The Ban on Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: A Lesson in Management or a Sign of Incompetence?
The decision by the People’s Committee of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, to temporarily suspend kayaking activities in Lan Ha Bay starting November 15, 2024, has sparked significant controversy. This abrupt move has not only left businesses struggling but also diminished the appeal of Lan Ha Bay, one of Northern Vietnam’s top destinations. In this context, the question arises: Is this an effective management strategy or merely a short-sighted solution reflecting poor governance?
Reasons for the Suspension
According to the Cat Hai District authorities, kayaking activities in Lan Ha Bay have been operating spontaneously, failing to meet legal requirements, and posing safety risks for tourists. Some businesses have been accused of unlicensed operations, price gouging, and not publicly posting rates, which have negatively impacted the destination’s image.
To address these issues, the authorities have decided to suspend all kayaking activities until proper regulations and management plans are in place. However, the abruptness of this decision, implemented during the peak international tourist season, has caught businesses and tourists off guard.
Businesses Struggling, Tourists Disappointed
For many tourism companies, kayaking is not just an optional activity but a core part of the packages offered to visitors. Overnight cruise tours in Lan Ha Bay have long advertised kayaking as a key experience.
The sudden ban has forced businesses to cancel tours, issue refunds, and deal with complaints from disappointed customers. A representative of a major Hanoi-based travel agency (who requested anonymity) stated: “International tourists often book their tours months in advance. This decision not only disrupts revenue but also damages the reputation of our company.”
The representative also noted that the ban significantly limits the overall appeal of Lan Ha Bay: “Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has fewer caves and attractions. Beaches were already off-limits for swimming, and now kayaking is banned. Visitors will have little to do other than stay on the boat, which will deter them from returning. Many will likely choose other destinations, or even other countries.”
Is a Ban the Right Solution?
The situation in Lan Ha Bay is not the first instance of tourism activities being halted in Vietnam due to management challenges. In the past, other localities have also implemented similar bans, citing safety concerns and regulatory issues. However, such measures often highlight governance shortcomings rather than providing sustainable solutions.
Instead of banning, experts and businesses argue that authorities should adopt more structured and long-term management strategies. Nguyen Duy Phu, Chairman of the Lan Ha Bay Cruise Association, emphasized: “Kayaking is an essential and valuable service for local tourism. We propose designating specific areas for kayaking and introducing temporary regulations while comprehensive planning is developed.”
The ban not only reduces Lan Ha Bay’s competitiveness but also makes it less appealing compared to Ha Long Bay, where kayaking remains a popular activity.
The Need for Diverse, Sustainable Experiences
As the tourism industry recovers and competition intensifies post-pandemic, developing destinations that offer diverse and enriching experiences is crucial for attracting and retaining visitors. Rather than issuing sudden bans, local authorities should focus on creating engaging tourism products that are convenient and enjoyable for tourists.
“Visitors seek not only beautiful landscapes but also unique and connected experiences. Authorities need to leverage cultural and natural heritage to encourage longer stays and higher spending, instead of imposing rigid restrictions,” a tourism expert noted.
Future Plans for Lan Ha Bay
The Lan Ha Bay Management Board has announced that it is working on eco-tourism, recreational, and water activity proposals for specific areas, including Cua Cai – Minh Tu, Van Ta, and Ba Dinh. These plans aim to provide a more structured approach to managing tourism in the Cat Ba Archipelago sustainably.
In the meantime, businesses are urging authorities to implement temporary solutions to allow kayaking to resume under controlled conditions. Such measures would not only minimize economic losses but also preserve the international reputation of Lan Ha Bay as a desirable travel destination.
Lessons from the Kayaking Ban
The situation in Lan Ha Bay serves as a critical lesson in tourism management. Instead of resorting to “ban it if you can’t manage it” policies, authorities should focus on enhancing governance capabilities, strengthening oversight, and collaborating with businesses to find balanced solutions.
An attractive destination requires more than natural beauty. It demands professional management, diverse offerings, and tourist-friendly policies. Only by addressing these elements can Lan Ha Bay truly become the “emerald gem” it is meant to be, while securing its position on the global tourism map.
