Blog Details

Quang Ninh – Building a “Sleepless Destination”

With strong advantages in landscapes, infrastructure and visitor volume, Quang Ninh is accelerating the development of the night-time economy, considering it a strategic direction to enhance tourism competitiveness.

The combination of stunning natural scenery and diverse activities has created a unique experience for visitors at night. As a result, tourism, accommodation and dining services in Quang Ninh are growing strongly. In the first 11 months of 2025, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue increased by an estimated 19.6% compared to the same period in 2024. In the Ha Long area, the night-time economy contributes about 70% of total tourism revenue, and each visitor can increase spending by around 300–400 USD thanks to outstanding night services.

Across the province, many night-time products have been put into operation, such as “Night Cruise Streets”, pedestrian streets, night markets and street art performances. Quang Ninh is also actively implementing five development models oriented by the central government, with many large-scale cultural and artistic programs, including major events such as “Halo! Halo Fest!”, Skyware Ha Long 2025, VuiFest Sun Carnival, Superfest 2025 – Shining Summer, the real-life performance show “In Search of the Pearl’s Trace”, cruises on Ha Long Bay and spectacular fireworks at Sun Carnival Square. In particular, two concerts held in October and November recently created great excitement for visitors coming to Quang Ninh.

Enjoying music on a cruise is a unique product of Quang Ninh.

These figures show that the provincial tourism industry is growing strongly with clear investment in night-time tourism products. However, the overall scale of activities remains limited and uneven. Although there are some bright spots, many experts believe that Quang Ninh’s night-time economy is still in its early stage, mainly limited to night markets and pedestrian streets that often close before 11 p.m., and lacking large-scale, unique, internationally oriented night-time entertainment complexes capable of retaining tourists for longer stays.

In addition, there are still no specific policy mechanisms for night tourism from the central to the local level. The legal framework and management regulations for the night-time economy and night services are not yet complete. Policies supporting investment in night-time auxiliary infrastructure, such as transport, sanitation services, security, lighting and noise management, still have many weaknesses. Furthermore, regional linkages and product linkages remain weak, and the system of night-time products is not yet synchronized. In some locations, the organization and operation of night-time infrastructure and services still do not meet professional standards, and there has not been strong diversification of service products or upgrading of supporting infrastructure such as lighting, night transport, security, environmental sanitation and noise control.

Commenting on the development of the night-time economy in Quang Ninh, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute for Tourism Economics, said that in the project to develop Quang Ninh into a regional and international connectivity hub, it is necessary to emphasize the early introduction of large-scale night shows and real-life performances, because Ha Long Bay is exceptionally beautiful. Therefore, it is essential to plan an integrated infrastructure system and connect products and services into a synchronized night-time product.

Chinese tourists shopping at a night market in Bai Chay Ward.

To build a chain of distinctive night-time products for Quang Ninh, a “conductor” is needed to connect the value chain and create a strong local brand, with the participation of businesses, training institutions and local communities. Mr. Doan Anh Vu, Marketing Director of BIM Group, which is developing a range of pedestrian street products, musical fountain shows and large music festivals, said that Quang Ninh urgently needs a signature product, so that when domestic and international tourists think of Quang Ninh, they think of that experience. He proposed accelerating night-time economy development during the low season after the summer peak, as this is the main season for international tourists.

In the coming period, Quang Ninh will continue to implement synchronized planning, zoning, and stronger investment in night-time infrastructure and management, including night transport, artistic lighting, night mobility, security, sanitation and night experience zones. At the same time, it will upgrade night tourism products, focusing on developing several flagship night products with their own brands, such as night cruise tours, special night art performances and coastal night markets. In parallel, it will strengthen international promotion of night-time products to build the “Quang Ninh – Sleepless Destination” brand and compete with other destinations.