Ha Long Bay Cruise Port
Ha Long City, Vietnam · Asia
Cruise ships dock at Ha Long International Cruise Port, Ha Long City.
Plan my port daysPurpose-built cruise terminal in Bai Chay where ships berth alongside; the star is a day-cruise among the karst islands to caves like Sung Sot and Ti Top Island, while Sun World, the cable car and the museum are close to the pier.
At a glance
Port summary
Ha Long Bay is the reason to be here - a UNESCO seascape of around 1,600 limestone islands - and cruise ships berth alongside at the modern Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay, so no tender is needed. The bay itself can only be seen from the water, so the headline day is a licensed day-cruise out to Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and the floating villages, which needs a boat from the tourist wharves and careful timing against all-aboard. Close to the terminal, Sun World, the Queen Cable Car, Bai Chay beach and the striking Quang Ninh Museum make an easy independent half-day; storms in the summer monsoon (roughly June-September) can cancel boat trips, so keep a buffer.
Cruise dock
Ha Long International Cruise Port
Vietnam's first purpose-built international cruise terminal, on Ha Long Road in Bai Chay. Ships berth alongside and passengers walk into the terminal; the Queen Cable Car and Sun World are a few minutes away.
Latitude: 20.953643, Longitude: 107.055454
See dock on port map →Getting to Ha Long City
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Carry Vietnamese dong in small notes for boats, taxis, caves and markets; cards work only at hotels, Sun World and larger restaurants.
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Inside the Southeast Asia collection
Here's a peek at everything waiting for your Ha Long City cruise day.
Typical weather
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Excursions compared
3 comparedHa Long Bay cruise: Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island
≈ 5 h · sold by 4 cruise lines
Cruise line
€105$117
Do it yourself
€56$63
Save ≈ €49Save ≈ $55 (47% off)
Doing this independently saves money but takes planning, because the caves and Ti Top are only reachable on a licensed bay boat. From the cruise terminal take a taxi or Grab (about ₫40,000-150,000) to the Bai Chay tourist wharf or Tuan Chau marina, buy the Ha Long route ticket (about ₫290,000/€11, which covers Sung Sot and Ti Top) and join a licensed shared day-boat (roughly ₫700,000-1,000,000/€30-40 with lunch). Boats run a 4-5 hour loop. The catch: unlike the ship's tour, a DIY boat does not guarantee you back before all-aboard, so pick an early departure and a reputable operator.
See the DIY plan →
Ha Long Bay kayak adventure
≈ 5 h · sold by 3 cruise lines
Cruise line
€115$128
Do it yourself
€68$76
Save ≈ €47Save ≈ $53 (41% off)
The kayak version is just as DIY-able as the classic cruise, because most licensed day-boats carry kayaks and stop at paddling spots like Luon Cave and Ba Hang. Take a taxi or Grab from the terminal to the Bai Chay wharf or Tuan Chau marina, buy the Ha Long route ticket (about ₫290,000/€11) and choose a shared day-boat that advertises kayaking (roughly ₫800,000/€40 with lunch); kayak hire is often included, otherwise about ₫150,000-250,000. You need reasonable fitness and calm weather, and the same all-aboard caveat applies as for any DIY boat.
See the DIY plan →
Ready-made port days
12 plansBay Cruise & Caves Classic
The reason you came — a junk boat through the karst towers to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island's panoramic staircase.
Sun World & Queen Cable Car
The theme park next door — ride Asia's longest cable car over the bay, then roller coasters or water slides, all within walking distance of the ship.
Kayak & Floating Village Adventure
Paddle through sea caves into hidden lagoons, then visit the centuries-old Cua Van floating village — Ha Long Bay at water level.
Bai Chay Beach & Promenade
A genuinely free day — the pine-lined beach, the boardwalk, and the longest pedestrian bridge in Vietnam, all within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Ha Long City?
- Your ship docks directly at the Ha Long City cruise terminal in Vietnam.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Ha Long City?
- Yes. Ha Long City is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Ha Long City centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Taxi, Ferry, Shuttle bus. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Ha Long City?
- Plan for at least 5 hours ashore to see Ha Long City independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Ha Long City and are cards accepted?
- Ha Long City uses the Vietnamese Dong. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Ha Long City cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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