The Quang Ninh People’s Committee has issued new regulations to manage inland waterway vessels serving visitors in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Tourists will enjoy greater flexibility when visiting the two bays, with boats now able to depart earlier and return to port later than before.
During the summer season, from April 1 to October 31, daytime cruise boats will be allowed to depart at 5 am and return to port by 8 pm. Currently, boats can only depart after 6 am and must return to port before 7 pm.
In the winter, from November 1 to March 31 of the following year, daytime cruise boats will be permitted to depart at 5.30 am and must return to port by 7 pm. Under the current regulations, boats can only depart after 6.30 am and must return to port before 6.30 pm.
For restaurant boats operating in Ha Long Bay, the return time must now be by 11 pm, compared to the current requirement of 10 pm.
Meanwhile, overnight cruise vessels in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are required to enter the overnight anchorage area by 6.30 pm during the winter and by 7 pm during the summer.
The operating schedule for water recreation and entertainment vessels in the bays is between 5.30 am and 6.30 pm.
However, tourist vessels not carrying passengers are exempt from the regulations.
