Yen Tu, Con Son, Kiep Bac, Halong Bay, Cat Ba, and other
heritage sites are paving the way for new collaborative development in tourism
for both Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. This partnership goes beyond mere promotion;
it involves the systematic creation of itineraries featuring specific products,
services, and experiences.
Recently, at the Con Son - Kiep Bac Festival (September 26, 2026), a unified
brand identity was unveiled for the World Heritage complex comprising Yen Tu,
Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac. Featuring an image of a chrysanthemum flower
set within a bodhi leaf-accompanied by the message "Wisdom - Harmony - Spreading
Influence"-this initiative represents a cohesive promotional strategy for these
cross-provincial heritage sites. More importantly, these historic landmarks,
which visitors previously explored individually, are now being integrated into a
shared, unified journey.
Recognized by UNESCO in 2025, this heritage complex-spanning Quang Ninh, Hai
Phong, and Bac Ninh-is deeply linked to the history of the Tran Dynasty and the
Truc Lam school of Buddhism. These shared assets offer significant potential for
developing inter-regional cultural and spiritual tourism. According to Nguyen
The Hue, Chairman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, tourism associations
are strengthening their cooperation by encouraging businesses to survey routes,
develop tourism products, connect visitor networks, and conduct joint
promotional activities. These efforts aim to diversify visitor experiences and
enhance the overall competitiveness of tourism in the region.
To formalize this collaboration, in April 2026, tourism associations and
businesses from the three localities signed a memorandum of understanding for
the 2026-2028 period, centered on the concept: "One Journey - Three Heritage
Destinations". Building on the collaborative initiatives established in 2023,
the involved parties are working together to conduct surveys, develop products,
promote offerings, and explore joint strategies to stimulate tourism demand.
In practice, several products have already been launched. Hai Phong has
introduced three heritage-focused tours, including an itinerary that links Con
Son, Kiep Bac, Thanh Mai, Kinh Chu, and Nham Duong. In Quang Ninh, sites such as
Yen Tu, Ngoa Van, Thai Mieu, and Bach Dang can be integrated into inter-regional
programs. Beyond religious pilgrimage and historical exploration, these routes
can also incorporate culinary experiences, overnight stays, and cultural
immersion. However, to effectively attract visitors, businesses must reach a
consensus on departure schedules, pricing, pickup locations, and operational
management.
More importantly, each itinerary should be anchored by a cohesive narrative. Yen
Tu is intrinsically linked to the origins of the Truc Lam Zen school; Con Son is
associated with the school’s founding patriarchs; and Kiep Bac bears the legacy
of the great commander Tran Quoc Tuan (Hung Dao Dai Vuong). Weaving these
narratives into guided commentary and visitor experiences will add depth to the
offerings, encouraging travelers to explore multiple heritage sites within a
single trip.
While inter-regional cultural itineraries continue to be refined, cooperation
between Halong Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago has already yielded tangible
results. Following the expansion of the UNESCO World Heritage site designation
in 2023, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong have collaborated to resolve management
challenges and establish interconnected sightseeing routes. Starting in April
2026, cruise itineraries between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay will officially
commence operations. Accordingly, four inter-regional itineraries have been
licensed, with businesses beginning operations on select routes. Visitors can
combine visits to Cua Van, Tien Ong Cave, and Ba Ham Lake with destinations such
as Sang Toi Cave, Tra Bau, and Viet Hai village-engaging in activities like
kayaking, cave exploration, and learning about local fishing communities, or
opting for overnight stays on cruise vessels. The landscapes of Halong and the
tranquil charm of Lan Ha complement one another, enriching the overall visitor
experience.
The collaboration surrounding these heritage sites is gradually evolving from
formal agreements into tangible tourism products. In the first two months
following the launch of the integrated Halong-Lan Ha routes (between April and
June 2026), the services accommodated 4,562 visitors and generated over 1
billion VND in revenue. Two cruise vessels operated by Bhaya Cruises on the
Halong-Lan Ha route achieved an average cabin occupancy rate of 60-70% after
just over a month of operation.
However, joint development also necessitates a commitment to conservation. Both
localities must coordinate on vessel management, search and rescue operations,
waste control, and the monitoring of carrying capacity, while also sharing
visitor data. Regarding cultural heritage, such collaborations must respect the
existing landscapes, traditional rituals, and the lives of local communities,
ensuring that commercialization does not proceed unchecked.
From established maritime routes to emerging cultural itineraries, Quang Ninh
and Hai Phong are expanding the scope of their heritage-based tourism. As
products, services, and management frameworks become more seamlessly integrated,
these heritage assets will serve as a driving force for sustainable tourism
development in both regions.
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