The luxury Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise 2 is set to commence trial operations in Bai Tu Long Bay in May. This is part of Quang Ninh Province’s plan to introduce 62 new tourism products this year.
The luxury Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise 2
The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise 2, designed with six stories, promises service quality meeting international five-star standards. It will focus on exploring new routes within Bai Tu Long Bay to meet the increasing travel demand during peak seasons.
This innovative tourism product not only aims to showcase the tourism potential of the natural landscape in Quang Ninh but also to expand the tourism offerings of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Previously, the overnight cruise ship Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise I, featuring a similar design, successfully operated in Halong Bay, contributing to the creation of a fresh image and attracting a large number of tourists to Quang Ninh.
The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise 2, designed with six stories, promises service quality meeting international five-star standards.
Bai Tu Long National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Bai Tu Long National Park surrounded by gigantic rocky limestone mountains includes primitive forests, rare wildlife species and precious flora.
Bai Tu Long National Park is listed among 31 national parks in Vietnam and one of 7 national parks possessing both land and marine areas. The park covers 15.783 ha, including 6.125 ha of island land and 9.658 ha of tidal land on Ba Mun, Tra Ngo Lon, Tra Ngo Nho, Sau Nam, Sau Dong, Dong Ma, and more than 20 other small islands.
This Quang Ninh – based park is rich in ecological potentials with diverse resources and hundreds of rare species such as monkeys, snakes, pangolins, deer, wild boars, wild pigs, civets, wild cats, etc.
The premitive beauty of Thien Nga (Swan) Islet
Apart from its biological diversity, the park boasts wonderful natural landscapes, intact beaches, archaeological sites of ancient Vietnam and vestiges of the former busy trading port of Van Don.
Visiting this place, tourists have a good chance to experience fishing, catching snails, go scuba diving, or seeing many monkeys climb on limestone mountains and primeval forests.
The flat landscape of Mang Ha waters stretches to the horizon.
Travellers can also enjoy tasty meals on tourist cruises or at a variety of restaurants and hotels at the island communes of Minh Chau and Quan Lan and the town of Cai Rong in Van Don district.
It takes tourists from 40 to 120 minutes to travel from Halong city, Cam Pha city, the centre of Van Don district to Bai Tu Long national park by tourist boats. If tourists depart from Hanoi, Hai Phong and some northern provinces, they can go to some passenger stations to take any car running on the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long – Van Don expressway.
From central and southern provinces and cities, travellers can take flights from Hochiminh city’s Tan Son Nhat airport or Danang city’s Danang airport to the Van Don international airport in Van Don district.
The record of Vietnam”s largest squid cake was confirmed by the Vietnamese record organization VietKings during the Beer and Squid Cake Festival, held in the Ocean Park area, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long city on April 27.
The Vietnamese record organization VietKings granted the certificate of record to Ha Long city’s Manh Ha Seafood Company.Squid cake is a delectable dish that many tourists crave when visiting Quang Ninh Province, and it is recognized as one of 50 famous Vietnamese specialties by VietKings.
The squid cake weighed 210 kilograms, measured 3.4 meters in length, and stood 0.5 meters high, equivalent to about 4,000 normal squid cakes.
The frying pan was square-shaped, measuring over 3.4 meters on each side, and standing 60 centimeters high. The mold for making the squid cake was round, 2.6 meters in diameter and 30 centimeters thick.
The festival will last until May 1.
The squid cake weighed 210 kilograms, measured 3.4 meters in length, and stood 0.5 meters high, equivalent to about 4,000 normal squid cakes. The giant squid cake is sliced into pieces for diners to enjoy at the Beer and Squid Cake Festival.Ha Long authorities taste squid cake with locals and tourists.Tourists seem excited about trying this speciality.
The event aimed to enhance the city’s tourism brand, serving as a bridge to connect businesses.The festival will last until May 1.A variety of local products (OCOP) are displayed and sold during the festival.
The opening of the much awaited Carnaval Ha Long 2024 festival in the northern province of Quang Ninh which is slated for April 28 evening, is approaching and tickets for cruise tours during the occasion are selling well, especially with a fireworks show on the occasion.
Carnaval Ha Long 2024 festival in the northern province of Quang Ninh is slated for April 28 evening. (Photo: baoquangninh.vn)
For the first time, a floating stage will be formed off the Bai Chay beach with about 200 vessels. Besides fireworks, the event will also feature drone and LED displays.
