Halong Bay Tourism Statistics 2026: Latest Data

Endowed with breathtaking natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Halong Bay continues to be one of the premier tourist destinations in Vietnam, drawing millions of visitors annually. As of 2025, the number of tourists visiting Halong Bay has surged significantly, establishing it as one of the most frequented attractions in the country. This article provides an updated overview of tourism statistics for Halong Bay, examining the trends and patterns that have emerged in recent years.

Swift Growth

To highlight the remarkable growth, Halong Bay has experienced a substantial increase in visitors over the past decade. In 2010, the bay welcomed approximately 1.6 million visitors, while in 2025, that figure has soared to over 8.2 million. This represents a more than five-fold increase in tourist numbers, making Halong Bay one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Here is a table of Halong Bay visitors (international arrivals) by year:

References:

• https://www.quangninh.gov.vn/pinchitiet.aspx?nid=77088
• https://baoquangninh.vn/tp-ha-long-don-tren-8-2-trieu-luot-du-khach-trong-9-thang-3262702.html

Significant Tourism Recovery Following the Pandemic

In 2022, Quang Ninh province and Halong Bay successfully rebounded from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. By late June, the province recorded 5.5 million visitors, surpassing half of its target for the year. Ultimately, the total number of visitors to Halong Bay in 2022 reached approximately 11.6 million, achieving 122% of the designated goal. Among these, Halong Bay was especially welcoming with around 300,000 international visitors and over 11.2 million domestic travelers.

This success was achieved through proactive measures implemented by Quang Ninh, which led the way in establishing a robust and safe tourism reopening. Innovative tourism promotion activities were conducted internationally, yielding notable results. Key events included hosting seven sports competitions during the 31st SEA Games, the 9th National Sports Congress, and the 17th East Asia Tourism Forum (EATOF), coinciding with the 20th-anniversary celebration of EATOF.

Anticipated Tourism Surge in 2025

Quang Ninh province and Halong Bay are poised to experience another surge in tourism in 2025. During the recent 5-day Tet holiday, the province welcomed around 660,000 visitors, with Halong Bay alone attracting 20,000 of them, including approximately 10,550 international tourists.

The goal for Quang Ninh province is to welcome 14 million tourists in 2025 and generate over 1.2 billion USD in revenue. This year, the province plans to implement various projects aimed at tourism recovery by 2025, with a vision extending to 2030. Planned initiatives include sustainable community tourism development and a comprehensive marine tourism development strategy for Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don, and Co To Island.

The Booming Vietnam Tourism Industry

The rapid growth in Halong Bay tourism is reflective of the increasing prominence of Vietnam as a whole as an attractive tourist destination. In recent years, the country has seen a marked increase in international visitors, many of whom seek to experience the stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture of Halong Bay. Additionally, the rise of affordable air travel has made access to the region considerably easier for tourists, contributing to its growing popularity.

Improvements in tourism infrastructure have also played a vital role in facilitating the rapid expansion of Halong Bay’s tourism. Significant investments by the Vietnamese government have enhanced local infrastructure and facilities, enabling visitors to explore the bay and enjoy numerous attractions conveniently. These developments include new and upgraded hotels, restaurants, and other amenities, providing travelers with a variety of accommodations and dining options.

Despite the significant growth in tourism, Halong Bay remains one of the most visually appealing and untouched regions of Vietnam. This is largely due to the commitment of local authorities towards preserving the natural environment and minimizing tourism's impact on the ecosystem. Stricter regulations on the number of operational boats and conservation measures for local wildlife and plant life contribute to maintaining the bay's pristine nature.

Conclusion

Halong Bay stands as one of Vietnam's most sought-after and rapidly growing tourist destinations, thanks to its distinct natural attractions and cultural significance. In light of the challenges that accompany burgeoning tourist interest, local authorities remain committed to preserving the environment and safeguarding the tranquility of Halong Bay for future generations.