Up-close video of the Blue Dream Melody cruise ship docking at Ha Long Bay |

Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh People’s Committee, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh, along with provincial leaders and the Department of Tourism, warmly welcomed the crew and the first guests arriving in Ha Long on this new route and took photos with the tourists.

In preparation for the arrival of the BeiHai cruise ship to Ha Long, the Department of Tourism advised the Provincial People’s Committee to organize a welcome program and present congratulatory flowers to the first group of tourists, the ship’s captain, and the cruise company’s representative.

According to Ms. Nguyen Huyen Anh, Director of the Department of Tourism, the Department worked closely with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi, China, to ensure smooth clearance procedures for the cruise ship. Additionally, the Department reported to the Provincial People’s Committee about sending a delegation to BeiHai, Guangxi, to review the cooperation agreement between the two sides, consolidate the achievements, and outline tasks for 2025.

Ms. Xiang Hong, Deputy General Manager of Guangxi Ports Group, China (left), expressed her honor at being one of the first passengers on the inaugural cruise ship connecting BeiHai and Ha Long. “As soon as we entered Ha Long Bay this morning, I was awe-struck by the breathtaking view of the bay, a world heritage site, with its myriad of limestone islands rising majestically from the sea. It truly is a world-renowned destination.”

Ms. Xiang Hong added that she had the privilege of joining the delegation from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, on their visit to Quang Ninh in August. During that visit, they signed an agreement to promote tourism cooperation, including the BeiHai-Ha Long sea route. The successful launch of the first cruise ship today is a testament to the friendly cooperation between the two sides.

After disembarking, tourists were taken by the travel company to famous destinations in Ha Long city, such as the Quang Ninh Museum and Ha Long Bay, where they participated in culinary and cultural experiences.

Many young tourists expressed their excitement about their first visit to Ha Long and the warm welcome they received.

Mr. Pan Xiong, a Chinese tourist, shared his enthusiasm about the sea route’s potential to attract a large number of tourists from BeiHai, China. He added that people from Guangxi, China, also love to visit Ha Long, Vietnam, and they are eager to welcome Vietnamese tourists to Guangxi as well.

“Today, the sky in Ha Long, Vietnam, is so blue, and the air is fresh. We are deeply grateful for your warm hospitality. We are thrilled to be here in Ha Long,” said Mr. Pan Xiaong.

After disembarking, tourists will have the opportunity to explore Ha Long Bay and other famous destinations while engaging in culinary and cultural experiences in the city.

The BeiHai-Ha Long sea route was once a bustling tourism corridor for ten years, starting in 1998. However, it was discontinued for various reasons. The re-establishment of the sea route between BeiHai and Ha Long is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the authorities, departments, and related units of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.

The cruise ship will depart from Ha Long Bay in the afternoon and continue its journey the next day. It is expected that the second cruise ship from BeiHai will arrive in Ha Long on November 18.
China Tightens Control on Exports of a Vital Metal: Dominating 80% of the Market Share, Vietnam Also Possesses the Third-Largest Reserve Globally
China is tightening its grip on exports of a range of goods, including tungsten, magnesium, and graphite, which are commonly used in technology supply chains. The move is part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to exert greater control over critical resources and could have significant implications for global trade and technology industries.
“Investing in Vietnam: Access to 65 of the World’s Top Markets”
On the morning of November 8th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a Vietnam-China business forum in Chongqing city. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises, and the Vietnamese Embassy in China, in collaboration with the Chongqing municipal government.