Ha Long Bay's 30-year journey as a world natural heritage site

Thirty years ago, on December 17, 1994, UNESCO recognized Ha Long Bay as a world natural heritage site for its aesthetic value. This event held immense cultural significance as well as political and economic importance in Vietnam's development efforts.

In 2000, UNESCO futher recognized Ha Long Bay as a world natural heritage site for its exceptional geological and geomorphological values. Notably, in September 2023, UNESCO acknowledged Ha Long Bay as a world natural heritage site with an adjusted and expanded boundary to include the Cat Ba Archipelago (Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City). Consequently, Ha Long Bay became Vietnam's first inter-provincial world heritage site.

With these remarkable milestones, Ha Long Bay has affirmed its status as a unique natural wonder, renowned for its stunning landscapes and the cultural and historical values it inspires. Ha Long Bay has made a significant contribution to the development of Quang Ninh. Consequently, it positioned the province’s tourism industry as a key economic driver, supporting the province’s economic and social development while improving the quality of life for local residents.

As a source of pride for the local residents of Quang Ninh and Vietnamese citizens as a whole, Ha Long Bay has become one of the most popular destinations in recent years. Over the last thirty years, the bay has welcomed more than 56.3 million visitors, including over 30 million international tourists who came to admire, explore, and experience the wonders of nature.

During their journey at Ha Long Bay, visitors can expect a series of delightful surprises as they explore its famous cave systems, learn about its historical legends, and immerse themselves in the fresh, open atmosphere of the surrounding environment.

Regarding the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, Katherine Muller-Marin, Chief Representative of the UNESCO Office in Viet Nam, remarked: “Ha Long Bay is the perfect example of a unique ecosystem, featuring countless limestone karsts, caves, and arches, along with small islands rising from crystal-clear waters and a breathtaking natural environment. It captivates anyone who visits Vietnam with unforgettable experiences and memories.”

Development in combination with conservation for Ha Long Bay

Over its thirty-year journey, Ha Long Bay has undergone significant transformation, with comprehensive investments in port infrastructure and coastal transportation systems. Yet, its natural landscape and inherent values prevail thanks to local preservation efforts. Throughout all stages of its growth, Ha Long Bay remains a “treasure” and a key driving force for Quang Ninh Province’s rapid development.

Quang Ninh Province has actively implemented the management, conservation, and promotion of the values of Ha Long Bay as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in compliance with the World Heritage Convention, its Operational Guidelines, and Vietnam’s legal framework for heritage management. Notably, the province also regularly develops and updates policies and mechanisms for managing Ha Long Bay to match practical needs.

Accordingly, Quang Ninh currently focuses on surveying, researching, and preserving the bay’s globally significant and outstanding values; closely monitoring socioeconomic activities on the bay; implementing comprehensive environmental management; maintaining and expanding international cooperation; and upgrading infrastructure at sightseeing sites and overnight accommodations to attract additional visitors. The province has established strict control over tourism services to enhance the quality of visitor experiences. It has also allocated resources to developing new tourism products and services.

Vu Kien Cuong, Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board, shared: “We are looking into new ways to improve the current tourism products and create brand-new, high-end, premium products for wealthy tourists with substantial purchasing power. For instance, we are currently exploring the potential of the currently underutilized cave systems, beach areas, and recreational zones located far from the crowded central areas.”

According to statistics, Ha Long Bay currently offers 8 sightseeing and tourism routes and 5 clusters of overnight accommodations. The variety of tourism products and services continues to grow in diversity, with a focus on sustainable tourism development and meeting the increasing demands of visitors. Notable services include cave tours, overnight stays, beach activities, kayaking, and boat rowing.

As a result, Ha Long Bay has become an increasingly attractive destination, drawing both domestic and international tourists. Moreover, the bay has introduced significant prospects for the economic and social development of Quang Ninh Province.

However, the management, conservation, and promotion of the heritage values face major challenges. These include the pressures on the environment and heritage values from local urbanization and socioeconomic activities, as well as the growing number of visitors each year. These factors ultimately lead to greater demand for infrastructure and services such as restaurants, hotels, entertainment areas, and ports. These developments pose potential risks to the ecological environment and can affect the quality of the visitor experience.

With the determination to "overcome difficulties and conquer challenges," Quang Ninh Province has implemented various solutions to enhance the sustainable management, conservation, and promotion of heritage values. The province also deployed public awareness campaigns to protect the environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of this world natural heritage site.

In recent years, Ha Long Bay has appeared on several top global destination lists by international organizations, news agencies, and foreign media outlets. Notable recognitions include: Travel & Leisure magazine listing Ha Long Bay among the 55 most beautiful destinations in the world (May 2024); Forbes naming it one of the 24 best destinations for 2024; CNN’s travel section ranking it in the top 25 most beautiful destinations globally; and The Travel, a prominent U.S. travel website, listing Ha Long Bay as one of the 10 most visited natural wonders in the world (December 2023).