Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago: Route to UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination

The Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago complex continues to be a significant focus for conservation and heritage recognition in Vietnam as of 2025. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has enhanced its proposal for this area to receive formal recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, all requisite processes are being meticulously followed to finalize the nomination dossier.

Ha Long Bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and reaffirmed in 2000, celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery and extensive cave systems. In parallel, the Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as a national-level monument in 2013. That same year, a nomination dossier for the Cat Ba Archipelago was submitted to UNESCO with a view towards World Heritage Site status. The IUCN has emphasized the potential of these two remarkable sites being recognized as an integrated heritage area.

The Cat Ba Archipelago encompasses 367 islands in northeastern Vietnam, covering a total area of approximately 260 square kilometers. This diverse ecosystem is home to numerous rare flora and fauna species, having been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2004. This international recognition has significantly contributed to the conservation efforts for Cat Ba’s unique natural environment, while also encouraging the growth of local tourism and economic development.