A corner of Ha Long Bay

The proposal was made by a consultant agency for the overall plan for tourism services development in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To Island to 2030.

Trekking is considered an attractive option for young tourists. Ha Long Bay has a beautiful landscape as well as mountains and suitable terrain for trekking.

Other services that have been proposed are yacht racing, hot air balloon rides, an air balloon festival and cultural tourism services at fishing villages. Quang Ninh's tourism industry could be given a boost with Ha Long Carnival and an air balloon festival. Meanwhile, with the right investment, homestay services at fishing villages would be able to meet demands for accommodation from tourists.

However, the proposals have been opposed by several tour agencies and boat owners who said Ha Long Bay didn't have good winds for boat races or ideal locations for air balloon landing. Moreover, many fishing villages have been relocated so homestay services are not possible.

Pham Dinh Huynh, vice head of the Management Board of Ha Long Bay said such services were more suitable for Bai Tu Long Bay which is also in need of more tourism services.

"We should include UNESCO's warnings about boat and tourist overcrowding problem at Ha Long Bay," he said. "We should only add high-class services for tourists with high spending capabilities to lessen pressure on Ha Long Bay."

This is the third time public opinions have been gathered for the overall plan for tourism development in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To Island to 2030.

Lao Dong/Dtinews

Preserving and promoting values of Ha Long Bay heritage

In addition to investment for preservation of Ha Long Bay heritage, Ha Long City in Quang Ninh Province has applied IT into the management of tourism services, bringing convenience to visitors.

Na Hang Lake a smaller version of Ha Long Bay

Marvelous rock structures jut out of Na Hang Lake in the northern province of Tuyen Quang, looking like the more famous Ha Long Bay.