Huge Hotel Building Project Near Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay Triggers Public Outcry

A massive project featuring villas and seven-story hotels in the turquoise waters near Vietnam’s Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay is triggering public criticism of a government-approved development some fear threatens one of the nation’s most cherished tourist attractions.

Ha Long Bay — its name means “descending dragon” — is located in northeast Vietnam and encompasses a 600-square-mile area featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets.