Cruise ships caught on forbidden Ha Long beach

The management board of Ha Long Bay on Thursday said Ha Long authorities found that the Au Co 1, Au Co 2 and Star Light cruise ships had allowed around 150 guests to visit Ban Chan Beach, Bo Hung Island, where they illegally organized entertainment activities.

The three captains of the ships had not been able to show approval documents from relevant authorities to bring guests to Ban Chan Beach. They said they received instructions from the CEO of the Bhaya cruise ship company, which owns the Au Co 1 and Au Co 2, and the sales department of the Hai Phong company, which owns the Star Light, to conduct the trips.

Authorities have asked the three captains to present themselves at the Ha Long City urban management department to discuss the matter further.

In accordance with Quang Ninh Province People’s Committee policies designed to protect Ha Long Bay, business, service and tourism activities can only be organized at approved sites by the government.

Ha Long Bay has around 200 beaches at the foot of its islands. However, only the beach at Ti Top Island is approved for tourism operations.