Every year Ha Long started to see millions of tourists from all over the world, but very few actually stayed for any length of time. The town itself was little more than a pit stop. Most tourists simply clambered off a bus before boarding a traditional junk and setting off across the bay to sightsee. When they returned to shore, there were not enough activities or attractions in Ha Long to keep them entertained for a few days. Besides enjoying dinner at a seafood restaurant, for more than two decades, most visitors rarely had anything else to do. In 2018 Quang Ninh received 12.2 million visitors, up 24 percent against the previous year, including 5.2 million foreigners, a 22 percent increase, with a large number coming to Ha Long. The tourism revenues reached VND24 trillion ($1.03 billion), up 28.1 percent.
Ha Long had been plagued by pollution caused by mining and urban expansion; people had little interest in spending time there. But by treating wastewater, replacing the sand and building the magnificent Bai Chay Bridge, which has colorful LED lights on at night, the sustainable company, Sun Group has transformed Bai Chay beach, and its white sands and clear waters now attract visitors throughout the year especially during holidays.
And that was just the beginning of Sun Group’s plan to make Ha Long a more attractive tourist destination. In 2016 Sun World Halong Complex, a world-class amusement complex, opened. The industry observers said this was the inflection point for Ha Long, which means ‘Descending Dragon’ in Vietnamese. The Dragon Theme Park and Typhoon Water Park also have a lot to offer guests like, for instance, Asia’s longest and most fascinating rollercoaster besides many other exciting games and rides.
It is expected that 2019 will see even better figures as Quang Ninh and Ha Long look set to grow from strength to strength.
Located right next to the Sun World Halong Complex, Sun Premier Village Resort Ha Long Bay offers visitors resort villas and shophouses. At Sun Plaza Grand World – Shophouse Europe, Sun Group has recreated the architectural splendors of Vienna, and the place also serves as a center for amusement, culture and art.
Tags: Bai Chay Bridge, sustainable, Vietnam
