Of them, 80 percent are foreign visitors. Streets, restaurants, hotels, especially in Bai Chay area, are decorated with banners wishing a Happy New Year. In big hotels such as Halong Plaza, Grand Halong and Novotel, traditional games, art performances and fashion shows were organised, attracting many tourists travel to Halong .

Joining other international cruise ships which regularly bring foreign tourists to Halong Bay, in late 2010, the Halong-Fangchenggang cruise officially reopened after a long interruption, reaffirming position of the northern province of Quang Ninh in sea tourism.

In 2010, Halong travel received 5.4 million visitors, up by 12 percent against the previous year, of which, the number of foreign visitors increased by 2.2 million, up by 10 percent compared to 2009. Turnover from tourist activities reached VND2,900 billion, showing a year-on-year increase of 11 percent. The number of visitors from major tourist markets rose: China (by 10 percent), Taiwan (by 65 percent), Japan (by 40 percent) and the Republic of Korea (by 22 percent).

In 2011, Halong travel industry set a target of welcoming 5.4 million visitors, including 2.5 million foreigners, and achieving a turnover of VND3,000 billion.

Source: VOVnews