The open-top double decker buses started service for customers on June 18 in Hạ Long Town in Quảng Ninh Province, home of the world-famous Hạ Long Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG NINH – Open-top double-decker buses started service for customers on June 18 in Hạ Long City in Quảng Ninh Province, home of Hạ Long Bay, one of the world's most famous bays.

The 53-km route will wind its way through Hạ Long Market, Ben Ca wharf, Quảng Ninh Museum and Library, October 30 Square, Quảng Ninh Planning, Fair and Exhibition Palace, Hạ Long Flower Park, Tuần Châu Park, and Royal Lotus Hotel before finally stopping at Vinpearl Hạ Long Resort.

For the trial, two 636-seat buses will be put into service. Tickets will cost VNĐ179,000 (US$8) for the two-hour tour and VNĐ219,000 (US$9) for use over five hours, VNĐ249,000 (US$11) for 10 hours and VNĐ299,000 (US$13) for 24 hours.

The tour will take guests along coastal roads to explore the magnificent views of Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Open-top tour buses are popular in many major cities around the world, including New York and Singapore.

Last year, Hạ Long joined HCM City and Hanoi among the world’s top 100 most visited destinations, according to the annual Top City Destinations Ranking report by Euromonitor International.

Last year a record 15.4 million visitors came to the country, a whopping 20 percent increase from 2017. – VNS