Vietnam's Ha Long Bay losing its hue

This aerial photo taken from a seaplane shows tourist boats sailing on the waters of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam's northeastern province of Quang Ninh on Dec 28, 2023. - AFP

HA LONG: Vietnam's Ha Long Bay is losing its famous turquoise hue as pollution and over-development threaten its wildlife and picture-perfect image.

The Unesco site is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, with more than seven million people visiting its blue-green waters and rainforest-topped limestone islands last year.