What's New in Ha Long in 2026? New Openings, Closures and Changes to Know Before You Go

Updated: 28 October 2026. Opening schedules at attractions can change with the season and the weather, so check official channels again before your trip.

What is new in Ha Long in 2026?

In 2026 Ha Long added the VUI-Fest complex at Sun Porto Town with the “Thuong Cang Phon Hoa” night show, three-panel boat tours around Hon Gai and inter-bay boat routes between Ha Long and Lan Ha. On the other hand, Dragon Park closed from 16 August 2026, Typhoon Water Park closed after 30 September 2026 and seaplane flights stopped from 1 April 2026. Bay tickets follow new rates from 1 July 2026.

In short: if you visit Ha Long in late 2026, the core experience is still the bay, the cable car and evening activities in Bai Chay, but there are fewer outdoor amusement parks. Returning visitors should refresh their plans, especially families with young children who used to rely on Dragon Park and Typhoon.

Summary table: open, new, closed, discontinued

Notable new places and services

VUI-Fest and the “Thuong Cang Phon Hoa” show

VUI-Fest opened on 25 April 2026 at Sun Porto Town, the waterfront area near the lighthouse in Bai Chay. It is a night-time entertainment complex with a food street, stalls, stages and the evening show “Thuong Cang Phon Hoa”. The show combines 3D projection mapping, a fleet of red-sail boats on the water and fireworks, with a reference ticket price of about 50,000 VND per person.

According to ticket sellers, the fireworks and 3D mapping have been paused since late September 2026 after the peak season, while the night street remains open. If you travel in October – December, check the show schedule for your specific date before planning the evening. It pairs well with the Bai Chay walking street at night, which is close by.

Three-panel boat tours around Hon Gai

Since 29 June 2026, Ha Long has operated tours on “three-panel” boats, the traditional wooden fishing boats of the Quang Ninh coast. Boats leave from the pier near Ha Long 1 Market (Hon Gai ward), pass Bai Tho Bridge and give views of the Quang Ninh Museum – Library and the Planning Exhibition Palace from the water before returning. Each trip lasts about one hour, running roughly from 8am to 5pm.

Reference prices are about 200,000 VND per adult and 100,000 VND for children between 1m and 1.3m tall; children under 1m usually ride free. It is a short option for anyone who wants to see the Hon Gai side without a half-day bay tour.

Ha Long – Lan Ha inter-bay routes

From 1 April 2026, inter-bay boat routes linking Ha Long Bay with Lan Ha Bay (Hai Phong) started operating, with boarding at Tuan Chau port and Ha Long International Passenger Port. Several overnight cruise lines also added Ha Long – Lan Ha itineraries in the second half of the year. If you are unsure which route to choose, read Ha Long Bay Route 1 or Route 2.

Double-decker sightseeing bus and Hop on – Hop off

The double-decker sightseeing bus loops through Bai Chay, Bai Chay Bridge and Hon Gai, which suits visitors without their own transport. A day ticket lets you hop on and off at stops during daytime operating hours. Details are in another way to explore Ha Long.

Coming soon: AEON Mall Ha Long

AEON Mall Ha Long, in the Bai Chay area along National Highway 18, is expected to open on 11 November 2026. For visitors it adds another place to eat, shop and shelter from cold or rainy weather on days when the bay is not an option.

Closures and discontinued services

Dragon Park closed from 16 August 2026

Dragon Park, the amusement park in the Sun World complex in Bai Chay, closed from 16 August 2026. Older articles, videos and tour programmes may still mention its roller coasters, so drop it from your plan. With young children, consider Sun Hill, indoor play areas or Tuan Chau Island instead.

Typhoon Water Park closed after 30 September 2026

Typhoon Water Park stopped receiving guests after 30 September 2026 and is expected to reopen in summer 2027. The reopening date may change, so if you plan to visit in May – June 2027, follow official announcements close to your trip.

Seaplane flights stopped from 1 April 2026

Scenic seaplane flights over the bay ended on 1 April 2026. For views from above, the easiest alternatives are the Queen Cable Car and Sun Wheel, or climbing Ti Top peak on a Route 1 cruise.

What still operates normally

The Queen Cable Car linking Bai Chay with Sun Hill, home to the Sun Wheel, the Japanese garden and exhibition areas, is still running. In autumn – winter 2026 the reference schedule is Monday to Friday from about 2pm to 8pm and Saturday – Sunday from about 9am to 8pm. A round-trip cable car ticket costs around 380,000 VND for adults and 280,000 VND for children.

The system occasionally closes for a few days of maintenance (for example in early October 2026, before reopening). The walking street, night market, Bai Chay beach, Tuan Chau Island and bay cruises operate as usual, except on storm days or when boats are ordered to stay in port.

Bay tickets and port fees from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, the Ha Long Bay entrance ticket is about 250,000 VND per person, plus a port fee of about 80,000 VND round trip. If you buy a package tour, ask whether the price includes both, as some older quotes still use previous rates. Tips on timing and choosing a boat are in our Ha Long Bay cruise tips.

Changes to administrative addresses

After the reorganisation of administrative units, addresses in Ha Long are now written by ward, such as Bai Chay, Hon Gai or Tuan Chau, in Quang Ninh. From 1 September 2026, Quang Ninh became a centrally governed city. The name “Ha Long” is still widely used for the bay and the tourist area, but maps and booking apps may show the new format. Search by place name or ward to avoid confusion.

Suggested Ha Long itinerary for late 2026

Without Dragon Park and Typhoon, a two-day, one-night trip still offers plenty if planned well:

• Day 1, morning: a Route 1 bay cruise (Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top) or Route 2 for quieter scenery.
• Day 1, afternoon: the Queen Cable Car and Sun Wheel; on weekdays go after 2pm under the off-season schedule.
• Day 1, evening: VUI-Fest at Sun Porto Town (check the show schedule), then the walking street and Bai Chay night market.
• Day 2, morning: a three-panel boat tour in Hon Gai or the Quang Ninh Museum, then a seafood lunch before heading home.

Staying in the Bai Chay area keeps the cable car, VUI-Fest and night street within a short walk or ride. For more ideas, see things to do in Ha Long and the best time to visit Ha Long.

What to check before you go

1. Check the weather forecast and any boat suspension notices 1 – 2 days ahead, especially in storm season (July – October).
2. Check cable car hours for your exact date, as weekdays and weekends differ.
3. Confirm the VUI-Fest show schedule if fireworks or 3D mapping are the main reason for your evening.
4. Ask whether your tour quote includes the bay ticket and port fee at the new rates.
5. Remove Dragon Park, Typhoon and seaplane flights if you are using an old plan.

You can check your whole trip against the Ha Long travel guide from A to Z.

Frequently asked questions