Halong International Cruise Port – 225,000 GRT Terminal & Facilities

Discover Halong International Cruise Port, Vietnam’s premier 225,000 GRT terminal in Bai Chay. With modern berths, a three-story terminal, and seamless connections to Halong Bay cruises, the port offers travelers world-class comfort and convenience from the very first step of their journey.

Overview of Halong International Cruise Port

As Vietnam’s very first dedicated cruise terminal, the Halong International Cruise Port has been a game-changer since its grand opening in 2018. Designed to welcome the world’s largest cruise liners, this modern port is more than just a docking facility—it is a stylish maritime gateway connecting global travelers with the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.

• Total Investment: over 1,000 billion VND
• Passenger Capacity: 10,000 – 15,000 travelers per day
• Access Bridge: 785 m long, 10.5 m wide
• International Berth: accommodates 2 mega-cruise ships up to 225,000 GRT
• Domestic Berths: 4 terminals serving 200 – 300 vessels daily

Location & Local Connections (Bai Chay, near Sun World, tourist hub)

Perfectly located in the heart of Bai Chay, Halong’s busiest tourist district, the port offers unmatched convenience:

• Only 600 m – 1.5 km from Sun World Halong Complex
• Just minutes from Bai Chay Beach
• Surrounded by hotels, resorts, and seafood restaurants
• Easy transport access via taxi, ride-hailing apps, or private vehicles
  

With such a prime spot, visitors can step off the ship and instantly immerse themselves in Halong’s vibrant atmosphere.

Construction History & Investor (Sun Group, strategic role)

• Groundbreaking: November 2017
• Completed & Inaugurated: 2018
• Investor: Sun Group (Sun Ha Long Ltd.)

Strategic role:

• Completed Quang Ninh’s “infrastructure triangle”: Van Don Airport – Halong Expressway – Halong International Cruise Port
• Attracted direct international cruise routes, reducing reliance on transit ports
• Created a tourism landmark that blends maritime facilities with cultural spaces and a lively cruise night market

Functions & Terminals: International & Domestic Operations

The port is intelligently designed with two main zones:

Additional Highlights:

• Three-story passenger terminal (7,600 m²), styled in an Indochine-meets-maritime design
• Integrated shopping, lounges, and premium waiting areas
• Described as the “luxury welcome hall” where journeys to Halong Bay truly begin

With world-class facilities, strategic location, and large-scale capacity, the Halong International Cruise Port is not just a transit hub—it’s a complete travel experience from the very first step ashore.

More explore: Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour with Pickup & Exploration

Infrastructure & Technical Capacity of Halong International Cruise Port

When you first arrive at the Halong International Cruise Port, the sheer scale and modern design immediately stand out. Built to meet strict international standards, this world-class seaport is carefully planned to handle both international cruise liners and domestic sightseeing vessels, ensuring safe, seamless, and comfortable journeys for all visitors.

Number of Berths: 06 berths (04 domestic, 02 international)

The port is equipped with six berths in total:

This division allows smooth operations, minimizing congestion and ensuring safety for both local and international routes.

Large Ship Capacity: Up to 225,000 GRT vessels

One of the port’s most remarkable features is its ability to host mega cruise ships of up to 225,000 GRT. It can welcome two international liners at once, with a combined capacity of 8,000 – 10,000 passengers and crew per day. The 785-meter-long, 10.5-meter-wide access bridge was purpose-built to guarantee safety and efficiency when embarking or disembarking.

Three-Story Passenger Terminal (~7,600 m²)

The three-story passenger terminal, covering about 7,600 m², serves as the beating heart of the port:

• Ground Floor: Reception area, ticket counters, security checks.
• Second Floor: Spacious waiting lounges, shopping & dining services.
• Third Floor: Cafés, scenic viewpoints, and premium traveler amenities.

Its Indochine-inspired interior, infused with maritime elements, blends elegance with warmth, creating a space that feels both luxurious and inviting.

Domestic Berth ~1,350 m long, handling ~300 vessels daily

The domestic terminal stretches 1,350 meters, designed to handle 200 – 300 vessels daily. It supports a wide range of ships—traditional wooden boats, steel tourist vessels, and modern speedboats—serving up to 15,000 visitors per day. This flexibility makes it the hub for day trips to Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, offering travelers countless ways to explore the UNESCO heritage waters.

With its impressive infrastructure, spacious terminals, and world-class safety standards, the Halong International Cruise Port is more than just a docking facility—it’s a grand introduction to the wonders of Halong Bay.

More explore: 2-Day 1-Night Dora Cruise: Explore Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay

Architecture & Scenic Experience at Halong International Cruise Port

Stepping into the Halong International Cruise Port, you instantly realize this is not just a modern terminal—it feels like a piece of art framed by the heritage seascape of Halong Bay. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and deeply connected to the maritime culture of Vietnam.

Design Concept & Aesthetics (Fishing village theme, harmony with nature)

The port was designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley, blending tradition with modernity. Inspired by the charm of Quang Ninh’s fishing villages, the architecture pays tribute to Vietnam’s coastal identity.

• Exterior: reminiscent of Hoi An’s ancient town, rustic yet elegant.
  
• Interior: evokes the feel of a 19th-century European shipyard, with wooden beams, steel columns, and warm lighting.
  

This fusion creates a space that feels like a living maritime museum—classical, sophisticated, yet alive with cultural storytelling.

Check-in Spaces, 270° Panoramic Views, Sunset & Pier Scenery

One of the most breathtaking highlights is the 270° panoramic view of Halong Bay right from the port. It’s a dream setting for travelers who love photography.

• Ideal check-in spots for vibrant, memorable photos.
  
• Stunning sunsets reflecting across the emerald waters.
  
• Piers designed with both beauty and practicality, offering seamless movement for visitors.
  