Cruises are offering tours to see the displays at 300,000 (12 USD) to 450,000 VND (16 USD) per person. The cruises will depart from Tuan Chau and Ha Long international tourism ports at dusk and sail to Bai Chay beach.
On the way, passengers will enjoy teas and pastries in an afternoon tea session, followed with fine dining and several activities on board before contemplating extravagant firework displays on the UNESCO-recognised World Natural Heritage Site Ha Long Bay.
For the first time, a floating stage will be formed off the Bai Chay beach with about 200 vessels.(Photo: laodong.vn)
The festival will bring together domestic creative teams, leading artists and craftsmen, as well as troupes from Japan’s Hokkaido, China’s Guangxi, Laos, Thailand, and Europe.
Furthermore, as part of the Ha Long tourism week 2024, the city will host a series of events, including the opening of a culinary pedestrian street, a sport tournament, a festival of beer and the province’s famous Cha Muc (fried squid patties), as well as lion-dragon dance, modern dance, and kite festivals.
UNESCO has responded to the scientific dossier seeking its recognition for the Complex of Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscapes as a world heritage site, according to the Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Dong pagoda in the Yen Tu historical relic (Photo: VietnamPlus)
UNESCO said the dossier meets all technical requirements outlined in the World Heritage Convention, the department said.
The dossier comprises 2,139 pages of original Vietnamese and their English translations, along with 101 diagrams and maps, 196 architectural drawings, 260 archaeological drawings, and 1,141 photographs, representing the historical, cultural, architectural, intangible, and tangible heritage values; and an overall management plan across the three northern provinces of Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, and Bac Giang.
This is the first heritage dossier in Vietnam within the series of 18 heritage clusters, featuring 32 inter-provincial relic sites with a vast area and complex mountainous terrain.
The complex cover of four clusters of special national historical relics: the Yen Tu historical relic and landscape area (Uong Bi city of Quang Ninh), the Tran Dynasty historical relic area (Dong Trieu township of Quang Ninh), the Tay (Western) Yen Tu relic and landscape area (Bac Giang), and the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex (Hai Duong).
A large number of relics and landscapes in the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son Kiep Bac complex have been recognised as provincial or national heritage sites which boast a harmonious combination of natural landscapes and architectural structures with special values.
Besides, the complex holds great historical significance as it is the birthplace of Truc Lam – the Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong (1258 – 1308). It was also associated with the formation and development of the Tran Dynasty (1225 – 1400).
After an unforgettable two weeks in the beautiful Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, the Clipper Race fleet has embarked on its next race, setting sail towards Zhuhai, China in a short 600 nautical mile sprint – estimated to take just four days to complete.
Image: Parade of Sail
The departure from the International Cruise Port in Ha Long Bay was marked by a vibrant sendoff, complete with traditional lion and dragon dancers, rhythmic drummers, and a paragliding flare display, captivating both crew and onlookers.
A first time Host Port on the Clipper Race circuit, as the non-professional Race Crew bid farewell to Ha Long Bay, they will be left with a stopover full of memories.
During their stay in Quang Ninh Province, Race Crew have immersed themselves in Vietnamese culture, indulging in a diverse array of experiences, from exploring ancient caves to hiking mountain trails, mastering the art of crafting the renowned squid cakes of the region, and venturing out into the thousands of islets the area has to offer.
The warmth and hospitality of the Host Port has left crew members glowing about their stay in the province.
Image: Crowds line the docks to bid farewell to the fleet
Skipper Mike Miller, from PSP Logistics said: “I have had the most amazing experience in Ha Long Bay. The people, and the food has been more than I imagined. I am leaving here with fond memories and cannot wait to return again”.
The leaving ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Quang Ninh Province and Clipper Race officials, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung. Deputy Director of Quang Ninh Culture and Sports Department, Ms Nguyễn Huyền Anh is Deputy Director of Quang Ninh Department of Tourism.
Image: Ha Long Bay departure
Speaking at the leaving ceremony, Laura Ayres Managing Director of Clipper Ventures said: “I truly believe that this stopover has achieved all objectives. Race Crew have been to museums, walking tours and visited the mountains to meet the Dao people at the Ky Thuong commune, trying rafting, cooking, dancing and hiking.
Image: Departure ceremony
“They have eaten their way around the region – someone told me that Quang Ninh Province cuisine is like tasting the whole of Vietnam in one place. From Ha Long Skipper Josh going to the fish market and learning the traditional process of making Squid Balls, to Race Crew having a cook off making spring rolls and seafood pancakes.
“We have seen many cultural performances that have been breathtaking, my personal highlight that I expect many of you will share was the violinist at the Gala Prize Giving and her emotive performance of Hello Vietnam”.
