The most important thing when traveling to the islands of Quang Ninh is to understand that: Ferry timetables are tentative schedules, while departure clearance strictly depends on actual safety conditions. In 2026, Quang Ninh continues to enhance its thunderstorm and squall forecasting and warning systems for Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long, while investing in X-band radar to improve early warning capabilities for hazardous weather.
Co To also demonstrated how this mechanism works in practice: ahead of the impact of Typhoon No. 1 in July 2026, local authorities temporarily suspended sightseeing, beach swimming, and activities posing safety risks; it was not until 8:00 AM on July 6, once conditions stabilized, that operations were permitted to resume.
Step 1: Verify information from official sources
Do not rely on:
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A Facebook status update.
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A message from a driver.
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Word of mouth at the hotel.
Check sequentially: ferry operator → port/wharf → local authorities/official information portals. If the ferry operator says departures are "suspended" but someone else claims a small private boat is willing to take you across, do not take the small boat.
Step 2: If you are on the mainland
Do not keep heading to the port in the hope that "there might be a trip once I get there." Instead:
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Confirm ticket status.
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Contact your island accommodation.
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Inquire about date changes or cancellation policies.
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Find a room in Van Don if you have to remain on the mainland.
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Adjust subsequent travel plans.
Do not cancel all bookings on your own before asking about their policies. Some properties offer much better date-change terms than refunds.
Step 3: If you are on the island and cannot return yet
The very first priority is not looking for another boat. Make sure you have:
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A place to sleep.
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Personal medication.
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Sufficient cash/payment methods.
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Phone battery power.
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A schedule to contact the ferry operator.
Only after that should you address:
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Flights.
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Long-distance buses.
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Hotels for the next leg.
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Upcoming tours.
Step 4: Do not schedule connecting legs too tightly
This is the best emergency measure because it is taken before an incident occurs. If you have an important international flight tomorrow, do not schedule your ferry return from the island for that same morning. A buffer of one night on the mainland is invaluable for journeys you cannot afford to miss.
When to call 112?
Call 112 if you are facing critical emergencies such as:
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Being stranded in a hazardous area.
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Being involved in an accident.
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Vessel breakdown or distress.
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A missing person.
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A critical medical condition.
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Direct natural disaster threats.
112 is not a hotline for checking ticket fares or requesting booking refunds.
Quick checklist
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Do not pressure boats to depart.
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Do not take unauthorized/illegal trips.
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Verify official announcements.
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Contact hotels as early as possible.
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Adjust connecting tickets immediately.
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Keep an extra budget for at least one night.
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Always keep your phone charged.
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Real emergency → call 112.
