Lan Ha Bay, located in Hai Phong, is gaining recognition for its pristine beauty and tranquil landscapes, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination. However, recent concerns have surfaced regarding the fast pace of high-speed ferries shuttling tourists between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. These concerns have raised alarms among tourism operators who fear for both the safety and quality of the travel experience for visitors.
The Journey to Lan Ha Bay – Fast But Risky?
Currently, the primary gateway for visitors traveling to Lan Ha Bay is Tuần Châu Port, located in Ha Long Bay. Tourists arrive at this port and then board high-speed ferries that ferry them through Ha Long Bay before taking them directly to the vessels anchored in Lan Ha Bay. The ferry journey, which typically lasts about 30 minutes, has been a preferred option due to the limited infrastructure in Hai Phong, which is still struggling to support a large volume of tourists.
However, some tour operators have raised concerns about the speed of the ferries. These high-speed boats, in their rush to transport passengers, are often seen speeding through Ha Long Bay at rates that some believe may pose safety risks. The current situation has led to a sense of unease among both locals and tourists.
A Growing Concern for the Operators
On Lan Ha Bay, there are currently 66 overnight cruise vessels, offering around 800 rooms for tourists. Most of these boats are operated by tourism companies from Quảng Ninh province, due to the restriction on expanding the number of vessels in Ha Long Bay itself. With limited options in Ha Long Bay, many boat operators have opted to build new ships for operation on Lan Ha Bay instead.
According to Mr. Nguyễn Duy Phú, the President of the Lan Ha Yacht Association, many of these operators face the challenge of transporting their tourists from Tuần Châu Port to Lan Ha Bay. Despite the desire to bring tourists directly from the port to the yachts in Lan Ha Bay, current regulations prevent cruise boats from crossing into Ha Long Bay to pick up passengers. As a result, high-speed ferries are being relied upon for the transfer, which has become a point of concern.
Some operators, mainly from Quảng Ninh, have invested in high-speed ferries to handle the transportation between the two locations. However, many other operators are forced to rent these ferries, with the rental fees costing anywhere from $7.66 to $8.51 USD per passenger per trip. This does not include an additional port fee of approximately $1.70 USD per person for every trip.
Suggested Solutions: Could a Direct Route Be the Answer?
Mr. Phú has suggested a possible solution to the situation: allowing the cruise ships to operate directly between the ports on Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, without diverting to other tourist spots on the route. This would not only help streamline the passenger flow but also improve the overall tourist experience.
He further elaborated that this new route would allow tourists to relax and enjoy their lunch onboard during the direct trip from Lan Ha Bay to Tuần Châu, without feeling rushed as they do now, trying to finish their meal early enough to catch the high-speed ferry back to Tuần Châu.
The Challenges of Expanding Capacity
While the proposed changes could certainly improve the tourist experience, there are significant challenges to overcome. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is already under pressure from the large number of visitors. In fact, UNESCO has advised limiting the number of tourist vessels to protect the natural environment of the bay. For this reason, Quảng Ninh province has imposed strict limits on the number of vessels operating in Ha Long Bay, currently capping it at around 500.
According to statistics from the Quảng Ninh Waterway Department, around 100,000 tourists were transported from Tuần Châu Port to Lan Ha Bay in 2022 via high-speed ferries. The first five months of 2023 saw an even larger volume, with over 104,000 passengers making the journey, resulting in 3,744 ferry trips.
What Does the Future Hold for Ha Long and Lan Ha?
While Ha Long Bay continues to captivate tourists with its remarkable beauty, the concerns raised by operators on Lan Ha Bay emphasize the need for sustainable solutions in tourism management. As both regions continue to attract more visitors, the need for better infrastructure and transportation options becomes increasingly apparent.
The call for better regulations and safer travel options between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay is a necessary step towards preserving the charm of these natural wonders. Ensuring the safety of both tourists and operators while maintaining the authenticity of the experience will be essential as the tourism industry grows in this stunning corner of Vietnam.