With Zhuhai beckoning on the horizon, the crew leave well rested and well fed, ahead of Race 8: The Sprint to the city of a hundred islands.
Eleven teams of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, or Clipper Race, arrived in Halong City in the northern province of Quang Ninh today, February 20.
The “Halong Bay, Vietnam” sailing team poses for a group photo in Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province – PHOTO: VNA
Qingdao, a Chinese boat with 20 crew members, was the first to dock at the Halong International Cruise Port.
The Clipper Race is a challenging competition divided into eight legs, featuring six ocean crossings. Halong City is one of the designated stopovers for Race 5 of this season.
About 400 sailors will be berthed at the port until February 27.
This season showcases 11 teams, including the Race 4 winner “Halong Bay, Vietnam.” The boat ranked third overall in its inaugural participation in the previous season.
Initiated in October 1996 in the United Kingdom, the Clipper Race has evolved into a prestigious sailing event attracting global entrepreneurs, celebrities, tourism experts, and social activists.
More than 50 renowned cities worldwide have served as stopovers for the race.
The first teams competing in the 2023-24 Clipper Round of the World Yacht Race on Sunday docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam.
A representative (in a white shirt) of Ha Long International Cruise Port in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam gives flowers to the teams competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Photo: N.Duong / Tuoi Tre
According to the organizer of the race, Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh is on the fifth leg of the 2023-24 race, which includes eight legs with 16 individual races and six ocean crossings.
The remaining teams will come to Quang Ninh on Monday.
The teams will stay in the province until Tuesday next week.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race draws nearly 400 sailors aboard 11 sailing yachts with the ‘Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’ team from Quang Ninh Province representing Vietnam.
The ‘Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’ team is about to dock at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Courtesy of organizer
The Vietnamese team won the fourth leg of the race: the Marlow Roaring Forties challenge.
In the previous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the ‘Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’ team ranked third despite joining the race for the first time, contributing to introducing the UNESCO-recognized Ha Long Bay and tourism in Quang Ninh and Vietnam as a whole to the world.
“We have gone through a long, challenging journey but it is wonderful when we finish [the previous legs] and are welcomed right at the port,” Finney said.
“We celebrated on deck and hope to have more experiences in Ha Long.”
Members of the Qingdao team from China win the leg to Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: N.Duong / Tuoi Tre
Director of the Ha Long International Cruise Port Pham Van Hiep said the arrival of the teams of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in the port urged Vietnam to modernize its ports to serve international events.
The Clipper Race was launched in 1996 in the UK.
The race gathers entrepreneurs, celebrities, tourism experts, and social activists with global influence.
To date, more than 50 cities worldwide have been destinations for the race.
Members of sailing teams competing in the 2023-2024 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, have joined numerous sightseeing activities and cultural exchanges in Ha Long Bay of Quang Ninh province after docking at Ha Long International Cruise Port on February 18-19.
The Vietnamese sailing team named “Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam” (Photo: baoquangninh.vn)
Addressing a ceremony to welcome members on February 21, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Tourism Nguyen Thuy Yen said the Clipper Race is a special event, offering an opportunity for the locality to promote the image of Ha Long Bay and local destinations.
Quang Ninh is famous for its unique nature and culture and friendly people, and Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO-recognised World Natural Heritage, she said.
Leaders of Quang Ninh province and members of the Vietnamese sailing team pose for a group photo (Photo: VNA)
Yen expressed her hope that ship crews will experience wonderful moments in Ha Long, thus introducing the beauty of Ha Long to places they visit.
Through this race, Quang Ninh wishes to introduce and promote its tourism potential and destinations, as well as opportunities and investment projects in the province to potential investors, she added.
The Clipper Race was first organised in 1996 in the UK. Since then, almost 6,000 race crew from diverse backgrounds representing more than 60 nations have undergone training and taken part in the competition.
The race, drawing nearly 400 sailors aboard 11 sailing yachts, is divided into eight legs and 16 separate races, including six ocean crossings. They can choose to either complete the full circumnavigation or opt for one or multiple legs.
Ha Long Bay is on the fifth leg within the Asia-Pacific Challenge where sailors will take part in the race and different activities during the 10-day event. Before arriving at the Vietnamese destination, the boats departed from Coral Sea Marina Resort (Airlie Beach in Whitsunday, Australia”s Queensland state).
As scheduled, the boats will leave Ha Long Bay on March 2, continuing their journey to Jiuzhou Port (Zhuhai city in China’s Guangdong province).
