In recent days, a drone video filmed from above has captured the moment passenger cruise boats launched fireworks in unison, creating a dazzling spectacle that has drawn millions of views across social platforms.
This was one of the large-scale performances staged as part of this year's Ha Long Carnival.
Quynh Ngoc, a visitor from Hanoi, said her family booked dinner tickets on a cruise boat for April 30 to experience the fireworks from a fresh vantage point during the holiday. Tickets cost more than VND 800,000 (about USD 31), per person, including afternoon tea, dinner and a live music performance on board.
At about 6 pm, the family arrived at Ha Long International Passenger Port to complete check-in procedures. About half an hour later, the boat left the pier, allowing passengers to watch the sunset from the water.
The journey continued for about 45 minutes to the Dolphin Palace area in Hon Gai. There, the boat stopped for passengers to have a buffet dinner. At 8.50 pm, the cruise boats began a vivid fireworks display.
Speaking to Dantri, The Vu, a guide working on a Ha Long cruise boat, said bookings had improved this year compared with last year. The vessel he works on was more than 90 per cent full.
Visitors watch fireworks from a cruise boat
At exactly 8.50 pm, dozens of cruise boats moved in formation and anchored in the Hon Gai area. After receiving instructions by radio, they began launching fireworks. Each boat fired about three sets, with the display lasting several minutes and creating a striking scene.
By 9.30 pm, the boats began returning to the pier to drop off passengers. At that point, visitors could continue watching the city's fireworks display as part of the Ha Long Carnival programme.
During the three-day holiday from April 30 to May 2, Quang Ninh Province welcomed about 810,000 tourists, with total revenue estimated at VND 2.51 trillion (roughly USD 96.5 million). Of the total, domestic visitors accounted for an estimated 782,300 arrivals, while international visitors numbered about 27,700. Overnight stays reached around 330,000. Ha Long Bay remained the province's most popular destination, attracting 56,480 visitors.