In the heart of Halong Bay, vibrant red sails carry
tourists from the docks for a one-hour journey along the
bay's shoreline. The leisurely pace opens up an
intimate, relaxing perspective, imbued with the rich
maritime culture.
Bai Tu Long Bay cruise tours
Launched to serve tourists from the end of June 2026,
the Halong Bay three-walled boat is a new tourism
product jointly developed by Quang Ninh Waterway
Passenger Transport Company. Initially, the fleet
consists of 6 boats, each accommodating a maximum of 12
passengers and 2 crew members. This small size creates a
private and quiet atmosphere, suitable for families,
groups of friends, or tourists seeking a relaxing
experience after exploring the city.
The allure of the journey thus begins with the
three-walled boat itself: The hull is constructed from
three main planks, including a bottom plank and two side
planks; the boat has two masts with distinctive
bat-wing-shaped sails, long associated with the fishing
and transportation activities of the inhabitants of the
Bach Dang estuary.
More than just a means of transportation, each
three-walled boat tells the story of the long-standing
boat-building craft and the creativity of the coastal
inhabitants. These boats, restored to their original
form at the workshop of People's Artisan Le Duc Chan
(Lien Hoa ward), have been modified with some
adjustments to meet safety requirements and serve
tourists. Their vibrant red sails stand out against the
rocky mountains and the water, becoming a unique
landmark in the bay.
Starting with the story of the boat, the journey
continues, leading visitors to explore a familiar yet
unfamiliar Halong Bay. Leaving the dock, the boat passes
by the Bai Tho Bridge area, Vincom Halong shopping
center, Quang Ninh Museum and Library, the Provincial
Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, Hon Gai beach, and
then returns to the starting point. The route is
approximately 12km long, just enough for passengers to
experience the interesting transition between natural
landscapes and coastal urban spaces.
In particular, when viewed from the water, the familiar
structures of Hon Gai seem to take on a different
appearance. The black architectural block of the Quang
Ninh Museum stands out on the bay's edge; the Provincial
Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, with its curved
shape resembling a dolphin, becomes more clearly
visible. In the distance is the modern coastal urban
area, while right beside the boat is the wide-open
water, the sea breeze, and the characteristic rock
formations of Halong Bay.
Not only does it change your perspective, the open space
and close proximity to the water also allow visitors to
better feel the rhythm of the waves and wind. When the
sails are unfurled, the gentle lapping of water against
the wooden hull creates a refreshing experience compared
to sitting on large cruise ships. Therefore, the trip
also becomes an ideal time to take photos, admire the
city from the sea, or simply escape the hustle and
bustle of life on shore.
To enhance the experience beyond mere sightseeing, the
product incorporates explanatory QR codes, allowing
visitors to learn about the history of the three-walled
boats, the culture of the coastal inhabitants, and the
points of interest along the journey. The product is
also designed to introduce fishing village cuisine, folk
singing, and other relevant cultural content,
contributing to a recreation of the life of the fishing
community in Halong. As a result, the short tour gains
added cultural depth, bringing visitors closer to local
values.
According to the schedule, the boats operate daily from
8 am to 5 pm, with each trip lasting approximately 60
minutes. The early morning hours are suitable for those
who want to enjoy the cool air, while the late afternoon
trip usually has beautiful light, perfect for taking
photos with the sails and the city skyline.
For a smooth trip, visitors should contact the operator
in advance to check departure times, especially on
weekends or days with changeable weather. Visitors
should also arrive at the pier early before departure,
wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, and avoid
bringing items that could easily fall into the water.
The three-walled boats offer a short, close-to-shore
journey that is unique and rich in character,
contributing to a renewed experience and evoking
memories of Halong Bay's maritime culture.
Source:
Experience Halong Coastal Culture on Traditional Red Sail Boat
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