Vietnam’s five main cruise ports each deliver something different:
Phu My gets you to the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City.
Halong Bay wows with those dramatic limestone formations jutting from the water.
Chan May puts you within reach of Da Nang, charming Hoi An, and Hue’s historical sites.
Nha Trang’s all about those gorgeous beaches, while Phu Quoc Island offers a laid-back tropical escape without needing a visa.
The transport options, distances to attractions, and port facilities vary quite a bit between stops, so a bit of homework before you dock means you won’t waste precious hours of your shore time.
Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Gateway to southern Vietnam, Phu My sits about 80-100 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Don’t expect to walk anywhere from this industrial port – there’s zero public transit nearby, so you’ll definitely need transportation.
Got options? Sure do. Book a shore excursion beforehand (expect to pay $50-100+), grab a taxi, or use the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber). Most folks head straight to Ho Chi Minh City to see the sights or check out the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels.
Not feeling a long journey? Vung Tau City is just 33km away with decent beaches. The Mekong Delta makes another cool day trip. Just don’t forget about visas – though cruise passengers might luck out with those 24-hour exemptions.
Hanoi (Halong Bay) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Halong Bay is northern Vietnam’s crown jewel for cruise travelers, famous for those jaw-dropping limestone formations jutting from emerald waters.
Most ships dock at the swanky Halong International Cruise Port (Bill Bensley’s architectural showpiece that handles up to 2,000 passengers), though sometimes you’ll land at Cai Lan’s deep-water terminal instead. Either way, you’re looking at a 2.5-3 hour drive from Hanoi or about 90 minutes from Van Don Airport.
While waiting to board your Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Viking ship, you can kill time shopping duty-free, grabbing a bite, or using the free Wi-Fi. The real magic happens once you’re on the UNESCO-protected waters – whether on a day trip or a 1-3 night cruise exploring hidden caves and floating villages. If you’ve got extra time, hop over to Cat Ba Island for some additional adventures.
Da Nang (Chan May) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Chan May port isn’t much to look at – just an industrial harbor – but you’ve hit the jackpot location-wise. You’re perfectly positioned between Vietnam’s must-see spots: 45km from Da Nang, 75km from Hoi An, and 100km from Hue. Just know you’ll need transportation for everything since there’s nothing within walking distance.
From here, you can check out Da Nang’s awesome Dragon Bridge and Linh Ung Pagoda, wander through UNESCO-listed Hoi An with its gorgeous lantern-lit streets, explore Hue’s Imperial City, or snap pics at the Instagram-famous Golden Hands Bridge at Ba Na Hills. Private tours run about $94-$167 per person and save you the headache of arranging everything yourself. Just watch out for that sneaky $25 customs fee if your tour picks you up right at the ship.
Nha Trang Cruise Ship Port Guide
Nha Trang’s cruise experience is quite different from Chan May – you’ll fall in love with its gorgeous bay and beach vibes. Your ship docks at Cau Da Port, though bigger vessels anchor offshore, meaning you’ll hop on tender boats to reach land.
Once you’re on solid ground, check out these Nha Trang must-sees:
- Take a ride on the stunning 3.2km cable car to Vinpearl Amusement Park
- Wander around Po Nagar Cham Towers for a taste of Vietnam’s ancient past
- Chill out on Long Beach’s golden sands with other cruise passengers
- Dive into local life at Dam Market and pick up some authentic Vietnamese souvenirs
Getting around is easy – just flag down a taxi or use the Grab app to zip between sights during your stop.
Hue (Chan May) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Chan May is your jumping-off point to three jaw-dropping Vietnamese destinations. Smack in the middle of Vietnam’s coast, you’re just 47km from Hue and 36km from Da Nang. Cruise ships typically dock for 8-12 hours between November and March.
This spot puts you in striking distance of some serious UNESCO treasures – Hue’s Imperial Citadel is worth every minute, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town is the kind of place that makes your Instagram followers jealous. While you’re out exploring, don’t skip the Golden Hands Bridge at Ba Na Hills or the historic Thien Mu Pagoda.
You’ve got options: spend a full day wandering through Hue’s imperial wonders, get lost in Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, or ditch the crowd and cook up your own adventure with local tour operators.
Phu Quoc Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Phu Quoc Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Forget those busy mainland ports – Phu Quoc does things differently! Your cruise ship will anchor offshore near Duong Dong town, and you’ll hop onto tender boats to reach this tropical slice of paradise. The best part? No visa headaches – you’re free to explore for up to 30 days.
Must-do island experiences:
- Island hopping – Jump on a 4-island snorkeling tour or try your hand at squid fishing after dark
- Cultural immersion – Wander through pepper plantations, watch fish sauce being made (it smells intense!), and find your zen at Ho Quoc Pagoda
- Beach time – Kick back on gorgeous beaches just a quick 30-45 minute ride from port
- Wildlife adventures – Meet exotic animals at Vinpearl Safari or trek through the lush national park
Pro tip: Book your cruise between November and April for perfect beach weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Currency Is Accepted in Vietnam Cruise Ports?
When cruising to Vietnam, you’ll be dealing with Vietnamese Dong (VND) as the official money, but don’t worry about exchanging everything – US Dollars are totally fine at cruise ports. Tourist spots, shops, and services actually like getting paid in USD, just keep in mind you’ll probably get your change back in local currency.
Are Visas Required for Cruise Passengers in Vietnam?
Yes, you need a visa for Vietnam when cruising there. Most countries’ travelers have to get one – you can either grab a loose-leaf visa right at the seaport when you dock or save yourself some hassle by applying for an e-visa before your trip sets sail.
How Reliable Is Wifi Access at Vietnam Cruise Terminals?
WiFi at Vietnam cruise terminals? It’s seriously unpredictable. Major ports usually have something decent, but honestly, don’t bank on it working when you need it. Do yourself a favor and grab a local SIM card – way more reliable when you’re trying to post those vacation pics.
What Local Transportation Options Connect Vietnam Cruise Ports to Cities?
When you dock in Vietnam, getting to the cities is pretty easy. Grab a taxi right at the port, or use the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber). Cruise lines often run shuttle buses into town, and if you plan ahead, private transfers can save you hassle. For a true Vietnamese experience, hop on the back of a motorbike taxi – it’s how locals get around! If you’re watching your wallet, regular city buses are super cheap, though they might take longer. Just pick what works for your comfort level and schedule.
When Is the Best Season for Cruising Vietnam’s Coastline?
Looking to cruise Vietnam’s coastline? December through April is your sweet spot. You’ll catch dry days, clear skies, and can actually see the amazing views without rain ruining everything. It’s when most travelers hit the water too – for good reason! The weather’s just right for that perfect sailing experience.
