Introduction – Welcome to Halong International Cruise Port
As your cruise ship glides into Ha Long International Cruise Port, the emerald limestone pillars of Halong Bay rise like a natural masterpiece—calm, majestic, and timeless. For many luxury travelers, this modern terminal is the beginning of their journey through Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This 2026 updated port guide provides everything you need to know: port layout, facilities, transportation, shore excursion options, and essential tips for first-time cruise travelers.
👉 If your ship docks only for a few hours, check our guide to the Best Halong Bay Shore Excursions from Cruise Port — designed especially for international cruise passengers.
Overview of Halong International Cruise Port (Sun Port)
- Location: No. 9 Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Ha Long City
- Built: 2018
- Designed for: Large international cruise ships, luxury vessels, and high-volume passenger arrivals
- Capacity: 2,000+ passengers per hour
Ha Long International Cruise Port (often called Sun Port) is Vietnam’s first dedicated terminal built exclusively for international cruise ships. Unlike commercial ports, Sun Port is designed for comfort, safety, and seamless passenger movement.
Why Most Cruise Lines Choose This Port
- Docking directly inside Ha Long Bay
- No tender boats required
- Easy access to day cruises and shore excursions
- Clean, modern, air-conditioned terminal
- Multilingual staff and clear signage
Halong International Cruise Port vs. Cai Lan Port
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✅ Sun Port is almost always used for luxury ships unless weather or ship size requires Cai Lan.
Terminal Layout & Modern Facilities (2026 Updated)
The terminal is built with elegant Vietnamese architectural elements, offering comfort and convenience for thousands of passengers daily.
Passenger Terminal Highlights
- Spacious arrivals & departures halls
- Immigration area with multiple counters
- Air-conditioned seating lounges
- Free WiFi available throughout
- Porters & baggage services
- Clear signage in English, Korean, Chinese
Amenities Available at the Port
✔ WiFi & Charging Corners
Free high-speed WiFi with strong signals in both halls.
✔ Currency Exchange & ATMs
- Vietcombank ATM
- BIDV ATM
Money exchange counter near exit gate
✔ Shops, Coffee & Snacks
- Inside the terminal:
- Vietnamese souvenirs
- Pearl jewelry
- Local coffee
- Bottled water & snacks
✔ Restrooms & Accessibility
- Clean, well-maintained restrooms
- Private changing rooms
- Wheelchair-accessible ramps
- Golf carts available during peak days
How Disembarkation Works (Step-by-Step Guide)
Your ship docks inside the port
- No tendering needed.
Announcements for disembarkation groups
- Based on tour types and cabin decks.
Walk to the terminal building
- 2–5 minutes depending on ship size.
Immigration & passport scan
- Fast, efficient, well organized.
Meet your tour guide
- Meeting point is right outside the exit gate
- Look for signage with your name or group.
Board vehicle for your shore excursion
- All tours are synchronized with ship schedule.
Return to port for re-boarding
- 60–90 minutes buffer guaranteed.
👉 All our shore excursions ensure on-time return with real-time monitoring of cruise ship schedules.
Transportation Options from Ha Long Cruise Port
Sun Port is strategically located in the center of Bai Chay, making transportation simple and efficient.
Taxi
Reliable companies: Mai Linh, Bai Chay Taxi, G7
Average fares:
- Port → Bai Chay center: $2–$4
- Port → Tuan Chau Marina: $6–$10
- Port → Ha Long Market: $4–$5
Taxi queue is located directly outside Gate 1.
Private Car
Best option for cruise guests who value comfort and privacy.
Price range:
- 4-seat: $30–$40
- 7-seat: $40–$55
- Luxury minivan: $60–$75
Includes: English-speaking driver + WiFi + water.
Electric Car / Shuttle
- Available around Bai Chay tourist area.
- Price: $2–$6 depending on route
👉 If you’re starting your journey in the capital, here’s a detailed guide on how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay using buses, private cars, or limousines.
