Reopening kayak rental service in Halong Bay from May

Kayaks operate on 8 tourist routes including Ba Hang, Hang Luon, Ho Dong Tien, Trinh Nu Cave, Vung Vieng, Cua Van, Vong Vieng, Cong Do, and Co Cave.

Reopening kayak rental service in Halong Bay from May

On the afternoon of April 26, Nguyen Duc Long, Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, instructed the organization and management of some water recreational services in Halong Bay based on the proposed plan of the city's People's Committee. Accordingly, kayak rental service is added to the tourism products in Halong Bay, operating from May 1st, on 8 announced and exploited tourist routes.

To operate this service, businesses must ensure safety conditions, register with the competent authorities, and sign contracts with the Management Board of Halong Bay.

The Halong Bay Management Board must define boundaries, demarcate activity areas, arrange staff to control and manage activities at 8 points. Ha Long City must review the number of kayaks being managed and is not allowed to add more, while issuing regulations on safety conditions for kayaks and operating hours.

Currently, there are over 1,400 kayaks in Halong Bay, with more than 300 in operation in various areas, and 1,100 carried by 163 overnight cruise ships to serve tourists.

At the end of March, the People's Committee of Ha Long City announced the suspension of kayak services on Halong Bay due to reports of overcharging tourists, impacting the business environment. However, this decision stirred dissatisfaction among travel businesses as kayaking is a unique tourism product of Halong, attracting many tourists, especially foreigners.
On the same day, alternative arrangements for rowing boat services were also approved by the provincial People's Committee, similar to kayaking. The People's Committee of Ha Long City was tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for kayaking and rowing boat activities until 2020, reporting to the provincial People's Committee before June 30, 2017.

With 33 high-speed boats currently operating without proper authorization, the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee instructed the People's Committee of Ha Long City to suspend operations to ensure safety. Subsequently, an assessment will be made, and specific proposals will be submitted for the provincial People's Committee's consideration in the near future.

According to Vy An/Vnexpress

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide