Exploring Halong Bay Cruise Port: Gateway to Natural Wonders

Halong Bay is an incredible place you don’t want to miss out on when you visit Vietnam. It’s located in the Gulf of Tonkin, close to Hai Phong city. Halong Bay has received recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re excited about exploring Halong Bay, I highly recommend going on a cruise. It’s one of the best ways to fully experience the beauty of this place. A cruise allows you to immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery, discover hidden gems, and take part in thrilling activities like kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or even biking.

But before you hop on board, it’s important to know where to start your cruise journey. Halong Bay has multiple cruise ports so we’ve gathered all the essential information travelers need to save time and get through the boring parts quickly, allowing the fun to start!

International Cruise Ports in Halong Bay

Halong International Cruise Port

Location: Bai Chay Ward, Halong City

Halong International Cruise Port is the latest and most luxurious cruise port in Halong Bay. It’s located in the central area of Bai Chay, and it’s super close to the Sun World Halong Complex. This place is a hotspot for tourists, and the best part is that it’s conveniently located near plenty of amenities, making it really easy for visitors to get to.

This amazing port that was designed by Bill Bensley is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and I think you’ll love it. When you see the terminal building, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a corner of Hoi An. It’s got these lovely yellow walls, red-brown tiled roofs, and stunning sea-themed paintings. The attention to detail is incredible, with intricate furnishings and wooden columns adding to the charm.

Now, let’s talk about what you can expect when you visit. They’ve really invested a lot in this port, spending over 1,000 billion VND to make sure it’s top-notch and has all the facilities you could dream of. The terminal has everything you need. There are dining areas where you can grab something delicious to eat, souvenir shops where you can find unique treasures, waiting lounges where you can relax, and duty-free stores where you can do some tax-free shopping. It can handle a large crowd too, as it can accommodate up to 2,000 passengers at once.

You definitely don’t want to miss the port bridge! It stretches over 400 meters and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay. It’s a sight you won’t forget!

Tuan Chau International Marina

Location: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long City

Located on Tuan Chau Island, about 12 kilometers from Ha Long City, this port is easily accessible by road from Hanoi or Hai Phong. Tuan Chau Island is also a popular tourist destination itself, with many attractions such as beaches, amusement parks, golf courses, water shows, and restaurants.

You can choose from various routes that cover different areas of Halong Bay. Some of the most popular routes are:

Route 1: Tuan Chau – Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Fighting Cock Islet – Titop Island – Luon Cave – Sung Sot Cave – Tuan Chau (4 hours)
Route 2: Tuan Chau – Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Fighting Cock Islet – Titop Island – Luon Cave – Sung Sot Cave – Tuan Chau (6 hours)
Route 3: Tuan Chau – Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Fighting Cock Islet – Titop Island – Luon Cave – Sung Sot Cave – Tuan Chau (overnight)

Domestic Halong Bay Cruise Ports

Got Pier (Cat Hai Port)

Location: 356 Road, Cat Hai, Hai Phong

Got Pier, also known as Cat Hai Port, is the closest cruise port to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Located on Cat Hai Island, about 30 kilometers from Ha Long City, this port is a convenient gateway to the less explored areas of Halong Bay. Got Pier is a relatively new and small port, but it has been upgraded and improved to meet the demand of tourists.

You can easily reach the port from Hanoi or Hai Phong for a quicker and more convenient transfer. It takes around 2 hours by car or bus from Hanoi, and just 1 hour from Hai Phong. Alternatively, you have the option of taking a speedboat or ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Hai Island, which only takes about 15 minutes.

Hon Gai Pier

Did you know that Hon Gai Pier is the oldest Halong cruise port? It’s a fantastic spot located in East Halong, right by the Bai Chay Bridge, which connects Bai Chay Island with the mainland. The pier is perfect for setting off on cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay, a serene and less crowded area of Halong Bay, known for its pristine beauty.

Not only is Hon Gai Pier a great starting point for your cruise adventure, but it’s also conveniently close to several attractions. You can explore places like Sun World Halong Complex, Bai Chay Beach, Ha Long Queen Cable Car, and Sun World Ha Long Park. There’s so much to discover in the area!

Getting to the pier is a breeze. You can easily reach it by car, bus, or taxi from either Hanoi or Hai Phong around 3 to 3.5 hours.

Port of the 10 Best Halong Bay Cruises

When you’re planning to book a cruise, it’s important to have all the necessary info about where it actually starts from – the port or terminal. For international cruises, you’ll usually find them stopping at either Cai Lan or Halong Bay International Cruise port. On the other hand, if you’re going for a domestic cruise, it’ll most likely embark from one of the three main domestic spots: Got pier, Tuan Chau harbor, or Hon Gai pier.

I hope this table helps you to compare and choose the best cruise for your trip to Halong Bay.

Cruise Name	Cruise Port	Price from (per person)
Stellar of the Seas Cruise	Tuan Chau Marina	$180
Orchid Classic Cruise	Tuan Chau Marina	$155
Ambassador Cruises	Tuan Chau Marina	$245
Scarlet Pearl Cruises	Halong International Cruise Port	$271
Elite of the Seas	Tuan Chau Marina	$245
Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan	Tuan Chau Marina	$188
Indochine Cruise	Got Pier (Cat Hai Port)	$155
Peony Cruises	Tuan Chau Marina	$151
Paradise Elegance Cruise	Tuan Chau Marina	$515
Rosy Cruises	Tuan Chau Marina	$130

Halong Bay is a wonderful destination that will leave you speechless and enchanted. No matter which cruise port you choose, you will surely have an unforgettable experience in Halong Bay. Don’t hesitate to book your trip today and discover its beauty for yourself! You won’t regret it!