Best Months for Cruise Arrivals (Weather & Sea Condition Overview)
Halong Bay’s weather changes distinctly throughout the year, and choosing the right month can elevate your port experience the moment your ship docks.
- March – May: Pleasant temperatures, calm seas, excellent views — ideal for first-time visitors.
- September – November: Cool, dry, and consistently clear. A favorite season for luxury cruise guests.
- December – February: Cooler but stable conditions; perfect for sightseeing and photography.
- June – August: Sunny and vibrant, though occasional short tropical rains may occur.
📌 Tip: If your cruise arrives during the peak season (Oct–Nov), book day cruises and private excursions early — premium boats often fill up weeks in advance.
Distance Table from Ha Long Cruise Port
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Which Cruise Ships Dock at Ha Long International Cruise Port?
(Information frequently searched by passengers)
Cruise Lines Using Sun Port:
- Celebrity Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Viking Cruises
- Holland America (some ships)
- Oceania Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas
- Silver Sea
- Star Voyager
- Blue Dream Melody
- Westerdam / Noordam
Cruise Lines that MAY use Cai Lan Port:
- Very large ships over draft limit
- Ships arriving in adverse weather
Your cruise ticket or itinerary usually states your port—but when in doubt, send us your cruise name & date, and we’ll confirm instantly.
Best things to do near Halong International Cruise Port
Even with limited time, you can explore the iconic highlights of Halong Bay.
Day Cruises (4–8 Hours)
Depart directly from the international port or nearby marina.
Popular options:
- 4h Express Cruise – Sung Sot Cave + Luon Cave
- 6h Classic Cruise – Sung Sot + Titop Island
- 7h Luxury Cruise – Gourmet lunch + kayaking
Halong City Discovery (Non-Boat Option)
✅ Great for rainy weather or mobility-restricted guests.
Highlights:
- Quang Ninh Museum
- Bai Chay Market
- Local cafés
- Halong Night Market
👉 Read more: Halong Bay Shore Excursion from Halong International Cruise Port – Complete 2026 Guide
Go Shopping in Halong City – Souvenirs & Local Delights
Halong City offers several shopping opportunities, from night markets to high-end shopping malls.
- Best places to shop: Halong Market, Vincom Plaza, Pearl Handicraft Stores.
- Popular items: Handmade ceramics, lacquerware, fresh seafood, and pearls.
Shopping Nearby
- Luxury pearl stores
- Local handicrafts
- Vincom Plaza (10 minutes away)
Essential Tips for Cruise Passengers (2026 Updated)
✔ Currency
VND is main currency, but USD accepted at many shops.
✔ WiFi
Free in port; mobile data also excellent (5G).
✔ Safety
The port is extremely safe with 24/7 surveillance.
✔ Weather
- Best months: Oct–Apr
- Warm months: May–Aug
👉 Read more: Best time to visit Ha Long Bay – Weather, Seasons & Travel Tips
✔ Booking Tips
Always pre-book shore excursions—not at last minute—to avoid sold-out cruises.
FAQs
Is this port the closest to Halong Bay?
- Yes. It sits directly inside the bay.
Can I walk from the port to the city?
- Yes—Bai Chay center is 10–15 minutes on foot.
Do tours pick up directly at the port?
- Yes. Guides wait at the exit gate.
Is Grab available?
- Yes, but availability during peak hours may vary.
How long does immigration take?
- Usually 5–15 minutes.
Can I book a last-minute cruise?
- Possible but not recommended—most luxury boats sell out.
Plan Your Visit at Ha Long International Cruise Port
Halong International Cruise Port is your gateway to the bay — efficient, modern, and guest-friendly. For fast assistance with port pickup, terminal services, or shore excursion pickup points, message our port team on WhatsApp: +84 974 805 797 | +84 914 815 535.
Halong International Cruise Port guide makes disembarkation simple and secure. Check terminal facilities, meeting points, and transport options above — and contact us if you need on-site support or last-minute arrangements.
