Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay Halts Boat Tours as Typhoon Wipha Nears

Northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province decided on Tuesday to suspend tourist boat service in Ha Long Bay in preparation for the possibly approaching Typhoon Wipha. The move comes as the storm, which is forecast to bring dangerous winds and heavy rain to the region, appears to close in on the northern coast. The suspension of services aims to keep passengers, staff and vessel safe in one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations. The Inland Waterway Port Authority and the Waterway Vehicle Registry, which manage the activities in Ha Long Bay, issued the announcement on 20 July 2025. All boat departures have been suspended, but boats which are already on their way back to the mainland will be allowed to return and disembark passengers. This was after the prevailing threat of Typhoon Wipha, which is rapidly strengthening while heading west over the northern East Vietnam Sea. This is a safety action which is well in anticipation of the storm and not let tour activities go ahead by result in local people lives being at risk unnecessarily. With the storm getting close, those who booked to travel on Ha Long Bay cruises already are being encouraged to change plans or get refunds. Here’s what to know about the local government response, the status of tourism in Ha Long Bay under the typhoon warning, and what travelers can expect in the days ahead.