Patricia Mayerhofer, an Australian traveller, posted about her trip to Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh and Lan Ha Bay in the northern city of Haiphong. She noted the areas' beauty was dismayed by the widespread rubbish.
Patricia Mayerhofer, an Australian traveller, posted about her trip to Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh and Lan Ha Bay in the northern city of Haiphong.
She also mentioned a slight oily layer in the sea. Many other foreigners echoed her sentiments, sharing similar experiences at Ha Long Bay.
"I saw the same; it's horrible," commented another visitor.
Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, which specialises in organising cruise services in Ha Long, recounted a complaint from a group of 10 French tourists who embarked on a two-day and one-night cruise in Ha Long in January. They appreciated the bay's stunning scenery but were disheartened by the pollution.
Environmental pollution has become a significant deterrent in the bay. Tourists report litter stuck in rock crevices and floating on the sea's surface, discouraging swimming. These issues are frequently discussed on tourism forums.
The Institute for Tourism Development Research has reported that approximately four tonnes of predominantly plastic waste, discharged into Ha Long Bay daily.
