Haiphong and Quang Ninh have signed regulations to coordinate the management of inland waterway passenger and tourist transport across Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Authorities have tasked relevant departments and agencies with formally linking tourism between the two bays, both part of the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage site.
The connection is expected to expand visitor experiences and services while unlocking significant tourism potential for both localities, helping to increase visitor numbers and enhance the value of the heritage area.
Tourist boats will be licensed to operate across both bays, with services expected to begin from the first weekend of April. Four routes will connect Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Previously, boats operating in Lan Ha Bay were not permitted to carry passengers to Ha Long Bay, and vice versa. Each year, around 500,000 visitors have had to transfer by speedboat from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port in Ha Long Bay to reach cruise vessels anchored in Lan Ha Bay.