Lift Ban for Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Quang Ninh province authorities have lifted the ban on kayaking trips on Ha long Bay after the city’s authorities faced huge opposition from travel firms that feature.
The document stated that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism had received feedback and recommendations from a number of enterprises and press agencies on the suspension of kayaking services in Ha Long Bay under Official Letter No. 2195 / UBND dated March 29, 2017, of Ha Long City People’s Committee. With regard to this issue, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism decided as follows:
Kayaking is a unique and attractive service, contributing to the diversification of Ha Long tourism products, creating a reputation for Ha Long Bay and interesting experiences for domestic and foreign tourists.

As some organizations and individuals do not list the prices or not sell at the listed prices, instead of stopping kayaking, Ha Long City People’s Committee is required to actively managing and guiding the enterprises to strictly comply with the regulations and ensure the safety of tourists.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee to consider, take effective management measures and create conditions for enterprises to continue providing kayak services in Ha Long Bay. In addition, the issuance of a policy and regulation should be announced within 3-6 months in advance for the business to know, adjust the program and announce to tourists.

In order to enhance the attractiveness and quality of tourism services in Ha Long Bay in particular and Quang Ninh Province in general, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed Quang Ninh People’s Committee to consider and take effective management measures to facilitate the businesses to continue providing kayak services in Ha Long Bay, meeting the increasing demand of tourists.

Previously, on March 29, Ha Long City People’s Committee (Quang Ninh) decided to stop the kayaking service in Ha Long Bay due to the signal of “ripping off” tourists, affecting the business environment in the bay.