Quang Ninh Brings Traditional Three-Plank Sailboats Back to Halong Bay

Vietnam News and VietnamPlus reported that traditional three-plank sailing boats — once part of local fishermen’s daily life — returned to Halong Bay as a new cultural tourism experience. The product was officially launched in Hạ Long’s Hồng Gai Ward on 29 June 2026, bringing iconic red sails back to the UNESCO World Heritage seascape.

Who Operates the Experience

The service is jointly operated by Quảng Ninh Waterway Passenger Transport JSC and Vietnam Sightseeing. Visitors can explore the bay aboard vessels modelled on historic local craft.

Vietnam Sightseeing’s director said the company plans to expand the fleet to around 10 boats. Operations are scheduled daily from 8:00 to 17:00.

Why It Matters for Travellers

Provincial tourism leaders praised the product for combining cultural preservation with visitor experience. Sustainable tourism, they noted, must go hand in hand with safeguarding local heritage.

Future plans mentioned in press coverage include traditional sailing races on Halong Bay and souvenirs inspired by the historic vessels — helping guests stay longer and experience more than a standard cruise itinerary.

Destination Context

Quảng Ninh aims to welcome about 22.5 million visitors in 2026 and generate more than VNĐ68.5 trillion (~US$2.6 billion) in tourism revenue. Distinctive products such as the three-plank sailing tour support that ambition by diversifying what travellers can do on the bay.

Sources

📰 Vietnam News — “Setting sail into Hạ Long’s heritage”.
🔗 https://ovietnam.vietnamnews.vn/setting-sail-into-ha-long39s-heritage-post407122.html

📰 VietnamPlus — Quang Ninh traditional sailboat / Halong–Lan Ha connectivity coverage.
🔗 https://en.vietnamplus.vn/quang-ninh-launches-traditional-sailboat-tours-along-ha-long-bay-post341629.vnp