Cruise in Halong Bay - With its coastal scenery along Bai Tu Long Bay, the Vung Duc cave complex, and a wealth of historical and cultural assets, Cam Pha Ward is well-positioned to develop various forms of tourism-including coastal, eco-tourism, experiential travel, and heritage exploration. However, current exploitation efforts fall short of the area's true potential. Challenges remain, such as a lack of integrated infrastructure, a limited range of tourism products, inconsistent service quality, and a need for greater focus on heritage preservation and the maintenance of a healthy business environment.
Significant Potential Yet to Be Fully Realized
According to the plan, Cam Pha Ward aims to attract approximately 560,000 visitors in 2026, with a projected revenue of 1.12 trillion VND. In the first nine months of 2026, the ward welcomed an estimated 377,638 visitors-reaching 67.43% of the annual target-while generating 563 billion VND in revenue, or 50.26% of the annual goal. While the visitor numbers provide a solid foundation, the revenue figures suggest that tourists’ lengths of stay and overall spending remain limited.
Situated along Bai Tu Long Bay, Cam Pha Ward boasts a landscape of coastal vistas, limestone karsts, and numerous islands-an ideal setting for sightseeing, resort-style tourism, nature-based experiences, and coastal services. The coastal road connecting Ha Long and Cam Pha helps shorten travel time, links various destinations, and expands connectivity with major tourism hubs in the city. Notably, the Vung Duc historical site and scenic area has been gifted by nature with a beauty rarely found elsewhere. Visitors here can admire unique natural landscapes, including the Vung Duc cave system, located right next to the Vung Duc temple and memorial site.
The Vung Duc cave system comprises five magnificent and awe-inspiring caves: Thien Dang, Long Van, Ngo Ngang, Kim Quy, and Doi (Bat) Cave. Visitors can reach these caves by following a path along the mountainside. Deep inside, one finds graceful, cascading stone curtains and thick layers of silvery stalactites, which-depending on the visitor's imagination-form whimsical shapes resembling swans, elephants, monkeys, lions, and more.
During their exploration, visitors should not miss Thien Dang Cave, which sits at an elevation of over 46 meters above sea level and spans an area of approximately 300 square meters. From Thien Dang Cave, visitors can take in the breathtaking beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay, where rocky islets rise from the water in the distance and boats navigate to and from Vung Duc Wharf. What visitors cherish most about Vung Duc is its profound tranquility and peace. The cool, soothing atmosphere amidst the rocky cliffs, combined with the sound of sea breezes drifting through the cave arches, creates a gentle, natural melody.
Today, Vung Duc is more than just a historical site or a scenic landmark; it serves as a gateway to the past-a place to connect with the "Discipline and Unity" (Ky luat và Dong Tam) tradition that defines the people of the mining region. Here, history is not confined to the pages of books; it lives on within the landscape of mountains and sea, in the monuments, and in the stories recounted about those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In recent years, Quang Ninh Province has designated the Vung Duc monument as a site to honor the revolutionary fighters who fell for the liberation of the mining region, as well as a place to instill patriotism in the younger generation. Consequently, the Vung Duc site should be viewed not merely as a historical structure to be preserved, but as an "open classroom" dedicated to the region’s heritage. Thus, Vung Duc does more than remind the people of Quang Ninh of those who have passed; it serves as a poignant reminder to the living that the achievements of today are, in part, built upon the sacrifices of the generations that came before. Leveraging the tourism development potential of the Vung Duc historical site and scenic area-while creating connections with the Cua Ong Temple festivals and nearby attractions such as caves, beaches, resorts in Bai Tu Long Bay, and the Quang Hanh hot springs-Cam Pha Ward can establish inter-regional tourism routes. This would enhance the appeal of its tourism offerings and encourage longer visitor stays.
Developing specific products and promoting green tourism
To transform these resources into tourism products, Cam Pha Ward is currently surveying all sites with potential. By categorizing these locations based on different visitor segments, the ward aims to design tailored itineraries for day-trippers, families, students, vacationers, and nature enthusiasts. A single program could integrate coastal sightseeing, cave exploration, historical discovery, local seafood dining, and the purchase of regional products.
It can be said that tourism activities in the ward have yet to develop in a manner commensurate with its potential-a potential rooted in its landscapes, marine resources, water bodies, and historical and cultural values. Tourism offerings remain limited in variety and scope; there is a notable lack of distinctive products capable of attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.
Several sites with significant potential have yet to receive the necessary investment, upgrades, or effective management to be fully utilized. Tourism infrastructure and facilities require comprehensive development, particularly in coastal areas, at tourist attractions, and within the Vung Duc cave complex. Essential amenities-such as parking areas, restrooms, rest stops, signage, visitor reception areas, and information systems-demand greater attention. Furthermore, services related to entertainment, leisure, and shopping, as well as products tailored for tourists, need to be expanded in scale, improved in quality, and diversified in form.
Additionally, the locality should bolster its promotional efforts through the use of photographs, videos, and digital maps, while providing clear information regarding service pricing, itineraries, and visitation requirements. Local authorities, businesses, and the community must collaborate on targeted investments, prioritizing sites with the potential to develop unique offerings and ensure a steady influx of visitors. Any development must strike a harmonious balance between economic growth, heritage preservation, environmental protection, and the well-being of the local population. Leveraging strengths in coastal tourism, caves, and historical sites not only helps diversify the economic structure but also opens new development pathways for Cam Pha Ward as it strives to build a civilized, modern urban environment. By combining natural advantages with cultural value, high-quality services, and effective management, the locality can enhance its competitiveness, create jobs, and increase income for its residents.
However, transforming this potential into tangible advantages requires a methodical, long-term approach. Every tourism product must be built upon actual, existing resources; each destination requires a tailored management and protection plan; and all promotional activities must be intrinsically linked to the quality of the visitor experience.
Investment should be focused rather than spread too thin, prioritizing essential infrastructure and products with the potential for a broader, positive impact. More importantly, tourism development must be integrated with urban planning, environmental protection, the preservation of local identity, and the assurance of sustainable livelihoods for the community. This is not solely the responsibility of the local government; it requires the active participation of businesses, social organizations, and every individual citizen.
With its coastal landscapes, unique caves, and rich historical and cultural traditions, Cam Pha Ward possesses the foundation to gradually cultivate an image as an attractive, distinctive destination. Effectively harnessing this potential will help convert resources into development value, providing new momentum for the service economy while safeguarding the precious natural and human heritage of the area.
From azure seas and caves to historical landmarks, each asset can serve as a vital link in the journey toward sustainable tourism development. When driven by a long-term vision, innovative approaches, and the collective effort of the community, tourism will help reshape the identity of Cam Pha Ward-ensuring that this land, with its rich heritage, is recognized not merely for its industrial legacy, but also as a memorable destination for those exploring Quang Ninh.
