New gateway to explore world heritage site Ha Long Bay

Instead of flying to Vietnam and traveling to Ha Long Bay by various means, there's a more unique, romantic way to reach this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site - via the Ha Long International Cruise Port.

The world's most modern and unique cruise port

Officially operated in 2018, the Ha Long International Cruise Port has marked a new chapter for Ha Long tourism, bringing this world-renowned natural heritage site closer to international travelers.

Located in the heart of Bai Chay tourist area, the port - developed with a total investment of VND1,100 billion ($42.71 million) - can accommodate state-of-the-art cruise ships carrying over 10,000 passengers, as well as luxury yachts from the world’s ultra-wealthy. Since its debut, it has remained one of the most modern cruise ports in Vietnam.

As Vietnam’s first dedicated international cruise port, the Ha Long International Cruise Port was meticulously designed to ensure the most convenient and safest experience for passengers.

The gangway to the international terminal stretches 785 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, offering a direct, secure, and seamless connection from the terminal building to the docking area.

The international terminal itself spans 462 meters and can simultaneously accommodate two large cruise ships, with a total daily capacity of up to 10,000 passengers. Meanwhile, the domestic terminal features four berths capable of handling 200 to 300 cruise and sightseeing boats per day, serving a maximum of 15,000 visitors exploring Ha Long Bay.

Since its debut, the Ha Long International Cruise Port has emerged as a vital hub linking domestic and international tourism, connecting Ha Long with countries across Europe and the Americas.

It has become a favored stopover for some of the world’s most prestigious cruise liners - with iconic names like Costa Serena, Celebrity Solstice, and Noordam choosing the port as a key destination on their Southeast Asian voyages.

Beyond its optimized functionality, Ha Long International Cruise Port also stands out as a remarkable architectural work. The highlight of the port is a 13,500-square-meter passenger terminal designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. He infused Indochine architectural elements with the form of a classic European vessel.

The intricately carved interiors, expansive spaces, and warm golden lighting evoke a sense of luxury and elegance, reminiscent of the old trading streets of Hoi An. Inside the terminal, advanced technologies have been integrated to streamline immigration procedures, delivering a seamless, comfortable, and premium experience for visitors the moment they arrive in Ha Long.

As night falls, the Ha Long International Cruise Port transforms into a dazzling spectacle, illuminated by the vibrant Cruise Night Street - an ideal destination for those seeking to indulge in an upscale seaside atmosphere.

On special evenings, live music performances are staged at sunset, when the golden sun slowly dips behind majestic limestone mountains, casting a romantic glow across the bay. These enchanting moments are all the more meaningful as Ha Long Bay has been recognized as one of the most breathtaking places in the world to watch the sunset.

"Optimizing" the Ha Long discovery journey

The Ha Long International Cruise Port has been comprehensively developed to optimize the visitor experience. Purchasing tickets to explore Ha Long Bay is now more convenient than ever, thanks to a modern ticketing system, streamlined procedures, and a dedicated team of helpful staff. From the port, travelers can easily choose from a variety of popular sightseeing routes tailored to their schedules and personal interests.

For those with limited time, the four-hour tour is an ideal choice, taking visitors to some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic sites such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trong Mai Islet, and the Ba Hang fishing village.

Along the way, travelers can marvel at the bay’s majestic scenery, explore mysterious caves, and enjoy kayaking or a traditional bamboo boat ride through the floating village. For a more in-depth experience, the six-hour tour offers an extended itinerary with additional highlights, including Sung Sot Cave - one of the largest and most magnificent caverns in Ha Long Bay - and Titop Island, known for its powdery white-sand beach and panoramic views from the mountain summit.

For those seeking privacy and a premium experience, an overnight cruise offers the most immersive journey. Guests can enjoy a luxurious dinner under the stars on the deck, then wake up to the breathtaking sunrise amidst the majestic natural wonder of Ha Long Bay.

No matter which itinerary you choose, Ha Long Bay promises unforgettable moments - inviting travelers to lose themselves in a magical landscape found nowhere else on Earth.

From the port, travelers can easily embark on journeys to explore Ha Long town, known for its vibrant culinary scene and iconic attractions such as Sun World Ha Long, the Quang Ninh Museum, and Vui Fest Night Market.

Additionally, the port offers high-speed boat services connecting Ha Long with Hai Phong and Co To Island, providing visitors with fast and convenient travel options to nearby destinations.

In 2025, the Ha Long International Cruise Port is expected to welcome around 70 cruise ships, bringing nearly 90,000 international visitors to explore the heritage site of Ha Long Bay - increase 1.3 times compared to 2024, which saw over 76,000 arrivals. Kicking off the year on a high note, the port has already received nearly 15,000 international guests via 11 cruise ships operated by leading luxury cruise brands.

This year, the port’s cruise schedule features an impressive lineup of renowned international cruise brands, including Mein Schiff 6, Celebrity Solstice, and Costa Serena.

Notably, during the peak travel month of November 2025, Ha Long is set to welcome cruise ships from Beihai (China) with a frequency of three voyages per week - paving the way for stronger connections with the Northeast Asian tourism market.

With outstanding advantages in infrastructure, services, and a prime location, the Ha Long International Cruise Port truly serves as a gateway that brings travelers closer to the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay and offers seamless access to the exceptional tourism experiences of this heritage city.