Where To Halong Bay Cruises Leave From - Departure Ports

Questions about Halong Bay

If you are planning to explore Ha Long Bay by cruise then you might be interested in “Where to Halong Bay cruises leave from?”. Whether you fly into Vietnam or arrive by international cruise ship, you will need to change ports to complete your voyage. Don't miss the article below that has all the details on "Where do cruise ships dock in Halong Bay?" as it will be helpful for your trip.

If you are planning to travel to beautiful bays around the world by cruise, then Ha Long Bay with its numerous limestone mountains, caves, and islets of various shapes and sizes will be the ideal destination for you. 

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Halong Bay - Overview

On Ha Long Bay, there are many different departure ports for Cruises, of which Tuan Chau Port is the most popular. However, Hon Gai and Got Wharf are also frequent destinations for departing trains. Travelers who intend to organize their transportation should be aware of the port from which they will depart before setting out on their trip.

Tuan Chau Port is the most popular for departing trains

After docking, guests can enjoy refreshments while waiting to board the cruise ship. Most cruises also offer private transfers between the guest's accommodation and the Port of Departure.

Read more: Exploring the Beauty of World Natural Heritage: How Long To Stay in Ha Long Bay?

Domestic Halong Bay Cruise Ports

Besides international ports for tourists starting their journey to Ha Long Bay, there are also 3 domestic ports provided: Hon Gai Pier, Tuan Chau Harbor, and Got Pier (located in Hai Phong City).

Journey to Halong Bay

Tuan Chau Harbor - The Largest Pier in Halong Bay

Tuan Chau Port is a popular choice for travelers looking to start their journey to Halong Bay. It is connected to the mainland by a long bridge, which is a convenient departure point for your journey.

The port has professional tour guide companies, duty-free shops, and restaurants, and those waiting to board can relax in the comfortable lounges or enjoy a drink in one of the bars. With a maximum capacity of 2,000 ships, Tuan Chau's design is Western-style, leaving a lot of space for police and customs headquarters, and is an artificial harbor serving both domestic and international ships.

Tuan Chau Port 

Read more: How to choose Halong Bay cruise for your perfect trip?

Location

Tuan Chau Port is about a 3 to 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi and can be reached by private taxi, bus, or minivan. It is worth noting that some tour companies offer free transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay as part of their travel packages. From Van Don airport to Tuan Chau Port, it takes about 1 to 2 hours by car.

Distance

Cruises that depart from Tuan Chau Pier:

• Aphrodite cruises
• Serenity Cruises
• Paradise Elegance Cruise 
• President Cruises
• Stellar of the Seas

Read More: Unwind in Style - Experience a 2 Days 1 Night Cruise Adventure

Paradise Cruises Pier 

Paradise Cruises Pier is the main departure point for Paradise Vietnam's luxury cruises in Halong Bay. Located on Tuan Chau Island, the pier is easily accessible from Hanoi and other major cities in northern Vietnam.

The pier is equipped with modern facilities, including spacious waiting areas, clean restrooms, and check-in counters. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy souvenirs. The pier has a VIP Lounge exclusively for Paradise Cruises guests. The lounge has comfortable seating, snacks and drinks, and free Wi-Fi. The highlight of the port is that visitors board a large ship directly from the port, with no need to transfer via tender or speedboat.

Paradise Cruise

Read More: Experience the Best - 3 day 2-night Halong Bay cruise

Hon Gai Pier

Hon Gai Pier is a new departure point that has become quite popular for cruises passing through or heading to Ha Long Bay. Although smaller than other ports, this location can support two international cruise ships arriving at the same time. It was refurbished in 2017 and 2018 and is much smaller than Tuan Chau Port.

Located to the east of Ha Long Bay, near Bai Chay Bridge - the bridge connecting Bai Chay Island with the mainland. Near the pier where trips to Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay will be, there are a few cafes. If you want to find a smaller and more peaceful port than Tuan Chau Port, Hon Gai is an alternative.

Travel time by car between Hanoi city center and Hon Gai pier takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.

If you want to find a smaller and more peaceful port than Tuan Chau Port, Hon Gai is an alternative

If going by car from Van Don Airport to Hon Gai Port takes just over an hour.

Read more: Making Tough Choices: Should Cruises Be Canceled in Halong Bay?

Cai Lan Port - The deepest water Halong cruise port

Since being invested by the Japanese Government's ODA in 1999, Cai Lan has risen to the top position among international container ports in the northern region of Vietnam. Owning a system of modern and sleek equipment and a depth of 13m, this port always welcomes container ships with a capacity of over 5,000 TEUs to dock. Currently, the port has three berths, one of which is capable of receiving ships with a tonnage of up to 40,000 DWT. It is expected that in 2030, the expansion of two more piers will be implemented.

Many investments in shipping and infrastructure have been made in Cai Lan, making it more than just a cargo port. Its natural beauty also makes it a popular destination for international cruises.

Cai Lan Port

At Cai Lan, thrill-seekers fascinated by geography or geology can take a tour to Thien Cung Cave or the stunning Sung Sot Cave, both of which feature magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. In addition, those who want to discover more about local customs can go to Cua Van Floating Village to observe the daily life of the friendly locals.

Read More: Explore the Wonders of Halong Bay Full-Day Boat Cruise

Halong International Cruise Port - The newest cruise port

Located in the center of Bai Chay, Ha Long International Cruise Port is located adjacent to Sun World Halong Complex. A must-visit for seafarers both near and far, the port has served as a gathering place for nearly 56,000 visitors from around 40 international ships. Famous ships such as Celebrity Millennium, World Dream, Mein Chiff, Westerdam, and Voyager of the Sea have all docked here.

Visitors can reach Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island through the port's 4 beautiful piers, which can accommodate up to 300 ships in total.

An architectural masterpiece created by famous architect Bill Bensley is the station that reflects European and Vietnamese culture. Impressive elements such as elegant yacht-inspired design, Hoi An-inspired yellow paint, and sophisticated interiors with steel and wood ceilings and wooden columns add to the sophistication.

With a capacity of 2,000 people, the waiting area is 13,500 m2. Furthermore, visitors can easily find duty-free shops, quick-service restaurants, and souvenir shops.

So you know: where Halong Bay cruises leave from after reading this article. Don't forget to bring your camera, as Halong Bay Cruise Port is not only a marina but also a beautiful place to enjoy the beauty and architectural marvels. Book with Paradise Vietnam and visit our Paradise Cruises Pier for the best care.

Discover the ideal cruise option for you in Halong Bay by checking out Paradise Vietnam's top-rated cruises now.