In 1962 the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism designated Ha Long Bay a 'Renowned National Landscape Monument'.

Ha Long Bay was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 in recognition of its outstanding, universal aesthetic value.

In 2000 the World Heritage Committee additionally recognized Ha Long Bay for its outstanding geological and geomorphologic value[2], and its World Heritage Listing was updated.

The New Open World Foundation has included Halong Bay on its list for nomination as one the World's 7 Natural Wonders