The move followed the proposal by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to operate the vessels along designated near-shore routes.
The three-plank boat is a traditional sailing craft of northern Vietnam’s coastal communities, particularly around Ha Nam Island in Quang Yen. Made from three joined wooden planks and rigged with a brown bat-wing sail, it is known for sailing against the wind, handling waves and maintaining stability.
The Department of Construction will oversee the provincial Inland Waterways Port Authority and Register in conducting strict inspections. Boats will be licensed only after meeting registration standards, carrying required safety equipment and installing GPS tracking devices linked to authorities.
Operators must comply with passenger safety rules and put in place disaster prevention and search-and-rescue plans. Provincial police, the Halong Bay-Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board and local authorities will coordinate oversight to safeguard security and the environment.
Three red-sailed boats have appeared on the bay in recent days. Under a proposal submitted to the province, the 12-kilometre route would depart from a passenger pier near Halong 1 Market, pass Cot 5 Beach and return to the starting point.
Six daily departures are planned at 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm, with each trip lasting about one hour. Each boat would carry up to 12 passengers and two crew members.