HALONG BAY IS RECOGNIZED AS A UNESCO WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE SITE.

According to the book "Historical Events of the Provincial Party Committee (1965-2005)," on December 17, 1994, Halong Bay was first recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site. On December 2, 2000, UNESCO re-recognized and honored Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage Site due to its outstanding geological value. Halong Bay has been recognized twice by UNESCO, affirming its exceptional global value. 

The Dynamic Natural Landscape of Halong Bay 

Halong Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province in northeastern Vietnam, covers an area of 1,553 square kilometers and consists of 1,969 islands (980 of which have been named). It is renowned globally for its stunning natural landscapes and rich tourism potential. The bay's majestic scenery and unique ecosystem not only captivate but also inspire a deep desire for exploration among visitors. 

On December 17, 1994, during the 18th session held in Phuket, Thailand, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially recognized Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage Site. This recognition was based on the bay's outstanding global aesthetic value under the International Convention for the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Heritage. 

The recognition was derived from the scientific dossier about Halong Bay prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee and the National Commission for UNESCO of Vietnam since 1992, as well as evaluations by international experts and the World Heritage Committee. In 1994, Halong Bay was officially listed as a World Natural Heritage Site, among the top ten World Cultural Heritage Sites. 

The Ceremony for the Recognition of Ha Long Bay as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 

The event of Ha Long Bay being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site is of significant importance not only to Quang Ninh but also to the entire country. This is the second site in Vietnam to be listed as a World Heritage Site, following the Ancient Capital of Hue, which was honored in December 1993 during the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee. This time, Ha Long Bay is celebrated for its exceptional landscape and aesthetic value. 

After its initial recognition in 1994, Ha Long Bay was again recognized by UNESCO on November 29, 2000, for its outstanding geological and geomorphological values. This reaffirms the global significance of Ha Long Bay. With its unique geological processes and vibrant natural landscapes, Ha Long Bay is not only a natural treasure but also a symbol of aesthetic beauty. 

The Ceremony for the Second Recognition of Ha Long Bay as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Thanks to its unique scenic values, Ha Long Bay has become a key highlight of Vietnam’s tourism industry, significantly contributing to the economic development of Quang Ninh Province. The bay’s majestic landscapes and rich ecosystem not only attract domestic tourists but also captivate countless international visitors. This recognition is a source of pride and motivation to continue preserving and developing Ha Long Bay, maintaining its wondrous natural beauty for future generations. 

The recognition of Ha Long Bay as a UNESCO World Heritage Site holds special significance for Quang Ninh, especially as the province’s tourism industry is thriving. Between 1991 and 1995, Quang Ninh’s tourism industry experienced remarkable growth: the total number of visitors increased by an average of 47% per year, international visitors rose by 80% annually, industry revenue grew by 54% each year and budget contributions surged by 80% annually. 

Notably, on November 11, 2011, Ha Long Bay surpassed more than 200 wonders from over 200 countries and territories to be recognized by New7Wonders as one of the New7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. 

The President of New7Wonders presented a bronze plaque recognizing Ha Long Bay as one of the New7 Wonders of Nature. 

These awards have made Ha Long Bay a renowned travel icon in Quang Ninh, Vietnam and the world. Ha Long Bay is a source of pride for the people of Quang Ninh and a top destination for visitors both domestic and international.