Ha Long Bay among 100 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritages
The US newspaper Newsweek has listed Ha Long Bay of Vietnam among the Top 100 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include both natural and man-made wonders.
The US newspaper Newsweek lists Ha Long Bay of Vietnam among the Top 100 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The US newspaper Newsweek haslisted Ha Long Bay of Vietnam among the Top 100 most beautiful UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites, which include both natural and man-made wonders.
Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninhwas placed in the 14th position.
"Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin,includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape oflimestone pillars,” the Newsweek described.
“Because of their precipitous nature, mostof the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site'soutstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biologicalinterest," it said.
The Newsweek’s Top 100 most beautiful UNESCO WorldHeritage Sties have been picked out from the UNESCO list of over 1,000protected places across the globe.
Ha Long Bay, literally “descending dragon bay”, spans 1,553 square kilometres and includes 1,969 islands of various sizes. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000.
The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and islets in various shapes and sizes.
༺ The limestone in the bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The geo-diversity of the environment has created biodiversity, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic and sea biosystem. Ha Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species.
Ha Long Bay has been twice recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and named one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The heritage site has become a magnet drawing visitors to Quang Ninh. Last year, the province welcomed a total of 9.87 million tourists, including 4.28 million foreigners.
𝔉 Quang Ninh province aims to attract over 12 million visitors this year, including 5 million foreigners.-VNA
Tourist arrivals to the northern province of Quang Ninh hit 6.6 million in the first five months of 2018, an increase of 26 percent from the same period last year.
The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh is focusing resources on improving its tourism infrastructure, targeting to welcome 12 million visitors, including 5 million foreigners, this year.
A management board of the undersea tunnel at the gateway of the world heritage site of Ha Long Bay has been set up under a decision announced by the People’s Committee of northeastern Quang Ninh province on May 31.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
The US newspaper Newsweek lists Ha Long Bay of Vietnam among the Top 100 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Photo: VNA)
