Ha Long Bay to suspend all kayaking services amid rip-off allegations

By Minh Cuong March 29, 2017 | 08:35 pm PT

Foreign visitors enjoy kayaking in Ha Long Bay. Photo by Thu Ky.

Officials say some service providers overcharged tourists and put the reputation of the favorite travel destination at stake.

Tourists visiting Vietnam's wonder Ha Long Bay will have to drop kayaking from their list of fun things to do as the local authorities will suspend all service providers next month to tighten price control.

Local authorities announced the decision on Wednesday, amid accusations that some kayaking services have been overpriced. It is unclear when these services will be resumed.

Kayaking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the bay. The number of kayaks here has been growing rapidly even though many service providers have not been registered properly, according to local authorities.

Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province is one of the top attractions in Vietnam. It has around 1,600 islands and islets that form a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars.

The bay was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. In 2011 it was named among the world’s seven new natural wonders by Swiss organization New Open World.

The U.K.-based travel site Rough Guides recently listed the place in the top 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Asia.