plans to launch 62 new products in 2024, including 11 leveraging Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Examples include experiencing a day as a fisherman in Vung Vieng fishing village, traditional dragon boat racing on Ha Long Bay, and sea relaxation activities.

At the end of May, the province introduced the "Heritage Journey" cruise and the Grand Pioneers 2 cruise connecting Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bays. This product is the first to connect the two bays, helping to expand the space for sea and island tourism and reducing the burden on Ha Long Bay's core heritage area while unlocking Bai Tu Long Bay's potential.

Departing from Tuan Chau International Cruise Port (Ha Long City), the cruise takes tourists through iconic destinations such as Trong Mai Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, the stone park, extending to Bai Tu Long National Park, Ban Sen, Quan Lan, and Minh Chau islands in Van Don district.

At a meeting on June 6, the Ha Long Bay Management Board proposed 10 new service and tourism products.

The Quang Ninh Department of Tourism proposed two new itineraries on Ha Long Bay, six itineraries connecting Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, and six itineraries focused on Bai Tu Long Bay. Additionally, six sightseeing and tourism itineraries were suggested for Van Don district and Bai Tu Long National Park.

To bring these products into operation, the Provincial People's Committee has directed relevant agencies to announce sightseeing and tourism itineraries for Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and their connecting routes. Investment in routes, traffic infrastructure, ports, and basic services is required, particularly for the unique potential of Bai Tu Long National Park.

By developing tourism products in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, Quang Ninh aims to attract more domestic and foreign tourists, achieving the goal of welcoming 17 million visitors and generating VND 39,100 billion in revenue by 2024.

PV