Phu My Port is located about 80km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, so you’re looking at a solid 1.5-2 hour drive each way.
For other Vietnam Cruise destinations check out our Vietnam Cruise Ports Guide page.
Getting around is a bit tricky – you’ll need to grab a taxi or book a transfer ahead of time since public transportation is pretty much non-existent.
The port itself is pretty industrial with just basic facilities, and you’ll have to walk 15-20 minutes just to get out of the terminal area.
Worth checking out in HCMC are the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, or if you’re not up for the long journey, Vung Tau’s beaches are closer.
Just keep in mind that the travel time really cuts into your shore excursion hours, so plan your day accordingly.
Map of Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Know Phu My Cruise Port
Getting to Know Phu My Cruise Port
Phu My Cruise Port sits in Phu My Township in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and serves as the main entry point for cruise ships heading to southern Vietnam. It’s about 80 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City – expect a drive of roughly 1.5-2 hours between the two.
The port has a modern terminal with the basics covered: waiting areas, bathrooms, and a few places to grab a bite. Just a heads-up – you’re pulling into an industrial port, so don’t expect tourist attractions right off the gangway. The port has North and South sections (bigger ships use North, smaller ones use South) and can handle up to 4,400 passengers when things get busy.
Transportation Options From Dock to Destinations
Transportation Options From Dock to Destinations
Getting from Phu My to your destination involves a few choices that’ll affect your wallet, time, and freedom to explore. Let’s break down what you’re working with so you can make the most of your port day.
- Private transfers cost anywhere from $74-200 USD depending on how big a vehicle you need, with flat round-trip prices
- You absolutely need to pre-book to get port entry permits ($25-30 per person)
- Cruise ship tours aren’t cheap, but they guarantee you won’t miss the boat’s departure
- Don’t count on public transit – it’s basically nonexistent, though taxis wait outside the port gates
- Heading to Ho Chi Minh City? Block out 2-2.5 hours each way. Vung Tau is much closer at just 40 minutes
Must-See Attractions and Shore Excursions
While Phu My itself doesn’t offer much for tourists, it’s your jumping-off point to Vietnam’s coolest spots. Ho Chi Minh City has the eye-opening War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels – both places that’ll give you a real feel for Vietnam’s complicated past.
Make sure to check out architectural highlights like Notre Dame Cathedral and the old-school Post Office. If you’re into food (and who isn’t?), Ben Thanh Market is the place to grab a legit banh mi or slurp down some authentic pho.
For something completely different, hop on a Mekong Delta tour where you can cruise through mangrove canals in rowboats and see how coconut products are made. If you just want to chill, Vung Tau’s beaches make for a nice, laid-back coastal option.
Port Facilities and Practical Information
Port Facilities and Practical Information
Getting off your ship at Phu My Port? Just a heads up – you’re stepping into an industrial area, not some fancy tourist harbor. The terminal’s got the basics covered though: bathrooms, places to sit, and spots to stash your bags while you figure out your next move.
- You can swap money or hit up ATMs inside
- Wi-Fi’s spotty but cell service works fine
- Don’t count on public buses – taxis hang around outside the gates
- Be ready for a 15-20 minute hike to actually exit the port
- Just cruising through for the day? No visa needed. Staying longer? Grab an e-visa beforehand
Trust me, sorting out your ride before you arrive is the way to go – options are pretty thin on the ground once you’re there.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Phu Quoc Island for a different Vietnam Cruise destination.
Local Culture and Travel Tips
Beyond the industrial port of Phu My, Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry is just waiting for you to dive in! You’ll spot a cool mix of French colonial buildings alongside Chinese influences, especially when you wander through Cho Lon’s temple district.
When you meet locals, a small bow goes a long way, and throwing in some basic phrases like “xin chĂ o” for hello and “cảm ơn” for thank you will earn you smiles. Just remember to kick off your shoes at temples and keep your outfit on the modest side.
Don’t even think about missing the street food scene! Head to Nguyen Hue Walking Street where you can grab a mouthwatering banh mi or slurp down some authentic pho. If you’re looking for some evening fun, check out the quirky water puppetry shows or catch the mind-blowing “A O Show” for something different.
Planning Your Time Ashore Effectively
Planning Your Port Time Wisely at Phu My
Phu My’s industrial port presents a real time crunch for cruise passengers. Just getting to Ho Chi Minh City eats up 4 hours round-trip, so you’ve got to be smart about your day.
- Lock in your transportation early – ship excursions ($48-$198) or private transfers ($600/group) are your best bet since taxis are basically non-existent
- The War Remnants Museum needs about 60-90 minutes if you’re heading into the city
- Not feeling the long drive? Vung Tau is just 45 minutes away with some gorgeous beaches
- Don’t forget some tours have extra fees for port pickup when entering restricted zones
- Be ruthless about prioritizing – pick what matters most to you, whether it’s exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels or hitting the city highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available at Phu My Port?
Unfortunately, there’s no free Wi-Fi at Phu My Port. It’s basically just a commercial port that doesn’t really cater to passengers. If you need to get online, you’ll have to head about 15-20 minutes away from the port to find places with Wi-Fi.
Can Cruise Ships Dock Overnight at Phu My?
Yes indeed, cruise ships can stay overnight at Phu My! The port handles extended visits just fine, though honestly, most cruise companies tend to schedule just daytime stops rather than keeping their ships there overnight.
Are There Any Local Markets Within Walking Distance?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any markets you can walk to from Phu My. You’ll need to grab transport to check out the markets in Vung Tau (about 45 minutes away) or make the longer trip to Ho Chi Minh City (around 2 hours). Not exactly convenient for a quick shopping trip!
What Vietnamese Souvenirs Are Most Authentic to Buy?
Vietnam’s authentic souvenirs? You can’t go wrong with conical hats, colorful Dong Ho folk paintings, beautifully hand-embroidered textiles, or those gorgeous silk lanterns. With over 60 artisans just making lacquerware, you’ll find incredible traditional craftsmanship everywhere. These aren’t just touristy trinkets – they’re keepsakes you’ll actually love having around for years to come.
How Accessible Is Phu My Port for Wheelchair Users?
Phu My Port isn’t exactly wheelchair-friendly. It’s basically an industrial area without many accessible paths. But don’t worry – if you plan ahead, you can book wheelchair-accessible transportation and tours to experience Vietnam without too much hassle. Just make sure to organize things in advance!
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Hanoi (Halong Bay) Cruise Ship Port.
