≡-Vietnam Makes Ha Long Bay Fireworks Completely Free For Tourists Through December, Following Complaints Over Unfair Viewing Fees – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Vietnam Makes Ha Long Bay Fireworks Completely Free For Tourists Through December, Following Complaints Over Unfair Viewing Fees Wednesday, July 9, 2025Vietnam has officially removed all viewing charges for its weekend fireworks displays in Ha Long Bay, centralizing the event at Sun Carnival Square in Bai Chay Ward to ensure a free and inclusive experience for both domestic and international tourists. The decision follows public criticism over previously imposed fees at select viewing locations, such as restaurant boats and commercial venues, which many believed created unfair access during peak tourist season. In response, Ha Long Sun Company, the event organizer, announced it will no longer host fireworks at Ha Long International Passenger Port or support paid-viewing arrangements. From now through December 31, fireworks will light up the skies every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM to 10 PM at Sun Carnival Square—completely free of charge. The move underscores Vietnam’s growing commitment to transparent, accessible tourism and is expected to boost visitor satisfaction while supporting the local economy through increased foot traffic in central areas.Ha Long Fireworks Moved Exclusively to Sun Carnival Square With Free Access for All TouristsHa Long, Vietnam – July 9: In a major shift aimed at improving the tourism experience and responding to public concerns, the weekend fireworks show in Ha Long will now be held exclusively at Sun Carnival Square in Bai Chay Ward. The organizer, Ha Long Sun Company, has confirmed that all future displays will be free to view, and that no fees will be charged at nearby service businesses, including for tourists enjoying Ha Long Bay from restaurants or boats.This update comes after a recent trial period where fireworks were organized at two separate locations: Sun Carnival Square and Ha Long International Passenger Port. While the intention was to create an enhanced experience for visitors through multiple vantage points, the execution drew criticism after some venues began charging additional fees to spectators.A company representative explained that the dual-location setup would be discontinued immediately. From now on, the fireworks displays will take place solely at Sun Carnival Square, ensuring a centralized experience with no access fees. This revised approach is designed to streamline event management, enhance safety, and eliminate confusion and controversy over pricing.The controversy arose during the initial firework nights held on July 4 and 5, following a greenlight from the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee. In late June, Ha Long Sun Company submitted two proposals — dispatches No. 108/2025/HLC-CV and No. 113/2025/HLC-CV — requesting approval for weekend fireworks at both the square and the port. These shows were to be held every Friday and Saturday evening from 9 PM to 10 PM and were fully funded by the company as part of a public-private tourism promotion initiative.Following approval via Official Letter No. 2260/UBND-VHXH dated July 2, the inaugural displays attracted large crowds of domestic and international tourists. The vibrant pyrotechnic performances were hailed as a welcome return to festive tourism in Ha Long after several quieter seasons. However, problems emerged when some venues began imposing a 50,000 VND (approx. \$2) fee per person for firework viewing, particularly on restaurant boats anchored in premium viewing areas on the bay.The fees, which were charged by service businesses leasing space from Ha Long Sun Company, sparked complaints from locals and tourists alike. Critics argued that the charges were not transparent and made an event intended to be inclusive and festive feel overly commercialized, especially during the peak summer tourism season when costs are already elevated.Travelers who visited Ha Long Bay aboard restaurant cruises on fireworks nights found themselves paying unexpected fees for a view of the pyrotechnics that was supposed to be publicly funded. This situation drew attention across social media and local media outlets, with many calling the extra charges inappropriate and inconsistent with Vietnam’s image as a welcoming tourist destination.In response to this public feedback, Ha Long Sun Company announced its decision to scale back the scope of the fireworks displays and focus entirely on Sun Carnival Square, a large public venue with ample space and excellent visibility. This move not only resolves the pricing concerns but also allows the city to enhance the production quality and safety protocols of the show.According to the updated plan, fireworks will now be held every Friday and Saturday evening until December 31, offering locals and tourists alike a reliable, high-quality entertainment experience. The performances, running from 9 PM to 10 PM, are timed to coincide with weekend traffic peaks in Ha Long, maximizing their impact on the tourism economy.Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, continues to attract millions of visitors every year thanks to its dramatic limestone islands, emerald waters, and rich cultural history. Seasonal attractions such as fireworks, festivals, and light shows have become critical components of the region’s tourism appeal, especially as Vietnam targets a full post-pandemic recovery in international arrivals.Officials from Quang Ninh Province have consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism growth and visitor satisfaction. With that in mind, this new strategy ensures that entertainment remains accessible to all, without contributing to rising costs or creating tiered experiences that divide tourists by budget.This decision also reflects broader goals of inclusive tourism and sustainable development. Concentrating activities in a central location reduces environmental impact, improves traffic flow, and makes public safety management more efficient.In addition, the move sends a clear message to tourism stakeholders across Vietnam: tourist-friendly experiences must prioritize fairness, accessibility, and transparency. With growing global competition in the tourism sector, especially in Southeast Asia, maintaining goodwill among visitors is key to long-term success.Local businesses, meanwhile, are expected to benefit from increased foot traffic around Sun Carnival Square, where restaurants, cafes, and hotels are positioned to capitalize on the influx of spectators every weekend. By removing the element of exclusive or paid viewing spots, the event becomes a shared community celebration rather than a premium product.Vietnam has announced that all weekend fireworks in Ha Long Bay will now be held exclusively at Sun Carnival Square with no viewing fees for tourists. The decision ensures fair and free access for all visitors after public concerns over previously charged viewing spots.Ultimately, the fireworks display now promises to be a welcoming, festive, and cost-free attraction that reinforces Ha Long’s status as one of Vietnam’s top travel destinations. By listening to public feedback and taking corrective action, Ha Long Sun Company and provincial authorities are demonstrating their commitment to responsible tourism management.

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