So, yes! I was born in Halong City, almost 30 years ago. At the very young ages, Halong in my eyes was so majestic with a large river separate two parts of the city and endless, beautiful Bai Chay beach that I always desire in summer vacation.
As time passed by, there are a lot of things changed… and my city is changing fast that I cannot even recognize it now. A brand new, modern bridge connects Bai Chay – the tourist area and Hon Gai – the commercial & official center of the city, making it so much more convenient for residents and tourists to pass by. But the memories of those good old days when my father and I waited for the ferry to reach the other part of the city are still there… Lots of people stood still in the ferry, enjoyed summer breeze and stunning view of sunset in Cua Luc River Mouth, those lovely childhood days still remains deeply in my heart…
With the development of economy and opening of Vietnamese government, there are more foreign visitors flocking to Vietnam and Halong Bay is a must see destination, people cannot miss to see one of the 7 Natural Heritage of The World. Yes – Halong Bay has twice recorded of Natural Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1994 and 2000. Of course, it was our honor, we are so proud of our hometown, the recognition will surely promote Halong Bay image to more visitors, and boost our economic development, especially in term of tourism industry.
Thank to the development of economic development, especially tourism industry and coal exploitation activities, our city’s living standard increased significantly, together with more FDI (foreign direct investment) on the city. High-class and luxury hotels, resorts or golf courses, etc. appeared vividly, changing the city’s image into a busy, modern city. A lot of constructions, renovation, etc. happening throughout the city,… which even makes me miss my old city more.
I know, I’m the type of person always missing the past, it’s not good, I know, people and cities keep moving forward. Better economy, better living standard and satisfaction… However, I got some feelings on sustainable development in tourism industry in Halong Bay and Vietnam also. The dizzying development of Halong City makes me doubtful about real values that people are purchasing… As a visitor, I always want to experience and enjoy the authentic, local moments and lives, however, FDIs in Halong makes it a similar place as any other tourist attractions all over the world, with Hilton, Wyndham, Novotel, commercial night markets with nothing different from ones in China, Taiwan or Bangkok, etc. Everything is artificial, from sand dune, beach with green palms or amusement parks, sun wheel, etc.
Halong is famous as a small, with diverse climate and geographic conditions – coastal line, bays, seas, mountains, highland, etc. However, to meet increasing tourist demands, people deforest, break mountains and occupy sea with polder (using soil from mountain to fill the sea to reach more land for real estates). I know, it’s the price for the economic development, however, I wish that private organizations and authorities can make it more sustainable and minimize the negative in environment, the consequence will be in the long term….
One thing I can be sure that tourism development should stick with the local development, in Halong, we also have diverse culture and ethnic minorities with unique traditions and customs. We have mouthwatering seafood dishes and traditional cuisines that people love all over the world, which I will introduce to you guys in another post ;). We also have breathtaking sightseeing places hidden in forest and highland.
I’m never doubtful of my love toward my hometown – Halong, I just wish the tourism organizations can develop their activities and practices more sustainable and engage more with other local activities to promote the local society as well as reduce negative influence on the environment 🙂
Jack of Vietnam Travel 