Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam is not recommended to visit in 2024
Halong Bay is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Vietnam, and every year this fabulous place becomes more and more popular among tourists. It is located in the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea, in the northeastern part of the country.
The area of the bay is relatively small, about 1500 square kilometers, but every year it is visited by so many tourists that the region cannot cope with the load. Fodor's editorial team has put Halong Bay on the "No List" for 2024.
The bay has long been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is appreciated for its emerald waters, limestone islands, and sharp cliffs.
A significant percentage of visitors come here as part of a boat trip or cruise, which is not good for water quality. For example, in the vicinity of the islands, you can see garbage or fuel floating near the shore.
A researcher who has studied marine pollution in the bay told Fodor's that the growing number of fishing communities around the bay has also contributed to the pollution.
The region has many uninhabited islands, caves, and grottoes where you can take incredible photos and videos.
This is a truly unique place that attracts people from all over the world, but its beauty has made it difficult to enjoy the bay. The most popular places in the region are overrun with tourists and garbage, and it's harder to get to remote corners.
Those who do decide to visit the resort in 2024 are advised to allocate more time to find locations free of queues and crowds.
