Kayaking activities in Ha Long Bay have been suspended.

According to the explanation from Ha Long City: The number of kayaks and activities in Ha Long Bay operated by overnight cruise ships is currently growing rapidly, while the organizations and individuals providing these services do not yet have approved operating plans.

According to local authorities, the practice of organizing kayak rental services without displaying prices or adhering to posted prices constitutes price gouging, negatively impacting the tourism business environment in the bay. Furthermore, another reason cited, based on Notice No. 31/TB-UBND of Quang Ninh province, is that boat owners are prohibited from independently operating kayak rental services, potentially reducing the number of permanent crew members on board.

However, a representative of a company with many overnight cruise ships offering kayaking services in Ha Long Bay responded: "This is a very interesting and attractive form of tourism for foreign tourists, and it is also quite safe. The aforementioned ban makes it difficult for our company to provide diverse products and services to tourists staying in the bay, beyond just sightseeing and visiting caves before going to sleep," the representative said.

Following a series of boat fires and sinkings that have occurred since the beginning of the year, raising concerns about the safety of tourists visiting and staying overnight in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, Ha Long City has resolutely banned and removed many old, converted tourist boats that pose significant dangers, affecting the lives of tourists and the tourism image of Ha Long Bay.

Source: Labor Newspaper

The Thanh