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In early 2026, a striking new sight began drawing attention along the coastal waters of Halong Bay. Three elegant red sailboats appeared near the shoreline between Bai Tho Bridge and the Quang Ninh Museum, immediately capturing the curiosity of both residents and visitors. Their bright sails standing against the limestone karst landscape created a beautiful contrast, reminding many locals of the traditional boats that once sailed frequently across these waters decades ago.
These newly introduced red sailboats are part of an initiative by the Quang Ninh Provincial Tourism Department to revive a historical maritime symbol of the region. The project aims to combine cultural heritage with tourism experiences, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional life of coastal communities while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay.
Reviving the Historic “Ba Vach” Sailboat
Sailing History Returns: Red Sailboats in Halong Bay Capture Visitors’ Attention
The design of the new vessels is inspired by a traditional boat type known locally as the “ba vách” boat, also referred to as “ba vát”. This historic boat originated from the coastal communities of Hà Nam Island in the former Quảng Yên town, where it served as an essential means of fishing and transportation for generations of local residents.
The name “ba vách,” which translates roughly to “three planks,” refers to the boatbuilding technique used to construct its hull. Each side of the boat is formed from three large wooden planks joined together, creating a strong and balanced structure capable of navigating rough coastal waters. This distinctive design gave the boat remarkable stability, making it suitable for both fishing activities and cargo transport across the bays and islands of Quang Ninh.
Another defining feature of the traditional ba vách boat is its bat-wing shaped sail. Historically, these sails were dyed in a deep brown color using natural dye extracted from forest roots, a process that helped increase the durability of the fabric against the harsh sea environment. The unique sail design allowed the boat to harness wind power efficiently, enabling flexible movement across the open sea without relying heavily on engines.
For centuries, such boats formed an integral part of the maritime culture of northern Vietnam, especially around Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and the coastal areas of Quang Ninh province.
Adapting Tradition for Tourism
Traditional Meets Modern: The Story Behind Red Sailboats in Halong Bay
While the newly introduced sailboats preserve the spirit of the traditional ba vách vessels, several adjustments have been made to adapt them for tourism purposes. Local artisans and boatbuilders from Quang Ninh crafted these boats carefully, using historical designs as a reference while incorporating modern safety and operational features suitable for passenger service.
One of the most noticeable changes is the color of the sails. Traditionally, the sails were dark brown, but designers opted for a deep red tone to enhance visual appeal and visibility against the dramatic limestone cliffs of Halong Bay. The brown sails of the original boats often blended with the surrounding rock formations, whereas the red sails stand out vividly, creating a visually striking image that is likely to become a new symbol of the bay.
The boats measure slightly over ten meters in length and are designed primarily for sightseeing rather than fishing or transport. Their size and structure allow them to move smoothly along the coastal waters while providing passengers with a comfortable and authentic experience.
A Cultural Experience Along the Coast
Red Sailboats in Halong Bay Bring Traditional “Ba Vach” Boats Back to Life
When officially launched, these sailboats will operate on short scenic journeys lasting approximately 40 minutes along the shoreline rather than entering the core heritage zone of Halong Bay. This route allows visitors to admire the dramatic coastal landscapes, observe local fishing villages, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and limestone islands.
The experience is designed to emphasize cultural storytelling as much as sightseeing. Tourists will have the opportunity to learn about traditional boatbuilding techniques, the maritime history of Quang Ninh, and the daily lives of fishermen who once relied on these vessels for their livelihoods.
In addition, the boats provide excellent opportunities for photography and social media “check-in” moments. The vibrant red sails gliding across the emerald waters create a picturesque scene that perfectly reflects the romantic beauty of Halong Bay.
Growing Interest from Tour Operators
Halong Bay Red Sailboat: A New Icon Blending Heritage and Tourism
Even before their official launch, the red sailboats have already attracted significant attention from travel companies and tourism professionals. According to representatives from the Quang Ninh Tourism Department, many tour operators have expressed strong interest in incorporating this new experience into their Halong Bay itineraries.
The product is expected to appeal particularly to European travelers, who often value authentic cultural experiences, as well as younger tourists seeking unique photo opportunities and short scenic activities during their visit to Halong City.
Following the Lunar New Year, the fleet is expected to expand to ten sailboats, creating a small but distinctive attraction along the Halong coastline.
A Changing Future for Halong Bay Boats
Halong Bay Red Sailboat Experience: Discover the New Cultural Attraction on the Water
The introduction of these traditional-style sailboats also comes at a time of transformation for marine tourism in Halong Bay. For many years, wooden boats were the symbol of the bay, but safety concerns and modernization policies have led the provincial government to gradually replace them with steel-hulled vessels or other durable materials.
According to development plans from the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, by 2030 all tourist boats operating in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay must use steel hulls or equivalent materials. The transition aims to improve safety standards and reduce the risks associated with aging wooden vessels.
Many boat owners acknowledge that although wooden boats carry historical significance, they are increasingly difficult to maintain and may not meet modern safety requirements. However, replacing entire fleets requires substantial financial investment, meaning the transition will take several years.
In this context, the new red sailboats represent a creative compromise—honoring traditional maritime heritage while adapting to modern tourism needs.
A New Symbol on the Bay
Explore Halong Bay on a Red Sailboat Inspired by Ancient Vietnamese Boats
As the red sails glide across the waters of Halong Bay, they evoke memories of a bygone era when wind-powered boats filled the horizon. At the same time, they signal a new chapter in the region’s tourism development—one that values both cultural authenticity and innovative visitor experiences.
For travelers exploring Halong City in the coming years, these red sailboats may soon become one of the most recognizable and photogenic symbols of the bay, linking the timeless traditions of coastal Vietnam with the evolving future of one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders.
I love traveling and have been working in tourism industry since 1996. Vietnam is my homeland so I would like to share with you my experience to discover this destination best!