A stunning coastal road connecting Hạ Long Bay and Bái Tử Long Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG NINH — Quảng Ninh Province authorities have confirmed that no licence has been issued for dining or entertainment services inside caves in Cẩm Phả, despite recent public interest in a cruise operator’s plan to introduce such an experience in Bái Tử Long Bay.

The Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, said that neither his department nor local authorities had received any application for artistic performances, dining services, or events inside caves in the area.

The clarification follows an announcement from APC Corporation -- who operates the Ambassador Cruise fleet, offering luxury cruises in Hạ Long Bay and Lan Hạ Bay, and told the media that it intended to launch a 2.5-hour combined dining and entertainment experience at Vũng Đục cave, starting next month.

The company proposed transforming the cave into a restaurant-theatre space capable of accommodating up to 800 guests within its 1,000-square-metre interior.

However, according to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Vũng Đục cave is not part of the Hạ Long Bay World Natural Heritage site.

Located in Cẩm Đông Ward, Cẩm Phả City, it lies on land near the Vũng Đục tourist boat terminal and does not fall within the Bái Tử Long Bay region either.

The cave was designated as a recognised tourist attraction by the provincial People’s Committee in August 2017.

The Cẩm Phả City People’s Committee was assigned to oversee its management, development, and regulatory compliance to serve both residents and tourists.

In recent months, a company has expressed interest in offering tourism services at Vũng Đục cave, including tours, traditional music performances, tea parties and souvenir sales.

Initial reports suggest plans for installing wooden walkways, a stage and a sound and lighting system, without altering the cave’s natural landscape. No cooking or restroom facilities would be placed inside.

However, Deputy Director Tùng emphasised that these remain initial proposals. No formal request has been submitted, and as a result, no licences have been issued, nor has any construction taken place.

Under the Law on Tourism and Government Decree No. 168/2017/NĐ-CP, a site must meet specific infrastructure and service criteria to be officially recognised as a tourist attraction. These include provisions for dining, shopping, security, fire prevention, environmental protection and public sanitation.

While certain tourism services could be considered at the site, any formal proposal would require a thorough review by relevant authorities. This would include evaluating the scale of the project, installation and operational plans, environmental impact, food safety and visitor capacity.

Quảng Ninh, one of Việt Nam’s top tourism destinations, aims to diversify its offerings beyond Hạ Long Bay to attract 20 million visitors this year.

Authorities of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism have reaffirmed that any proposed tourism projects must align with current regulations, prioritising environmental protection and the preservation of the cave’s natural and historical integrity, while supporting sustainable tourism development. — VNS