Quang Ninh is the only province in Vietnam that simultaneously possesses two World Heritage sites: the natural heritage site of Ha Long Bay and the cultural heritage site of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex. This is both an advantage and a driving force for Quang Ninh to develop tourism and promote the heritage economy .
According to statistics from the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the period 2020-2024, the province welcomed over 59 million visitors, including 6.5 million international tourists. Total revenue from tourism activities reached over 113,310 billion VND, contributing 5.6-9.64% to Quang Ninh's annual GRDP.
In 2025 alone, Quang Ninh's tourism sector is projected to reach new heights, setting a new record of welcoming over 21.2 million visitors, including 4.5 million international tourists. Revenue is expected to reach 57,000 billion VND, with tourism contributing over 10% to Quang Ninh's GRDP.
Two World Heritage sites and a tourism hub - Video: NGUYEN HIEN - M. PHUC
Thirty-one years ago, Ha Long Bay was first recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, creating a global sensation and making Quang Ninh a must-visit destination for international tourists coming to Vietnam.
In July 2025, the inter-provincial heritage site of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac scenic area complex will be recognized as a world cultural heritage site, affirming Quang Ninh's rich potential for developing a heritage economy.
While Ha Long Bay is known for its unparalleled beauty – a wonder of land rising amidst the blue sky – and its unique and diverse range of tourism products, Yen Tu offers peace and tranquility where visitors can temporarily escape the hustle and bustle to return to the green of the mountains and forests, and to the Truc Lam Buddhist sect founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong more than 700 years ago.
These two World Heritage sites are the "treasures" that Quang Ninh can use to establish its brand and develop tourism. They reaffirm to the world the values of Quang Ninh, from its natural landscapes to its unique cultural features, enhancing the province's image and position on the international tourism map.
Furthermore, heritage sites also serve as resources for local businesses to diversify products and experiences, encouraging tourists to stay in Quang Ninh longer.
Mr. Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, shared that the recognition of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots as a world cultural heritage site is the result of efforts not only of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, or Bac Ninh, but of the whole of Vietnam over many years.
Following this recognition, Quang Ninh province, along with Hai Phong and Bac Ninh, reported to the Government, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a plan for the development of world cultural heritage sites, and to work with other localities to create products that connect the heritage sites, making them attractive destinations for tourists.
In November 2025, Quang Ninh decided to establish the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board by reorganizing the Ha Long Bay Management Board, the Bai Tu Long National Park Management Board, and the Management Board of Historical Sites and Scenic Spots.
The Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board is responsible for advising the Provincial People's Committee on the management, conservation, and promotion of heritage values; organizing tourism and service activities in the Ha Long Bay area, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots in Quang Ninh province (including the Yen Tu special historical site complex, the Tran Dynasty special historical site, the Bach Dang special national historical site cluster) and Bai Tu Long National Park - ASEAN Heritage Park.
According to Mr. Mai Vu Tuan, Head of the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board, reorganizing the management units will help streamline the organizational structure, professionalize it, and create uniformity in the management of heritage sites.
This creates a comprehensive and interconnected picture, providing a wider variety of services to meet the needs of tourists. The fact that the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board is under the direct authority of the Provincial People's Committee also facilitates coordination with localities such as Hai Phong and Bac Ninh in promoting and connecting heritage sites.
Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, Director of Marketing and Communications at Vietluxtour, noted that tourists are increasingly expecting more from heritage destinations. They not only want to "see the scenery," but want to have a deeper experience; not only want to "take photos for check-in," but want to listen to cultural stories, participate in interactive activities, and feel the unique differences that only that destination can offer.
To capitalize on Quang Ninh province's rare advantage of possessing two World Heritage sites simultaneously, local businesses and tourism service providers have come up with ideas to connect the natural and cultural World Heritage sites in a single itinerary.
Representatives from Tung Lam Development Joint Stock Company, a company with 25 years of experience with Yen Tu, have launched a new product called "One Journey - Two Heritages," offering visitors a 72-hour experience with premium services and emotional connections, from the sacred mountain to the emerald sea.
At Yen Tu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors live amidst the lush greenery of the mountains and forests, following in the footsteps of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, the founder of Truc Lam Buddhism, to the sacred peak of Yen Tu, touching the clouds.
