Ha Long Bay

About this location

Ha Long Bay - A coastal and island setting featuring limestone wonders. Located in Quang Ninh Province, Northeast Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its system of limestone islands, karst mountains, caves, and seascapes formed through a long geological evolutionary process. The bay was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site in 1994 for its aesthetic value and in 2000 for its geological and geomorphological significance. In 2023, the heritage boundary was expanded, merging with the Cat Ba Archipelago to form the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage site. The system of limestone islands, cliffs, caves, water surfaces, and tour routes creates a diverse filming space, ranging from panoramic island and sea views and large-scale natural landscapes to cave settings and water-based activities. The karst topography invaded by the sea, combined with rocky mountains, the sea surface, and vegetation, creates deep, visually rich frames that bear the distinct characteristics of Northeast Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is suitable as a setting for feature films, television series, documentaries, travel and exploration programs, commercials, music videos, and art projects. It accommodates scenes involving nature, exploration journeys, tourism, coastal life, and stories tied to the marine environment, while offering visual advantages due to its scale and international recognition as a heritage site. Information compiled from various sources by PTIT. Photo credits: Focus Asia Travel, REALBIZ, S forum, Quang Phong Food, Ha Noi Moi Newspaper, Van Hoa Newspaper.

Location rules

• Contact and obtain approval from the Management Board before organizing filming, especially for large crews, heavy equipment, or water-based activities.
• Use licensed ships, boats, and watercraft, and comply with designated routes, operating zones, mooring regulations, and waterway traffic coordination.
• Do not moor, dock, or move vehicles in unauthorized areas without permission.
• Do not impact or damage the landscape, limestone islands, caves, ecosystems, or heritage values; ensure the principles of karst landscape and marine ecosystem conservation are upheld.
• Do not litter, discharge wastewater, or pollute the marine environment; minimize the use of plastic waste and single-use materials.
• Comply with regulations on waterway traffic safety, fire prevention and fighting, rescue, and disaster prevention, especially when filming on ships or in water areas.
• Do not obstruct tourism activities or waterway traffic, especially at busy routes and tourist spots.
• Filming at caves, islands, and tourist spots must remain within permitted areas; do not bring equipment or crew into restricted zones without authorization.
• Flycam/drone operations must comply with legal regulations regarding airspace and flight activities and must be approved as required by competent authorities.
• Foreign film crews must complete procedures and obtain filming permits in Vietnam in accordance with cinema laws.
• Follow the instructions of the Management Board and functional forces at all times, especially during weather warnings, temporary suspensions, or adjustments to tour routes.

Infrastructure

Special notes

• Marine Weather
• Waves and Currents
• Island and Cave Terrain
• Electrical and Filming Equipment Near Water