Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra signed Decision No. 704/QD-TTg dated April 21, 2026 of the Prime Minister approving the Task of planning the preservation, repair, and restoration of the special national relic Ha Long Bay Scenic Landscape, Quang Ninh province.
According to the approval, the scope of planning research includes the entire landscape space, landmarks, locations and natural areas closely related to the formation and development of Ha Long Bay.
Accordingly, the planning area extends over the mainland and sea area belonging to the administrative boundaries of 8 communes, wards and special zones of Quang Ninh such as Tuan Chau, Ha Tu, Bai Chay, Hong Gai, Ha Long, Ha An, Quang Hanh and Van Don.
In addition, the scope also includes the sea area bordering Cat Hai special zone (Hai Phong city), relic protection areas, sea space, special-use forest system, headwater forest, water surface and related flows.
The total planned area is about 676.36 km2, coinciding with the core and buffer zone of the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site - Cat Ba Archipelago recognized by UNESCO and archived.
The goal of the plan is to comprehensively preserve the outstanding values of Ha Long Bay, including natural landscapes, environment, geology, geomorphology, biodiversity and unique ecosystems; and at the same time preserve cultural, historical and cultural identity spaces of the sea and islands.
The plan also aims to fully identify the potential and value of relics; complete the system of records and data to serve management, protection and value promotion. At the same time, clearly define the boundaries and scope of heritage protection areas in accordance with reality and current legal regulations.
This is also the basis for concretizing the relevant plans that have been approved, such as Quang Ninh Provincial Plan for the period 2021-2030, vision to 2050 and Ha Long City General Plan to 2040.
The planning is aimed at further affirming the role of Ha Long Bay in the development strategy of Quang Ninh province, the Northeast region and the whole country; and at the same time building a model of conservation associated with sustainable development, strengthening connectivity and enhancing heritage status in socio-economic development, especially tourism.
In addition, the plan will orient the organization of space, develop appropriate infrastructure according to each stage, associated with the conservation of the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago.
Planning is an important legal basis for implementing component projects, building management mechanisms, investment plans, implementation roadmaps, and at the same time attracting social resources to participate in preserving and promoting relic values.
The planning period is defined to 2035, with a vision to 2050.
