Dual Heritage of Ha Long – Cat Ba: A Golden Opportunity for Green Tourism and Sustainable Investment

Cat Ba – From Natural Heritage to a Model “Green Tourism Island”

Located at the gateway to the Gulf of Tonkin, the Cat Ba Archipelago – the green gem of Hai Phong – is entering a new phase of development with the vision of becoming a “model green tourism island of Vietnam.” The recognition by UNESCO, alongside Ha Long Bay, as a World Natural Heritage site has placed Cat Ba on the global heritage map, opening a golden opportunity to shape a sustainable tourism development strategy.

According to Mr. Vu Huu Vung, Vice Chairman of the Cat Hai Special Zone People’s Committee: Building the Cat Ba Green brand is not just a slogan but a commitment to action. We are tightening state management of the environment, strictly handling violations of environmental protection regulations, and mobilizing the entire political system, people, businesses, and tourists to join hands in building a green Cat Ba through various activities such as: environmental protection commitments, linking environmental responsibilities with tourism business conditions; organizing monthly community clean-up campaigns; and implementing waste sorting at the source, among others.

On the island, programs for renewable energy transition, electric transportation, plastic waste reduction, and circular wastewater treatment are being vigorously implemented. The goal by 2030 is for Cat Ba to become a “carbon-neutral island” – a rare model in Vietnam. Every step, from planning, investment, operation to tourism services, is designed following the principle of “comprehensive greening.”

Notably, local residents have become the core of the green tourism model. Awareness and training programs have helped fishermen change their habit of littering at sea, traders reduce the use of plastic bags, and households participate in waste sorting at the source. These small changes are creating significant transformations, shaping a genuine “Green Cat Ba” rather than just a movement.

Lan Ha Bay boasts numerous pristine beaches hidden among limestone cliffs. Image source: Shutterstock

Diversifying Experiences, Elevating Value

For many years, Cat Ba primarily attracted summer visitors, focusing on beach tourism and short-term stays. This led to underutilized tourism infrastructure, a high proportion of seasonal labor, and unstable tourism revenue. The local government has thus shifted its focus from a “seasonal destination” to a “year-round destination,” building a multi-experience tourism ecosystem.

In spring, Cat Ba targets eco-tourism and educational tours, where students can learn about mangrove forests, coral ecosystems, and ancient fishing villages. Summer is the peak season for beach resorts, water sports, and street festivals. In autumn and winter, the island becomes a hub for trekking in primary forests, wellness tourism, and local culinary experiences.

Kayaking exploration in Cat Ba Island. Source: Internet

This approach not only extends the average visitor stay but also diversifies the customer base, from domestic to high-end international tourists. The goal for 2026–2030 is to increase the average stay from the current 1.8 days to 3–4 days, positioning Cat Ba as a leading green tourism hub in the Northeast region.

To realize this vision, Hai Phong is investing in strategic transportation infrastructure: the Cat Hai – Phu Long – Cat Ba cable car route, the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen sea bridge, the Hai Phong – Quang Ninh coastal road, and modern international tourism ports. As a result, travelers can reach Cat Ba’s center from Hanoi in just over 2 hours – a rare advantage in Northern Vietnam’s tourism network.

Green Investment by Businesses – The Foundation for a Sustainable Future

UNESCO’s recognition is not just a title but a call for responsible investment. In this new phase, businesses investing in the Cat Ba Archipelago are encouraged to adopt eco-tourism, green resorts, and nature conservation combined with community involvement.

According to Mr. Vu Huu Vung, the Cat Hai Special Zone is establishing a collaborative mechanism among the government, locals, and businesses to develop not only tourism but also people and nature. Currently, many tourism projects on the island focus on renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, marine life conservation, mangrove reforestation, and restoring coastal ecosystems.

Major companies are also participating in the “Carbon-Neutral Tourism” program, committing to reduce emissions in all operations, from hotels and resorts to transportation. The development of high-end yet nature-friendly tourism zones is helping position Cat Ba as a world-class green tourism destination, where luxury meets harmony with nature.

Hot River Bridge, Ha Long – Hai Phong Expressway. Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper