Being endowed with 3,260km of coastline, standing 27th among 156 nations possessing seas in the world, with nearly 1 million km square of sea water and some 3,000 islands..., Vietnam has a great potential to develop various kinds of sea tourism as ecotours, scientific studying, diving, leisures and entertainments, medical treatment, sports...
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Chu Hoi - Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, Vietnam's sea tourism has more favourable conditions than offshore tourism since the country owns a lot of tranquil, pure and smooth beaches with no harmful creatures. Furthermore, the potential is enriched by the harmonious combination of natural landscape of seas and islands, underground caves and grottos, coral reefs and social and cultural values of coastal communities. Such precious values advance the development of various forms of sea tourism which have, for the first steps, been exploited in Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province).
Surveys revealed 126 sand beaches along the coast, 26 of which are of international standards. Besides, there are hundreds more of smaller marvellous beaches located in the Gulf of Bac Bo and Islands of Cat Ba, Cu Lao Cham, Hon Mun, Ly Son, Con Dao, Phu Quoc.
Tourists coming to Vietnam could be charmed by the beauty of the national gems as the World Heritage Halong Bay, Nha Trang and Lang Co Bays which have been listed among the 30 most beautiful bays in the world. Morever, 17 sea natural reserves that have been submited for government's approval would contribute to developing sea tourism and livelihoods of local communities. Other world heritage sites like complex of Hue monuments, ancient city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary and Phong Nha National Park are located along the coast also. All of these advantages are the base for a chain of charming tourist destinations in the future.
Edited and translated by T.P (TITC)
Source: MONRE
