On a recent Sunday evening, Nguyen Tuan Phong and his family visited the Quang Ninh Museum and Library. Although a local resident familiar with the venue, Phong was eager to experience its new after-dark program.
While the first floor introduces Quang Ninh’s biodiversity and natural resources and the second displays artifacts from different historical periods, Phong spent most of his time on the third floor, where a large-scale model depicts Quang Ninh’s iconic coal mining industry, using it to explain the region’s heritage to his young nephews.
“During the day, it’s usually crowded, giving the children little time to read the informational panels. I helped my nephews learn about the ethnic groups in Quang Ninh, its historical eras, and its coal mining areas. The kids absolutely loved it. I was pleasantly surprised by the museum's new night hours. Touring in the evening offers more pleasant weather and less crowding,” Phong told VOV.
Visiting the Quang Ninh Museum and Library on its opening night, Le Duc Truong of Bac Ninh province said, “This place has a vast collection of historical artifacts. Normally, people visit museums during the day. Experiencing it at night is quite fascinating.”
The nighttime program runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Its centerpiece is the “Museum by Night – A Heritage Journey” tour, which lets visitors explore Quang Ninh’s history, culture, nature, and people through advanced lighting, sound, and projection technology. The artifacts have QR codes linked to audio guides, creating a more engaging experience.
“The nighttime atmosphere is quieter, offering a distinct and engaging vibe. In addition to the exceptional permanent artifacts, the museum is currently hosting several thematic exhibitions for visitors to explore,” said Pham Thanh Tam, Deputy Chairman of the Quang Ninh Antique Association.
The museum has also introduced a reading space called “Reading Amid the Wonder,” featuring 2,200 titles on history, culture, and literature.
During the summer, children can participate in storytelling sessions, painting workshops, and fairy-tale character role-playing activities. Animated films are screened on weekends. Live music performances and traditional art forms including Xam singing, Then singing, and dry puppetry further enrich the evening experience.
Do Thanh Mai, Deputy Head of the Museum Operations Section, said they want visitors to immerse themselves in a unique space rich in Quang Ninh's indigenous identity.
“We’re rolling out these products and introducing them directly to travel agencies, hoping that visitors will be genuinely impressed by the new products,” said Mai.
The Museum and Library is connected to October 30 Square and the nearby “Dolphin” Palace exhibition and convention center, creating an integrated cultural and entertainment hub.
By linking these attractions into a seamless visitor experience, the initiative has the potential to become a signature tourism product and strengthen Ha Long’s appeal as a wonderful destination after dark.
