Ha Long Bay

Vietnam’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its iconic limestone islands topped by rainforests and stunning caves set in jade-like green water

Ha Long Bay

Local Time: 07:33 Local Temperature: 21.02ºC/294.17ºF Location: Northern Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Magnificent World Wonder

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage, is famous for its emerald green water, numerous islets, mysterious caves and water activities. The area has recently seen a surge in property and hotel development given that it is the top travel destination in Vietnam but has a severe lack of quality accommodation. With massive investments in resort residences, world-class casinos, amusement parks and infrastructure, Halong Bay will see further increase in tourism over the coming years.

BUSINESS

ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

Quang Ninh Province, with Halong Bay being the region's main economic source, has the fastest fiscal growth in Vietnam. In 2016, the GDP reached 10.1%, higher than the country's GDP of 6.3%. The annual GDP per capita was relatively high at $4,095 USD. The region’s main economic sectors include construction at 52%, tourism at 41.2% and agriculture-fishery at 6.8%.

In the first 10 months of 2016, more than 2.58 million tourists visited Halong Bay, a surge of 21% year-on-year. The city aims to achieve an average annual growth of 12 to 14% by 2020, becoming a center of seaborne commerce.

Real Estate

The coastal city of Ha Long is transforming into a vibrant real estate market with numerous luxury condo and villa for sale with exclusive amusement parks and private beach.

The city is experiencing major infrastructure improvements such as the upcoming construction of Van Don International Airport, the Van Tien Bridge, the Ha Long-Hai Phong Highway, and the Van Don Resort Casino. Many big investors are seizing the opportunity by investing billions of dollars in resort property developments in this prime location as the numbers of arrivals continue to rise.

Lifestyle

People

Halong has a small population of 148,066 people in 2017. Its current GDP per capita in 2016 is US$3,900, which is 1.77 times higher than the average GPD per capita in the whole country. Most of the residents work in tourism and fishing industry. The population here is characterized by fishermen and fishing families who live in small floating houses anchored in sheltered coves at the bases of tall mountainous islands.

Cuisine

Halong offers exquisite dining in a wide range of restaurants such as the 1958 Restaurant that serves contemporary Vietnamese French fusion and Ngoc Luc Bao Restaurant that serves fresh seafood with a stunning view. Also, friends and families can enjoy a unique dining experience in one of Halong caves, including a menu that serves champagne, a seafood buffet, tapas and wine tasting.

Attractions

Ha Long Bay is famous for the remarkable touristic caves from the UNESCO Heritage site such as Dau Go, Ti Top and Thien Cung caves. Just an hour to an hour and a half drive northeast from Ha Long City is the special economic zone of Van Don, well-known with pristine beaches such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung. Van Don is promised to become a new luxury tourism and entertainment with a massive US$2 billion casino project under development, which will be operated by Vietnam’s reputable SunGroup.

Activities

Various adventures and mysterious awaits in Ha Long Bay. Activities include exploring or even dining in the alluring caves of Ha Long. Families or couples who wish to explore Ha Long’s beauty can join luxury cruises that offer impeccable services and amenities in their finest fleets. The emerald bay of Ha Long is popular for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. In addition to the various water activities, rock-climbing and cycling are other popular activities for both locals and visitors.