Halong International Cruise Port

Launched in November 2018, Halong International Cruise Port is Vietnam's first cruise port that accommodates the world's largest and most modern yachts, welcoming visitors to the stunning Halong Bay. Renowned for its modern design infused with classic European architectural elements, the port recreates the picturesque charm of coastal villages and captivates tourists with its top-notch facilities.

Developed by Sun Group, a prominent multi-industry corporation in Vietnam, Halong Port features various structures, including bridges, international and domestic wharves, a passenger terminal, and administration offices. Originally named Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, it is now officially recognized as Halong International Cruise Port.

Structure

Spanning an area of 13,500 sq. m, the port consists of 6 berths, which are split between inland and international wharves. The inland section has 4 berths, accommodating up to 300 domestic yachts and cruise ships, which include numerous local junk boats, overnight cruises, and speedboats.

The international wharf features a single pier with 2 berths designed to handle 2 mega ships simultaneously, each with a capacity of up to 225,000 GT. The Celebrity Millennium was the first international cruise to dock at Halong International Cruise Port, bringing aboard over 2,000 passengers and around 1,000 crew members. Other notable vessels that have visited include Voyager of the Seas, World Dream, and MS Westerdam.

The 4,500 sq. m terminal, designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley, offers an exceptional stopover for tourists eager to enjoy striking Vietnamese architecture contrasted with the European-style shipyard ambiance reminiscent of the late 19th century. The terminal includes numerous facilities such as lounges, duty-free shops, mini markets, and dining options.

Location

Halong International Cruise Port boasts a strategic location on Bai Chay Road in Halong City, Quang Ninh Province. It is approximately 180 km from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), 54 km from Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh), and 45 km from Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong). This prime location provides easy access to the city's main attractions, as Bai Chay is the bustling center of Halong City, featuring numerous high-rise hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

How to get there

From Hanoi

Visitors traveling from Hanoi can opt for various transportation options, including public transportation like local buses, taxis, seaplanes, or cruise buses, as well as private modes such as motorbikes or cars.

From Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers arriving from Ho Chi Minh City can access Halong International Cruise Port using planes, trains, or local buses.

• By plane: Several airlines operate flights from Ho Chi Minh City to the Halong region. Ticket prices range from $70 to $120 per way. Cat Bi International Airport is the closest airport and is about an hour's drive from the cruise port. While Van Don Airport is the newest and second closest, it has limited flight schedules at a slightly higher price. Noi Bai International Airport provides a wider range of flights at more affordable prices, but it is the furthest from Halong. If you're planning to spend some time in Hanoi, this airport is highly recommended.
• By train: While this option is lengthier, it provides a local experience with scenic views along the way. Trains feature soft seating and 4- or 6-bed cabins for comfort. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes approximately 33 hours and costs around $30 to $80 per person. From Hanoi, you can utilize one of the above transportation methods to reach Halong.
• By local bus: For a direct route to Halong, you can book a sleeping bus from Ho Chi Minh City that takes approximately 35 hours and costs around $30 - $50 per ticket. Note that sleeping buses lack restrooms and comfort may vary, as stops are made along the way.

Restaurants

Located in the center of Halong City, Halong International Cruise Port is surrounded by a vibrant dining scene offering both local and international cuisine. Seafood is a major highlight in Halong, with menus featuring a variety of dishes including “sa sung” (sea worms), lobsters, crabs, oysters, sea urchins, squid, abalones, and sea cucumbers. Additionally, plenty of restaurants offer non-seafood dishes and other Vietnamese specialties.

Here are some recommended restaurants near Halong Cruise Port:

• Ngoc Luc Bao Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese, fusion, Western
  • Address: 26 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay, Halong City
  • Phone: +(84) 969159888 / 327316111
  • Price: $16 - $35
  • Open hours: 24/7
• Huong Cang Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese, seafood
  • Address: 9 Thuong Cang Street, Bai Chay, Halong City
  • Phone: +(84) 988626810
  • Price: $12 - $30
  • Open hours: 11:00 - 14:00 and 18:00 - 22:00
• Hong Hanh 3 Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese, fusion
  • Address: 50 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay, Halong City
  • Phone: +(84) 2033812345 - 904385118 - 768395017
  • Price: $11 - $15
  • Open hours: 24/7
• Hoai Thu 2+ Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese, seafood
  • Address: Group 1, Zone 1, Bai Chay, Halong City
  • Phone: +(84) 829808889
  • Price: $10 - $15
  • Open hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Accommodation

Halong International Cruise Port is surrounded by a wide array of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts and hotels to economical hostels. Below are some popular hotels near the port:

Things to do

Cruising the bay

Various cruise options depart from Halong International Cruise Port. Day cruises typically offer 4 or 6-hour packages, while overnight cruises present 24 or 48-hour trips on the bay.

For day cruises, you can select Route 1, which visits Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Grotto, and Ba Hang Area, or Route 2, which includes Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave. Depending on the itinerary chosen, the cruise may provide lunch on board and include one or two attractions. Notable junk boats available include Hai Dang, Phuong Dong, Duc Phuong, Thien Cung, Ngoc Linh, and Binh An.

Overnight cruises can explore Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Bai Tu Long Bay, and usually include 1 or 2 nights on the cruise with all meals provided. Transfer services can be arranged as needed. Here are some highly-rated options for overnight cruises departing from Halong Cruise Port:

Exploring Sunworld Halong Complex

Encompassing 214 hectares, Sun World Halong Complex is the largest entertainment venue in northern Vietnam, featuring two main sections. The first includes a Water Park and Dragon Park located by the beach, offering thrilling rides, shopping, and dining options. The second area is a Japanese-style entertainment zone on Ba Deo Hill, connected to the first area via the Queen Cable Car, which provides stunning views of Halong Bay along with an array of dining offerings.

Visiting Tuan Chau Island

Just a 20-minute drive from Halong Cruise Port, Tuan Chau Island is Vietnam's largest artificial island, renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and a variety of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Highlights include Tuan Chau Park, water shows, dolphin and seal exhibitions, and amusement parks.

Shopping at Halong Night Market

Located approximately 1.6 km from the port, the Halong Night Market offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Here, visitors can browse a wide array of handicrafts, souvenirs, and local specialties while sampling street food like squid cakes, banh cuon (rolled steamed rice), banh troi (floating rice dumplings), mussel porridge, and Ha Long pearl yogurt.

Swimming at Bai Chay Beach

One of the finest beaches in Halong City, Bai Chay Beach is roughly 1 km from the port. It features a long stretch of soft sand and provides stunning views of Halong Bay, making it ideal for swimming, relaxation, and activities including kayaking, kite flying, surfing, and beach volleyball.

Visiting Quang Ninh Museum

The Quang Ninh Museum's distinctive box-shaped structure, clad in black tempered glass, symbolizes coal, the province's essential mineral. The museum houses a library and exhibition hall where visitors can learn more about the historical and cultural development of Quang Ninh Province.