Halong–Cat Ba “Two Destinations, One Journey”: UNESCO Heritage Routes Expand in 2026

In September 2023, UNESCO approved expanding the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage site to include the Cat Ba Archipelago — Vietnam’s first inter-provincial heritage model. In 2026, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong moved from inscription to operation: launching sea tourism routes that connect Halong Bay with Lan Ha Bay under a shared management approach.

New Connecting Routes

From April 2026, authorities formally launched interconnected sea routes linking Halong and Lan Ha, including common routes labelled VHL3, VHL4, VHL5 and VHL6.

According to Mr. Vũ Kiên Cường, Deputy Head of the Ha Long Bay–Yên Tử World Heritage Management Board, these routes plus inter-regional boat management rules are a key step toward unifying tourism space and heritage governance.

Easing Pressure on Classic Stops

For years, classic Halong itineraries concentrated boats at famous core sites such as Thiên Cung Cave, Đầu Gỗ Cave, Sừng Sốt Cave, Ti Top Island and Trống Mái Cave.

Connecting heritage spaces helps redistribute visitor flow toward quieter zones — better for both guest experience and conservation.

Early Numbers & Outlook

Press reports note that from April to June 2026, interconnected routes served 4,562 passengers. When fully operational, “Two Destinations – One Journey” products are expected to welcome roughly 5,000–6,000 passengers per day, with more than 50 overnight cruise ships operating regularly.

Quang Ninh and Hai Phong continue drafting a unified Management Plan and Protection Regulations for the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site — aligning private cruise products with UNESCO recommendations.

Source

📰 Based on: Vietnam.vn English — “Improving the governance mechanism of the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site.”
🔗 https://www.vietnam.vn/en/hoan-thien-co-che-quan-tri-di-san-the-gioi-vinh-ha-long-quan-dao-cat-ba

🏛 UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (ID 672).