Leaving Yen Tu, tourists continue to explore a unique natural heritage site in the world – "the wonder of rocks rising amidst the blue sky" – Ha Long Bay. The two experiences, though different in setting, share similarities in that both prioritize cultural values as their core element.
Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online, a representative from Paradise Vietnam stated that Paradise Legacy is the company's newest cruise ship, scheduled to begin operations in October 2025. Besides activities such as visiting Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, kayaking amidst the heritage site, and watching the sunrise and sunset over the bay, guests can immerse themselves in a cruise steeped in Vietnamese culture, from traditional five-panel ao dai dresses provided in each room, to delicious Vietnamese cuisine and traditional cooking classes. Each experience leaves guests with a lasting impression of Vietnam.
Infrastructure is a lever for tourism development - Video: NGUYEN HIEN - M. PHUC
Quang Ninh province has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: firstly, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac cultural heritage site, and secondly, the Ha Long Bay natural heritage site.
Quang Ninh also has 634 other historical sites, heritage sites, and scenic spots, along with the unique culture of the people of Quang Ninh, which have become valuable assets for the province in tourism development.
In recent times, in the work of preserving and restoring historical sites, we have both preserved traditional values and created unique landscapes.
At the same time, Quang Ninh is also focusing on investing in infrastructure development. Currently, the province has Van Don International Airport and three international ports capable of receiving large cruise ships bringing international tourists to Quang Ninh and Vietnam.
Currently, Vin Group is researching and implementing a high-speed train project from Hanoi to Quang Ninh, with an expected travel time of only about 30 minutes. Along with this, a high-speed train system connecting Hai Phong - Quang Ninh - Mong Cai (connecting with China) and many other infrastructure projects are underway. This infrastructure system will help Quang Ninh develop further.
Are visitors to Quang Ninh just coming for a meal or for a one-night stay before returning home? Quang Ninh is tackling this difficult question by building a "city that never sleeps," diversifying nighttime tourism activities, and enhancing the visitor experience.
During the period from 2023 to 2025, Quang Ninh is one of 12 localities tasked with piloting the development of the night-time economy to attract tourists in the new context after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The night-time economy model has become a new driving force for local tourism growth, making a positive contribution to the province's socio-economic development after the pandemic, and laying the groundwork for the formation of a distinctive "night-time tourism city" in the Northeast region.
The term "nighttime economy" originated in England in the 1970s and refers to activities that take place from 6 PM the previous day to 6 AM the following day.
Globally, the development of the night-time economy is a priority for many countries. In Asia, countries with prominent night-time economies such as Thailand, China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore have successfully built the brand of "cities that never sleep," thereby attracting tourists and making a significant contribution to their economies.
In Vietnam, the night-time economy is being promoted through the Prime Minister's "Development of the Night-Time Economy in Vietnam" project and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Some Models for Developing Night-Time Tourism Products" project. This serves as a foundation and driving force for the night-time economy nationwide.
As one of the 12 localities tasked with piloting the development of the night-time economy, Quang Ninh has learned from the experiences of successful night-time economic models around the world, building its own night-time tourism models and products.
This initiative is being piloted in Ha Long, Mong Cai, Cam Pha, Dong Trieu, Co To, and Van Don. Nighttime economic activities focus on five service sectors: cultural and artistic performances; nighttime shopping and entertainment; nighttime sports, healthcare, and beauty services; nighttime sightseeing and tourism; and nighttime food and beverage services.
According to Mr. Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, after two years of implementation, the night-time economy model has truly become a new highlight of tourism in the locality.
Currently, Quang Ninh has added about 20 new products that will come into operation from 2024, including many night-time economic products that are popular with tourists such as: night cruises to admire Ha Long Bay, art performances, night markets, pedestrian streets, night tours associated with cultural and historical heritage sites…
Most recently, numerous large-scale cultural and artistic events and music festivals have been organized, such as: the Superfest 2025 - Brilliant Summer program, the Skywave Ha Long 2025 music festival, Superfest Halong, Ha Long Concert 2025, the Quang Ninh - Heroic Mining Land music night… attracting tens of thousands of spectators each night; creating a positive effect linking the development of the cultural industry with tourism and the night-time economy.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat - General Director of APC Corporation, a company with many years of experience in Quang Ninh tourism - noted that during the pilot period of the night-time economy, Quang Ninh, especially Ha Long, has made a very clear transformation. From isolated night-time activities, Ha Long has begun to develop in-depth products linked to its core strengths of heritage and the sea.
