Recently, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province issued regulations on measures to manage the operation of inland waterway vehicles serving tourists in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
According to the new regulations, tourists have more options for visiting Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, because ships depart earlier and return to port later than at present.
From October 20, 2024, daytime sightseeing boats, during the summer (from April 1 to October 31), will depart from 5am and return no later than 8pm. Meanwhile, the current regulation is to depart after 6am and return before 7pm.
During winter (from November 1 to March 31 of the following year), the day tour boat departs at 5:30 am and must return to the dock by 7 pm. The current regulation is that it departs at 6:30 am and must return to the dock by 6:30 pm.
For restaurant boats operating around Ha Long Bay, they must return to port no later than 11pm, while the current regulation is 10pm.
For ships staying overnight in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, they must enter the overnight accommodation area in the bay no later than 18:30 in winter and 19:00 in summer.
Operating hours of water entertainment facilities on the bay are from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The above regulations do not apply to cruise ships when not carrying passengers.
Under the new regulations, tourists and travel agencies can arrange their visits to Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay more flexibly. In particular, agencies can organize tours for tourists to go early to watch the sunrise, or sunset tours on the bay.
