(Halong Bay) TERMINATION OF KAYAK ACTIVITIES

For those who have been and will visit Halong, for those who are passionate about kayaking, especially in a natural heritage site - Halong Bay... Termination of kayak activities in Halong is about to be announced by An Insider of Vietnam shortly.

Issued by the Halong City at Document No. 2195/UBND, to all organizations and individuals; kayak activities are required a complete stop  from April 1st 2017.

According to the Halong City, a number of kayaks and activities in Halong Bay operated by overnight cruises have been growing rapidly, though, these operators have not been approved any plans for sustainable developments and safety.

The sunset dyed the sky and the mountains red in Halong Bay

A same opinion from the Halong local management is that the providers of kayak have not listed on the price noticeboard, nor followed the listing rules. Some was detected acts that “overcharge” tourists, negatively affecting the Halong Bay business environment. Another reason pointed out is that cruise owners have arbitrarily provided kayaks which lead to on-board staff cutbacks less than the compulsory number of crew members. It is so dangerous an illegal business form.

In contrast, relatively more of the respondents from of Halong Bay cruises reacted. “Kayaking, an essential water activity is interesting for tourists to explore Halong Bay, also quite safe. The termination mentioned above diminishes the appeal of Halong Bay programs as well as discourages tourists very much”, a company’s representative shared.

After a series of being fired and sank occurred from the beginning of 2017, causing concerns for the safety of visitors who stay overnight on both Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long, the Halong City has determinedly "Banned” and eliminated old cruises that has the potential dangers, causing negative impacts on life-threatening matters and the tourist image for Halong Bay.

Though the policy will be implemented in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay very soon, an expectation (probably bring it back to Halong in new forms) by which a better solution will be given for a better Halong will happen in future trips of those who love kayaking in Halong Bay.

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