Phu Quy Encourages Plastic-Free Travel to Preserve Environment

Package Vietnam Tours - Located more than 56 nautical miles from the mainland, Phu Quy Special Economic Zone retains its pristine beauty with its blue sea and peaceful island life. For the locals, the environment is not only a valuable asset but also the foundation for sustainable tourism development. Therefore, preserving the greenery of this place is becoming a shared responsibility of the government, businesses, residents, and visitors.

With a natural area of approximately 18 km2 and a population of over 32,000, Phu Quy Island is blessed with a rich marine ecosystem, many beautiful scenic spots, and unique cultural values of its island communities. This forms the foundation for the locality to orient its development towards green tourism, linking economic growth with the conservation of natural resources. In recent years, along with investing in tourism infrastructure development, the Phu Quy Special Economic Zone has identified environmental protection as a prerequisite for sustainable development. Many activities such as beach cleaning, garbage collection, and campaigns to reduce plastic waste are regularly organized, gradually fostering environmental awareness among the community and tourists.

One of the highlights is the campaign "No plastic waste on the island". According to the Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial Tourism Association, to date, 12 businesses in the accommodation, food and beverage, speedboat, and tourism sectors have signed a commitment to minimize the use of single-use plastic products, replacing them with environmentally friendly materials such as paper cups, glass bottles, paper bags, cloth bags, and reusable products. These small changes are contributing to the formation of a green tourism ecosystem, aiming for sustainable development in the special economic zone.

In response to the program, Superdong Phu Quy High-Speed Ferry Company is committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics, increasing reuse and recycling, and encouraging passengers to join hands in protecting the environment right from their journey to the island. Tourists are also actively participating with Phu Quy in preserving the landscape. Ms Dao (a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City ) said that the pristine beauty of the island is the reason she chose this destination. Not bringing plastic waste to the island is not only complying with regulations but also contributing to protecting the beauty of Phu Quy for future generations of tourists.

According to the Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quy Special Economic Zone, each plastic bag or bottle left behind in the special economic zone can last for decades. But if everyone picks up a piece of trash, plants a tree, or reminds each other to maintain environmental hygiene, Phu Quy will become greener every day. That is also a meaningful gift for future generations. From the beginning of April 2026 until now, the "Effective People's Mobilization" model campaign team of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phu Quy Special Economic Zone has visited each household to propagate and mobilize the "No Plastic Waste" movement. Many households have committed to reducing the use of plastic bags, sorting waste, and maintaining the landscape of their residential areas, contributing to building the image of a clean, beautiful, and friendly island.

Building a green island brand.

Environmental protection efforts are laying the foundation for Phu Quy to build a green tourism brand. By 2026, the locality aims to welcome approximately 173,000 visitors, requiring tourism development to go hand in hand with environmental protection and sustainable resource use. Local authorities are coordinating with businesses to improve service quality, ensure visitor safety, and enhance hygiene and maintain the landscape at tourist attractions according to the criteria of "green, clean, and beautiful". The Resolution of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term identifies marine economic development as one of the strategic directions, with Phu Quy being a key focus.

Amidst the vast ocean, the verdant landscape of Phu Quy Island not only creates a unique beauty but also serves as a foundation for sustainable development. Preserving this greenery today is also about building the tourism brand of tomorrow, aiming for the image of a friendly, pristine, and memorable destination.

Source: https://packagevietnamtours.com/vietnam_news/phu-quy-island-chooses-green-growth-for-its-tourism-brand.asp

A Close-Up Sail Through Coastal Urban and Natural Landscapes

Bai Tu Long Bay cruise - In the heart of Halong Bay, vibrant red sails carry tourists from the docks for a one-hour journey along the bay's shoreline. The leisurely pace opens up an intimate, relaxing perspective, imbued with the rich maritime culture.

Launched to serve tourists from the end of June 2026, the Halong Bay three-walled boat is a new tourism product jointly developed by Quang Ninh Waterway Passenger Transport Company. Initially, the fleet consists of 6 boats, each accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers and 2 crew members. This small size creates a private and quiet atmosphere, suitable for families, groups of friends, or tourists seeking a relaxing experience after exploring the city.

The allure of the journey thus begins with the three-walled boat itself: The hull is constructed from three main planks, including a bottom plank and two side planks; the boat has two masts with distinctive bat-wing-shaped sails, long associated with the fishing and transportation activities of the inhabitants of the Bach Dang estuary.

More than just a means of transportation, each three-walled boat tells the story of the long-standing boat-building craft and the creativity of the coastal inhabitants. These boats, restored to their original form at the workshop of People's Artisan Le Duc Chan (Lien Hoa ward), have been modified with some adjustments to meet safety requirements and serve tourists. Their vibrant red sails stand out against the rocky mountains and the water, becoming a unique landmark in the bay.

Starting with the story of the boat, the journey continues, leading visitors to explore a familiar yet unfamiliar Halong Bay. Leaving the dock, the boat passes by the Bai Tho Bridge area, Vincom Halong shopping center, Quang Ninh Museum and Library, the Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, Hon Gai beach, and then returns to the starting point. The route is approximately 12km long, just enough for passengers to experience the interesting transition between natural landscapes and coastal urban spaces.

In particular, when viewed from the water, the familiar structures of Hon Gai seem to take on a different appearance. The black architectural block of the Quang Ninh Museum stands out on the bay's edge; the Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, with its curved shape resembling a dolphin, becomes more clearly visible. In the distance is the modern coastal urban area, while right beside the boat is the wide-open water, the sea breeze, and the characteristic rock formations of Halong Bay.

Not only does it change your perspective, the open space and close proximity to the water also allow visitors to better feel the rhythm of the waves and wind. When the sails are unfurled, the gentle lapping of water against the wooden hull creates a refreshing experience compared to sitting on large cruise ships. Therefore, the trip also becomes an ideal time to take photos, admire the city from the sea, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of life on shore.

To enhance the experience beyond mere sightseeing, the product incorporates explanatory QR codes, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the three-walled boats, the culture of the coastal inhabitants, and the points of interest along the journey. The product is also designed to introduce fishing village cuisine, folk singing, and other relevant cultural content, contributing to a recreation of the life of the fishing community in Halong. As a result, the short tour gains added cultural depth, bringing visitors closer to local values. 

According to the schedule, the boats operate daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with each trip lasting approximately 60 minutes. The early morning hours are suitable for those who want to enjoy the cool air, while the late afternoon trip usually has beautiful light, perfect for taking photos with the sails and the city skyline.

For a smooth trip, visitors should contact the operator in advance to check departure times, especially on weekends or days with changeable weather. Visitors should also arrive at the pier early before departure, wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, and avoid bringing items that could easily fall into the water. The three-walled boats offer a short, close-to-shore journey that is unique and rich in character, contributing to a renewed experience and evoking memories of Halong Bay's maritime culture.

Source: https://baitulongtours.com/news/experience-halong-coastal-culture-on-traditional-red-sail-boat.asp