Many travelers have said they felt the grandeur of Halong Bay the moment they stood on the pier—even before boarding a cruise.

Integration with Halong Bay Landscapes & Visitor Experiences

The Halong International Cruise Port is more than a gateway—it is an experience in itself. Its open spaces invite sea breezes, the scent of salt, and the rhythm of gentle waves. The architecture flows in harmony with the bay’s natural contours, creating a sense of connection between people and nature.

Often described as the “grand lobby of the heritage site,” the port gives every guest a majestic first impression of Halong Bay, setting the tone for unforgettable journeys ahead.

With its artistic design, sweeping views, and seamless blend of culture and nature, the Halong International Cruise Port is not just where voyages begin—it’s already part of the adventure.

Passenger Amenities & Services at Halong International Cruise Port

What makes the Halong International Cruise Port stand out is its thoughtful range of modern amenities designed to make every traveler feel comfortable, cared for, and fully prepared for their voyage. From shopping to transport, everything is organized to ensure your journey begins smoothly.

Waiting Lounges, Power Outlets, Souvenir Shops & Duty-Free Stores

The port’s spacious waiting lounges are bright, airy, and equipped with plenty of comfortable seating. Travelers can recharge devices with accessible power outlets, perfect for keeping phones and cameras ready for the trip.

Souvenir shops showcase beautiful local products such as pearls and handmade crafts, while duty-free stores offer perfumes, wines, jewelry, and cosmetics at competitive prices. To top it off, cozy cafés and quick-service eateries provide light meals and drinks to enjoy while waiting.

Wifi, Luggage Storage, ATMs, Immigration Support

Visitors benefit from free Wi-Fi across the passenger terminal, staying connected with ease. For convenience, secure luggage storage services are available, allowing you to explore freely without heavy bags.

The port also features ATMs and POS systems for round-the-clock transactions, including international cards. Immigration counters are streamlined and friendly, offering smooth procedures especially for cruise passengers arriving from abroad.

Transportation Options: Taxis, Electric Cars, Shuttle Buses

Leaving the port is just as easy as arriving. Travelers have multiple transport choices:

This seamless network makes it simple to reach attractions, beaches, or accommodations within minutes.

International Support: Bilingual Information & Assistance

To ensure global travelers feel at home, the Halong International Cruise Port provides bilingual signage (Vietnamese–English) and clear instructions throughout the terminal.

Friendly staff are trained to assist international visitors with customs, visas, and travel guidance. Complimentary maps and brochures highlight the best things to do in Halong, helping guests start their adventure with confidence.

With its world-class facilities and guest-focused services, the Halong International Cruise Port is more than a transit point—it’s a welcoming gateway to the wonders of Halong Bay.

Operational Statistics & International Recognition of Halong International Cruise Port

Since opening, the Halong International Cruise Port has quickly built a reputation for both efficiency and prestige. More than just a modern facility, it has become a symbol of Vietnam’s growth in global cruise tourism, proving its world-class standards through impressive performance and international acclaim.

Passenger Volume & Capacity (International & Domestic)

The port is designed to handle high volumes with ease.

• International terminal: accommodates two mega-cruise ships up to 225,000 GRT, serving about 10,000 passengers daily.
• Domestic terminal: four modern berths welcome 200–300 vessels per day, reaching a maximum of 15,000 visitors daily.
• By 2025, the port is projected to receive around 70 international cruises, with nearly 90,000 foreign passengers—a 30% increase compared to 2024.

Notable liners such as Mein Schiff 6, Celebrity Solstice, and Costa Serena are frequent visitors, underscoring the port’s growing global appeal.

Awards & Global Recognition

Widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most advanced cruise ports, Halong has been recognized across Asia for excellence in tourism infrastructure.

• Honored at Asian travel and infrastructure awards.
• Regular host for major international cruise events and ceremonial ship receptions.
• Trusted by leading cruise lines for its safety, professionalism, and premium passenger experience.

These achievements have cemented its position on the global cruise map, comparable with leading ports across the region.

Role in Halong & Quang Ninh Tourism Development

The Halong International Cruise Port plays a vital role as a strategic gateway for the province:

• Drives international arrivals, supporting Quang Ninh’s target of 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million foreign travelers.
• Boosts the local economy through accommodations, dining, shopping, and transport services.
• Elevates Halong’s image as a safe, attractive, and competitive cruise destination in Southeast Asia.

Often called the “golden gateway to the World Heritage Bay,” the port not only welcomes global travelers but also helps Quang Ninh expand its reach on the international tourism stage.

With its strong passenger capacity, prestigious awards, and strategic role in tourism, the Halong International Cruise Port is both a powerhouse of operations and a shining emblem of Vietnam’s cruise industry.

Your journey to explore the UNESCO wonders of Halong Bay and Cat Ba will be even more fulfilling when combined with carefully designed sea tours and convenient transfer services. Whether you prefer a short half-day trip, an overnight cruise, or a multi-day island adventure, there’s always an option tailored for you.

Here are some top recommendations you can book directly:

• Lan Ha Bay tour from Hanoi – A full-day cruise departing from Hanoi.
• Ha Long Bay tour from Cat Ba – Linking two world-famous bays in one trip.
• Lan Ha Bay half day tour – A relaxing half-day with kayaking and swimming.
• Hanoi to Cat Ba bus – Convenient transport connecting Hanoi and Cat Ba.
• Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night tour – A luxury overnight cruise on the bay.
• Lan Ha Bay plankton tour – Magical night experience with glowing plankton.
• Ninh Binh to Cat Ba bus – Easy transfers between Ninh Binh and Cat Ba.
• Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights tour – A complete island adventure over three days.

 Book now at Quang Thang Cat Ba for professional services, optimized itineraries, and unforgettable memories on your trip.