Foreign arrivals to Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province have outnumbered domestic visitors by more than ten to one, with many describing the destination as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kassandra Bekris, a visitor from Mexico, said she was overwhelmed on her first visit, calling the bay one of the most memorable natural wonders she had experienced. She spent a day exploring the UNESCO-listed site, including climbing nearly 400 steps on Ti Top Island and kayaking among limestone formations.
She described kayaking between towering cliffs and emerald waters as the highlight, along with visits to vast caves filled with striking stalactites resembling giant halls.
According to the Halong Bay, Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board, the site welcomed 72,597 visitors between April 1 and 9, including 61,542 international tourists, accounting for about 85 per cent of total arrivals.
Since the start of the year, nearly 893,000 visitors have toured the bay, with foreign arrivals exceeding 814,000, more than ten times domestic figures. Ticket revenue has reached over VND 276.6 billion (approximately USD 10.8 million).
The dominance of international visitors reflects Halong Bay’s global reputation as a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its limestone islands and rich marine ecosystems. Activities such as cruises, cave exploration and kayaking continue to appeal strongly to overseas travellers.
Improved infrastructure, including upgraded ports, digital ticketing and cashless payment systems, has enhanced accessibility, while sustained international media coverage has helped maintain the destination’s visibility.
Domestic travellers, meanwhile, are increasingly shifting to emerging destinations or opting for more budget-friendly options, reducing their share of visits.
Halong Bay has also attracted high-profile visitors, including British billionaire Joe Lewis, whose superyacht Aviva visited in 2019. The site has been widely featured in global media and promoted by figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Gordon Ramsay, further boosting its appeal to high-end travellers.
