Quang Ninh welcomed over 3.7 million visitors in the first two months of 2025, marking 27% growth from the same period in 2024. International arrivals totalled 740,000, contributing to total tourism revenue of more than 8.3 trillion VND (325 million USD), a year-on-year increase of 8%.
Since early 2025, Quang Ninh has been a vibrant hub for sea and island tourism, welcoming thousands of international visitors.
Two luxury cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Silver Whisper, docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port on the first morning of the Lunar New Year, carrying over 1,200 visitors to experience the landscapes, culture, and people of Quang Ninh.
Forecasts indicate that cruise tourism in Ha Long will grow by 15–20% in the coming years, as leading international cruise lines maintain frequent visits.
Director of Ha Long International Passenger Port Pham Van Hiep said that the port has proactively expanded connections and broadened the cruise tourism market by working with cruise representatives, introducing Quang Ninh's port capacity and immigration policies, and participating in international cruise tourism fairs.
“We also organise fam trips for cruise visitors, update cruise lines on major cultural events, festivals, and key provincial activities to assist in itinerary planning,” he revealed.
He added that special attentions have been paid to promote Ha Long International Passenger Port to countries to major cruise tourism markets, such as the US Singapore, and China, to establish Ha Long as a strategic destination in their itineraries.
After 16 years of interruption, the Beihai - Ha Long cruise route has reopened since November 2024.
This reopening marks a strong partnership between both sides and its operational revival, bringing nearly 1,500 international visitors to Ha Long at the end of 2024.
Cruise tourists on the Beihai - Ha Long route show great enthusiasm for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay and engaging with the unique cultural features of Quang Ninh.
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International cruise tourism to Quang Ninh has strongly rebounded in recent years. |
According to a representative of Hon Gai Tourism and Services Joint Stock Company - Quang Ninh branch, the unit responsible for reopening and operating this route, the current all-inclusive package tour price for Chinese tourists on the Beihai - Ha Long - Beihai route ranges from 3.5 to 5.3 million VND per person (140 USD – 210 USD).
The package covers a two-night stay, onboard meals, and certain services. Tourists are responsible for additional onshore expenses.
By November 2025’s peak season, the Beihai - Ha Long cruise route is expected to run three trips weekly. To diversify and enhance its appeal, the company plans to extend tours beyond Ha Long, with potential expansions to Hanoi - Ninh Binh or longer routes to Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
On March 12, the province held a working session with a Japanese cruise tourism delegation.
Together with tourism and service providers, we will intensify promotional efforts to position Quang Ninh as a key destination for the Japanese market, as well as a frequent stop for international cruise lines.
Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee
Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, affirmed that the province pledges to offer the best conditions, developing more attractive tourism products, and ensuring security and safety.
“Together with tourism and service providers, we will intensify promotional efforts to position Quang Ninh as a key destination for the Japanese market, as well as a frequent stop for international cruise lines, including Japanese,” she stated.
A notable outcome is the docking of the first Japanese cruise ship to Ha Long in April last year. This marks the first time the province has welcomed a chartered cruise ship, opening opportunities to enhance cruise routes connecting Japan with Quang Ninh, Vietnam, and concretising the province’s strategy to attract high-end tourists.
A representative from renowned Japanese cruise tour operator Peace Boat highly praised Quang Ninh's well-developed transport and tourism infrastructure, along with its diverse experiences catering to all visitor needs.
The province’s proactive coordination with relevant stakeholders in preparing for the upcoming cruise — covering port logistics, immigration procedures to hospitality arrangements — is expected to enhance the visitor experience. This serves as a foundation for strengthening connections and increasing cruise arrivals from Japan to Ha Long in the near future.
Cruise tourism development is a core priority for the province, with the goal of positioning Quang Ninh as a major tourism hub, fostering regional and global connectivity. The province aims to build a cultural industry centre with premium resorts, modern infrastructure, diverse high-quality tourism products, a strong global brand, and competitive strength.
It also seeks partnerships with international airlines, cruise lines, and leading global tourism corporations. This ambitious objective highlights Quang Ninh’s crucial role in promoting regional and international linkages, contributing to overall socio-economic development, particularly in tourism.
Boasting a comprehensive and modern transport network encompassing air, sea and expressways system, along with Ha Long International Cruise Port — the first of its kind in Vietnam, Quang Ninh is prepared to welcome high-end international cruise ships to Ha Long in 2025.
