Temporarily suspend licensing of passenger ships to Ha Long Bay from July 20

The Waterway Port Authority and the Inland Waterway Vehicle Registration Department have issued Document No. 750/CV&ĐKT-ATQLKCHT on temporarily suspending the issuance of passenger ship licenses to prevent and respond to storm WIPHA.

The Waterway Port Authority and the Inland Waterway Vehicle Registration Authority have just issued a document on temporarily suspending the issuance of passenger ship licenses to prevent and respond to storm WIPHA (storm No. 3). Photo: MH

Accordingly, the Port Authority will temporarily stop issuing permits to leave ports and wharves for vehicles transporting tourists in Ha Long Bay and vehicles transporting passengers to and from islands in Quang Ninh province, starting from July 20, 2025. Vehicles returning to the mainland to drop off passengers will continue to be licensed.

To ensure the safety of people and vehicles, the Waterway Port Authority and the Inland Waterway Vehicle Registration Authority require their affiliated representatives to continue to closely monitor weather developments and notify port and wharf owners, vehicle owners, and captains to proactively take safety measures and not be negligent or subjective in the face of the storm's impact.

Currently, cruise ship businesses in Ha Long Bay are strictly following the instructions and directions from the Port Authority, the Register of Inland Waterways and the Ha Long Bay Management Board. A representative of Long Giang cruise ship said that the unit has notified all ticket agents about the temporary suspension of departure. Customers who purchased cruise tickets in advance have been notified to change their tour dates. According to Mr. Pham Ha, Chairman of Lux Group - a unit specializing in 5-star cruise services in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays - the unit has proactively transferred customers before the storm, and at the same time informed tourists to postpone their tour dates in the bay, waiting for the storm to pass.

Previously, on July 19, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) issued Official Dispatch No. 3550/CD-BVHTTDL on focusing on responding to storm No. 3.

The telegram was sent to leaders of the cultural, sports and tourism management agencies of the following provinces and cities: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hanoi ...

The telegram requested localities to proactively monitor the situation and developments of the storm; closely coordinate with functional agencies and local authorities in the area to review and inspect all tourist accommodation establishments, tourist areas and spots, especially coastal areas, islands, and areas at risk of landslides and flash floods.

The Ministry requires localities to coordinate in organizing propaganda and evacuating tourists to safe places; counting, informing, and guiding boats and means of tourism activities at sea not to enter or quickly exit dangerous areas, or return to safe shelters; developing specific storm and flood response plans, implementing evacuation and shelter measures, ensuring safety for tourists, especially international tourists.

According to Hanoi Moi newspaper

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/tam-dung-cap-phep-tau-cho-khach-ra-vinh-ha-long-tu-20-7-20250721103707916.htm