Tourist boats take visitors to explore Ha Long Bay.

The breathtaking scenery and cultural, geological, and geomorphological values of Ha Long Bay are the key assets that make the heritage site a magnet for visitors.

Spreading a green message

Over three decades since its recognition as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay has taken on a new appearance. Its outstanding universal values have been well preserved, while its strengths and potential have been fully harnessed. The administrative apparatus, mechanisms, and policies for the management and protection of the heritage site have been gradually consolidated and improved. These elements form a solid foundation for a strategy to conserve and promote the values of Ha Long Bay comprehensively and sustainably.

Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, stated: “Since Ha Long Bay was recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site, Quang Ninh Province has issued numerous mechanisms, policies, and regulations for the management, conservation, and promotion of its heritage values—especially in the key areas of environmental protection, biodiversity, scientific research, and the application of technology in heritage management, environmental oversight of the tourism business, and the development of tourism products.”

In recent years, Quang Ninh has implemented several breakthrough measures, such as: relocating fishing village households from the bay to land-based residences; banning fishing activities in strictly protected zones; ending cargo loading and transshipment operations; removing polluting facilities from the heritage buffer zone; and establishing nature reserves and special-use forests to preserve the landscape. Tourism products and services on Ha Long Bay have been subject to specific standards, with cruise boats held to higher standards than those set at the national level.

Michael Burnside, a researcher from the University of New South Wales (Australia), remarked: “I am very impressed by the beauty of this heritage site, especially after learning about the environmental protection efforts in Ha Long Bay. I have gained valuable insights to incorporate into future research projects. Quang Ninh is doing an excellent job placing local residents and tourists at the centre of sustainable environmental protection efforts. They are the ones collecting waste, reducing litter, and promoting community engagement in preserving the heritage.”

The province has comprehensively implemented its code of conduct “Civilized tourism”, together with the code of conduct for Quang Ninh people and the code of conduct named “Ha Long Smile.”

Vu Kien Cuong, Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board, shared: “Public awareness campaigns on heritage protection have reached a wide range of target groups—from domestic and international students to coastal residents, tourists, organisations, and individuals involved in socio-economic activities on the bay. These efforts are closely tied to educational, extracurricular, and practical activities focused on environmental and landscape protection and Ha Long Bay’s heritage values.”

Since the 2000–2001 academic year, Quang Ninh Province has integrated Ha Long Bay heritage protection into school curricula—a move that has proven effective and is being scaled up. One notable initiative is the effectiveness of the Ecoboat educational model, an extracurricular activity on environmental protection in Ha Long Bay with the motto of playing while learning, learning while playing since 2005.

Tran Van Hieu, a student from Cam Pha City, shared: “These dynamic educational models have helped us better understand and improve our awareness of the need to protect Ha Long Bay’s environment, while also giving us valuable knowledge about the unique and special value of this World Natural Heritage Site.”

A UN expert team assesses the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in Ha Long Bay.

Elevating heritage Brand

The brand value of Ha Long Bay as a heritage site has grown significantly, earning recognition through multiple prestigious awards. It has been recognised three times by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site; voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature after surpassing 200 natural landmarks worldwide; named one of the most beautiful bays in the world; designated a top destination in Viet Nam in 2018; and listed among the top four destinations for witnessing stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Notably, in 2024, Ha Long Bay was ranked third among the world’s best travel destinations by the prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Destinations. It has also served as the filming location for several acclaimed films and documentaries.

During a recent working session with Quang Ninh authorities, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, praised the province’s efforts to address environmental challenges and its effective management and conservation of Ha Long Bay.

Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed: The inclusion of Ha Long Bay on UNESCO’s World Heritage list is a testament to the beauty of nature and the richness of Quang Ninh Province’s landscapes, culture, and ecosystems in particular, and of Viet Nam in general. The province’s tourism sector has made positive contributions, driving the development of many other industries, creating jobs, and improving local livelihoods.

Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, emphasised: Local communities play a crucial role in safeguarding the heritage values and in organising tourism services and activities on Ha Long Bay in a balanced and appropriate manner. Priority is given to protecting heritage sites while ensuring the sustainable conservation, exploitation and promotion of its value. The local community is the central and decisive factor in the conservation effort—especially in raising awareness among younger generations, who are considered the “key element” for the long-term sustainability of the heritage site.