Halong bay tourism news - monthly review (April 2026)

As of April 2025, Halong Bay has continued to captivate both local and international visitors with an array of exciting events and recognitions. Among the highlights was the recent acknowledgment of Cua Van floating village as one of the most exquisite coastal towns globally, awarded by a popular U.S. magazine. Additionally, the Halong Carnival 2025 celebrated its 15th anniversary with the theme "Halong Carnival - Harmony of Traditions," coinciding with the five-day Vietnam Reunification Day and International Labor Day celebrations on April 30 and May 1.

Recognition of Cua Van Floating Village as one of the world's most beautiful coastal towns

Cua Van Floating Village, established centuries ago and nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, has recently been recognized by readers of Travel+Leisure as one of the 16 most beautiful coastal towns. The magazine described the village as “a unique locale entirely composed of floating homes,” with a resident population of approximately 700 individuals, predominantly fishermen, who live in houseboats, and children who attend a floating school.

The village's inhabitants, who depend on fishing as their primary source of livelihood and have adapted to life on the water, embody the rich cultural heritage of this ancient community. Alongside Cua Van, other stunning coastal towns recognized include Positano in Italy, Bar Harbor in the United States, and Cascais in Portugal.

The 15th opening of Halong Carnival

The Halong Carnival 2025 was a major highlight in the region, designed to attract international tourists and energize the local economy. The 15th edition launched at 8 PM on May 1 along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, featuring an impressive fireworks display and a rich array of cultural, artistic, sporting, and tourism activities.

This year’s festivities encompassed four segments: an opening ceremony, stage performances, a vibrant street parade, and a grand finale featuring fireworks. Attendees enjoyed performances from renowned singers, dance troupes, beauty queens, and around 2,000 talented performers, showcasing the harmonious blend of history, artistry, and nature that defines Ha Long as a premier destination in Asia.

During the celebrations for Reunification Day and International Labor Day, Ha Long City also hosted a multitude of cultural and sporting events, including the Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival (held from April 29 to 30), a photo contest titled “Halong Bay - A World Natural Heritage” (launched on April 30), a kite flying event, a painting and photography exhibition, a street music and arts festival, a modern dance festival, a wellness performance program, a folk dance club showcase, and a traditional Vietnamese dress show. On May 2, new tourism products were unveiled alongside a picturesque check-in opportunity at Hai Thinh Lake.