Previously, nighttime activities in Ha Long mainly revolved around familiar models such as night markets, food streets, and a few small events. But since the pilot program was implemented, the province has proactively expanded nighttime experiences linked to the core resources of the sea, heritage, local culture, and high-quality services. Ha Long nights are no longer just for "consumption," but have become a space for exploration, entertainment, and enjoyment.
Building on the successes of the past two years, Quang Ninh continues to implement the project "Developing Quang Ninh province into a tourism center connecting with the region and the world by 2030, with a vision to 2045," which includes the goal of developing Quang Ninh into a center for tourism and nightlife entertainment.
Quang Ninh province has identified tourism development as a key economic sector, creating momentum to promote socio-economic development, characterized by high diversity and professionalism, building a strong brand, and reflecting the rich local cultural identity.
According to Mr. Bui Thanh Tu - Marketing Director of BestPrice - currently, Quang Ninh's night tourism products such as Bai Chay pedestrian street, night markets, SunWorld at night, shows, night food spaces... have created a new color but have not yet truly created a unique identity like Phuket (Thailand), Singapore or Seoul (Korea).
For international visitors, especially those from Australia, Europe, and the United States, they don't necessarily seek excessive excitement. What they expect in Quang Ninh is an entertainment space with cultural depth.
A survey of BestPrice Travel's customers shows that 70-80% of international tourists choose overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay because of the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere amidst the natural wonder, the close-to-nature experience, the reduction in urban hustle and bustle, the quality of service and cuisine, private cabins, and relaxing experiences such as kayaking, cave visits, cooking classes, and afternoon tea.
What they love most is the tranquil nights on the bay, enjoying the sound of the waves and the wind, escaping the noisy world. This is the unique characteristic that gives Ha Long its biggest competitive advantage over Phuket or Bali.
Younger travelers still appreciate a fun atmosphere, but without the loud, boisterous, and mass-produced noise. In other words, international visitors prefer a night that is "fun enough, sophisticated enough, and reflects the local culture," not a night of excessive revelry.
According to Mr. Tú, Quảng Ninh needs to develop night tourism in a cultural, sophisticated, and rationally zoned direction, instead of just chasing after "liveliness." Hạ Long already possesses the invaluable asset of its tranquil bay at night – and that should be the "signature" to guide the night tourism strategy.
Transforming culture into a "gold mine" for tourism development - Video: NGUYEN HIEN - M. PHUC
Beyond simply aiming for a 'city that never sleeps,' Quang Ninh province is ambitiously striving to transform itself into a new regional hub for cultural and creative industries.
With its inherent potential, the convergence and intermingling of distinctive cultural values (maritime culture, Truc Lam Buddhist culture, mining worker culture, ethnic minority culture, ancient culture, etc.), and the possession of two World Heritage sites, Quang Ninh province's aspiration for "transformation" has many opportunities to become a reality.
Particularly after implementing Resolution No. 33 on building and developing Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable national development, the Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 11 in 2018 and Resolution No. 17 in 2023 to concretize the implementation in the province, and Quang Ninh has achieved breakthrough developments.
Recently, Quang Ninh has gradually become a formidable new force on the domestic concert map, consistently hosting large-scale concerts that attract tens of thousands of spectators: Ha Long 2025 - The Spirit of Heritage, Bright Future (October 29th), Quang Ninh - Heroic Mining Land (November 12th).
Previously, a series of events in recent times such as the Ha Long Carnival (over the years), the International Music Festival, the Cherry Blossom and Apricot Blossom Festival in Yen Tu, the Quang Ninh Ao Dai Festival, the Winter Carnival - Shining Wonders, the Yen Tu Autumn Festival 2025, the artistic fireworks display from July 2025 to January 2026… have already shaped this place into a destination with many vibrant and attractive cultural and entertainment activities in the North, laying the groundwork for the development of the cultural industry.
However, the recent boom in Quang Ninh with two major concerts is truly significant because, until now, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City have been the familiar venues for this burgeoning performing arts market in Vietnam. The fact that these two concerts featured top artists, attracted over 30,000 attendees per night, and utilized modern performance technology, keeping pace with current concert trends, shows that the entertainment market still has vast potential, and Quang Ninh is indeed a promising destination.
