Exploiting journey connecting Halong and Lan Ha bays

As two Heritage Bays, Halong Bay (Quang Ninh) and Lan Ha Bay (Hai Phong) not only stand out for their breathtaking beauty, but are also gradually connecting to form a series of high-class island journeys, promoting the sustainable development of inter-regional tourism.


Halong Bay has nearly 2,000 rocky islands, a rich ecosystem and unique landscapes. It has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage. Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba, Hai Phong) covers nearly 7,000 hectares, owns more than 400 limestone islands, white sand beaches, clear blue water and a peaceful space, suitable for swimming, kayaking, and coral diving. Viet Hai and Cua Van fishing villages still maintain traditional lifestyles, creating unique cultural experiences.

Not only similar in natural conditions, Halong and Lan Ha also have the ability to connect conveniently by waterway, opening up great opportunities for developing inter-regional tours. The Halong - Lan Ha - Bai Tu Long itinerary helps improve the quality of experience, extend the length of stay and promote resort, sports and island exploration tourism products. This is considered a strategic direction to form a heritage linkage axis and expand the space for developing Northeast island tourism.

Since 2023, Quang Ninh has promoted cooperation with Hai Phong to connect tourist routes between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. High-level meetings, field surveys and infrastructure assessments have been carried out synchronously. In the first quarter of 2024, Quang Ninh province assigned relevant agencies to study the Halong - Cat Ba waterway tourism route, on the basis of ensuring maritime safety, resource conservation and compliance with the bay planning.

In April, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province held a thematic meeting, agreeing to put the VHL6 route (from Halong international passenger port - through Ba Hang, Hon Ga Choi - to the border of Lan Ha Bay) into official operation. The plan is built on the principles of heritage protection, convenient connection and serving the needs of inter-regional tourism development.

Just one month later, In May, the People's Council of Quang Ninh province passed Resolution No. 51/2025/NQ-HDND, adding route VHL6 to the Halong Bay tour system, stipulating a fee of 150,000 VND/trip for the journey connecting Halong - Lan Ha. This is an important legal basis for realizing inter-regional tourism products, creating a breakthrough for the northern sea and island space.

Currently, Quang Ninh is working closely with Hai Phong to complete legal procedures, build a mechanism for inter-route operations, control modes of transport, protect heritage boundaries and develop unique tourism products. It is expected that the Halong - Cat Ba route will officially open at the end of 2025, attracting great attention and interest from businesses.

According to the Provincial Tourism Association, strengthening linkages not only expands tourism space, but also helps extend length of stay, develop two-way high-end service chains and create motivation for businesses to innovate products.

Many units have quickly caught up with this trend. Lux Group Corporation, a pioneer in the luxury cruise segment operating in both localities, is implementing the "Two Bays - One Journey" product chain, connecting Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay from the summer of 2025. Previously, Thuan Viet Tourism Joint Stock Company was also successful with the Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long route, showing the great potential of the island cruise connection model.

Representatives of the management agencies of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, together with interdisciplinary units of the two localities, conducted a survey of the actual resources and development potential of the border area between the two bays in early 2024.

Accordingly, the 5-star LuxGroup cruise offers a 4-6 day journey through heritage bays, combining relaxation and cultural and marine sports experiences. Personalized services and unique activities such as kayaking, trekking, sunset parties, and night tours... create a distinct mark and affirm the capacity of Vietnamese businesses in the international market.

Connecting Halong - Lan Ha is not only opening a sightseeing route, but is also a strategic step to create a sustainable inter-regional tourism space. With consensus and close coordination between the two localities, the "two bays - one destination" journey will be the key to awakening the tourism potential of the North, bringing Vietnam's heritage bays to the international level.

Cruise Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of Vietnam's most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. Visiting Halong Bay is often a highlight for travelers to Vietnam.