A corner of Ha Long Bay

On May 22, the Ha Long Bay Management Board in Quang Ninh Province announced the temporary suspension of docking and operating rights for the Thinh An 88 cruise boat, registration number QN-8618, from May 24 to 30.

At 10.10 am on May 20, inspectors discovered that passengers aboard the Thinh An 88 were using single-use plastic items such as cups, straws, and plastic bags while touring the Luon Cave area. This violated the environmental protection agreement between the Management Board and the boat's owner, Bui Van Thuy.

Since 2019, all cruise boats, floating restaurants, and tourism service providers operating in Ha Long Bay have been required to commit to banning the use, distribution, or acceptance of single-use plastic items. Violators face penalties, including suspension of operations.

“This action is intended to reinforce compliance among tourism service providers and help protect the environment of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site,” a board representative stated.

Ha Long Bay has been recognized by UNESCO three times for its unique marine ecosystem and geological features. Since 2019, the Management Board has implemented a campaign to eliminate single-use plastics, urging businesses to switch to eco-friendly alternatives such as paper cups, bagasse containers, and cloth bags to reduce plastic waste in the bay.