Mr. Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, shared with Tuoi Tre newspaper that since the end of 2023, Quang Ninh province has issued Resolution No. 17 on the development of the cultural industry. The province has identified organizing cultural events as one of the important activities contributing to creating more tourism products to attract visitors to the locality.
Mr. Nguyen further informed that, with advantages in natural conditions and local culture, the province is also focusing on products related to the cultural industry such as music performances, film festivals, regional and international-level sporting events, MICE tourism activities… contributing to promoting the cultural industry associated with tourism development.
In fact, over the years, Quang Ninh has also had live performance shows, such as the "Hello Ha Long" show in Tuan Chau, and "Searching for the Gemstone" in Cam Pha… "The province is hoping to develop live performance shows in Ha Long and Yen Tu, and hopes that in the future there will be more shows to diversify the experiences and activities for tourists," he said.
In May, Quang Ninh also promoted the development of its film industry by participating in the program "Promoting Vietnamese tourism through cinema at the Cannes Film Festival and related activities" organized by the Vietnam National Tourism Administration and the Vietnam Film Promotion Association in France; and participating in the film promotion program in Japan in October 2025…
Furthermore, according to the night-time economic development plan approved by the Provincial People's Committee, activities such as cultural and artistic performances; night-time shopping and entertainment; sports, health and beauty care; night-time sightseeing and tourism; culinary culture and night-time food and beverage services… will continue to be implemented.
All of these elements connect to form a multi-layered, immersive experience that keeps tourists staying longer, creates a new flow of visitors, and becomes a new growth engine for the locality.
Building upon its rich heritage and culture, the Resolution of the 16th Congress of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, for the 2025-2030 term, sets the goal of developing culture into a strategic pillar, creating new momentum for the cultural industry and heritage tourism in the 2025-2030 period.
The province has issued two plans for implementing the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Cultural Industries until 2020, with a vision to 2030, and Prime Minister's Directive No. 30 of 2024 on the development of Vietnam's cultural industries. Currently, the cultural sector is advising the Provincial People's Committee on developing a pilot project for cultural and creative industrial zones and complexes in the province.
But how can Quang Ninh province "sell content" to fully exploit its potential and strengths in a sustainable way, while preserving its cultural identity?
Mr. Mai Vu Tuan, Head of the Management Board of the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Site, stated that creating content for sales, specifically for cultural and tourism products, is a very broad aspect with many ways to build and tell a compelling and vivid story.
However, according to Mr. Tuan, there is a phenomenon where people embellish and fabricate mystical elements, as well as shocking and intriguing stories, or give names that have no value, or names that sound very fancy and impressive but are actually very ordinary, inappropriate, and harmful to existing cultural values.
"I only recommend one fundamental principle: do not distort historical and cultural facts, and do not trivialize or compromise in promotion," he said.
A representative from the management team said, "What we sell here is about selling a true story. A good story itself is good content. The more original and authentic it is, the more customers will want to learn more."
Mr. Pham Ha - CEO of Lux Group - believes that to achieve these goals, not only Quang Ninh but many other localities need to abandon the mindset of "begging for heritage," and instead find ways to promote and enhance the value of that heritage by telling unique stories of the land and water, stories of history, culture, and people that touch the emotions of tourists.
Mr. Ha argued that few provinces possess as many heritage sites as Quang Ninh, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Ha Long Bay and the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac Complex of Historical and Scenic Sites. These should be considered treasures, and efforts should be made to connect the cultural and natural heritage, combining them into a value chain. For example, the story of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's ascetic practice and Vietnamese Buddhist culture could be combined with relaxation and leisure in Ha Long Bay. "The trip might be a little slower, but it will have more depth and a stronger connection with the body, mind, and intellect of the traveler," he suggested.
According to a representative of this travel group, high-end tourists are increasingly interested in culture and sustainability. If necessary, the focus should not be on the quantity of tourists, but rather on the quality and source of tourists, in order to develop more appropriate strategies. We shouldn't sell what we have, but what tourists need when they come to Quang Ninh.
Content: NGUYEN HIEN - DAU DUNG
Image: NAM TRAN
Design: HAI PHI
Video: NGUYEN HIEN - M. PHUC
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