The Saigon Tourist Corporation (Saigontourist) on November 4 received more than 500 foreign travellers to the Ha Long Bay in northern Quang Ninh province on board an Italian cruise ship.

The tourists on the Costa Allegra are mainly coming from China, Italy, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

This is the first time the cruise ship of the Costa Crociere S.p.A to dock at the Ha Long Bay and the fourth to Vietnam.

The ship will then arrive in the central city of Da Nang on November 5, taking the visitors to many destinations, including the ancient town of Hoi An and the former imperial city of Hue.

The Costa Allegra plans to make regular visits from Hong Kong to Ha Long Bay every five days.

Previously, the vessel brought some 3,650 international holidaymakers to Ho Chi Minh City in May and June. (VNA)