Quang Ninh launches traditional three-panel sailboat tour on Ha Long Bay

The new route runs from the Bai Tho Bridge area to the Quang Ninh Museum-Library, departing from the Ha Long 1 Passenger Wharf in Hong Gai ward.

The project is jointly organised by the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and a consortium of local businesses. The initial fleet consists of six traditional sailboats, reconstructed from historical designs at the workshop of veteran boatbuilder Le Duc Chan.

The traditional sailboat has been reconstructed based on a type of wooden vessel once commonly used along Quang Ninh's coast, particularly in the Quang Yen area. According to artisan Le Duc Chan, the boat features a hull made from three joined sections - one bottom plank and two side panels - and is equipped with two batwing-shaped sails, allowing it to maneuver efficiently even against the wind.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, artisan Le Duc Chan emphasised that the restoration project aims not only to preserve the region's maritime heritage but also to create a distinctive tourism product for Ha Long, helping promote local culture while sustaining traditional boatbuilding craftsmanship.

Nguyen Viet Dung, director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said introducing the traditional sailboats into tourism services would diversify visitor experiences while helping preserve traditional maritime knowledge, seafaring skills and the cultural heritage of the local fishing community.

Under the province’s tourism development strategy, Quang Ninh plans to continue promoting tourism products linked to local culture, history and traditional crafts, including exploring activities such as three-panel sailboat racing and the development of related souvenirs, he added.

The launch of the traditional sailboat tour is anticipated to enrich Ha Long Bay's tourism offerings and create new livelihood opportunities for local residents through heritage- and maritime culture-based services.

Quang Ninh launches traditional sailboat tours along Ha Long Bay

The northern province of Quang Ninh is set to introduce traditional sailboat tours along Ha Long Bay, a move expected to create a distinctive tourism product and further promote the heritage site’s image.