Cruise Departures from Halong City

Halong City has long been known for Halong Bay - a UNESCO-listed wonder with thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters. More than just a gateway leading to the heritage bay, the city is also an important economic, cultural, and tourist center of the Northeast, where visitors can step into a long history, explore many historical relics, and experience a vibrant culture with delectable cuisine.

Location

Halong City is located in Quang Ninh Province, around 160 km from Hanoi's capital. Thanks to the new highway, it only takes 2.5 hours to reach by car. Besides, with the developed infrastructure and transportation, visitors can also easily access Halong from multiple destinations like Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, etc.

Things to do

Halong City is a paradise for both relaxation and recreation, from natural wonders to historical relics, from quiet retreats to bustling amusement parks.

Halong Bay

The first and foremost reason for most tourists coming to Halong is Halong Bay. Although visitors can see a part of the world's heritage site from the city, the best way to experience the authentic beauty is to join a cruise tour. Get a glimpse of the magnificent limestone islands on a day tour or immerse in a myriad of activities from day to night on an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is the most noteworthy experience you should not miss.

Tuan Chau Island

This beautiful island is near the city center, not only renowned for Tuan Chau International Cruise Port but also an entertainment hub with many facilities and services. Guests can enjoy luxury services at 5-star resorts, savor mouthwatering cuisine at seaside restaurants, relax at Tuan Chau Beach, or have fun at the water park with dolphin and sea lion shows.

Bai Chay Beach

Located in Bai Chay ward, Bai Chay Beach is a hot spot for a sun-sea-sand vacation in Halong. More than 1,000 meters long and 100 meters wide, this artificial beach boasts clear water, white soft sand, and shady coconut trees, ideal for swimming, watersports, and team building activities.

Sun World Ha Long Complex

Sun World Complex is a world-class amusement park in Halong Center and among the major entertainment destinations in Northern Vietnam. The site expands on a 214-hectare area with 3 main areas: Typhoon Water Park, Dragon Park, and Queen Cable Car & Mysterious Hill. Open from 9:00 to 20:00, the complex offers diverse activities for all ages, from thrilling games to relaxing moments in the cable car watching the bay vista. There are always kid zones with proper games for your littles and families.

Quang Ninh Museum

Standing as a place to introduce and preserve the unique culture, history and natural resources of Quang Ninh province, Quang Ninh Museum is also a notable destination in the city of Halong. Designed with black glasses covering the outside, the museum becomes a precious "black pearl" - the symbol of the coal industry of the city. Visitors will be amazed by the lighting effects and LED screens vividly recreating biodiversity, admire valuable archaeological relics and artifacts, and learn about the formation and development history of the coal mining industry here.

Bai Tho Mountain

An engaging spot to catch the overview of Halong Bay and the city at a time calls out Bai Tho Mountain. Around 200 meters high, the mountain used to be a watchtower lighting a signal fire and guiding boats on the bay. Since the trek to Bai Tho Mountain is narrow and winding through residential areas, visitors should consult the management board and local people for a safe visit.

Halong Night Market

Open from 6:00 - 11:00 pm on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), Night Market is a vibrant spot for tourists to Halong. The market displays a bunch of goods from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and accessories to seafood and local specialties like fried spring rolls, dumplings, sweet soups, grilled food, squid roll cake, “gat gu” cake, boba yogurt, etc. Apart from shopping and tasting savory cuisine, it is a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, interact with local people and discover Halong's daily life and culture.

How to get there

There are multiple ways to get to Halong.

• By airplane: Van Don Airport is around a 1.5-hour drive far from Halong City. This is usually chosen by those starting from other countries or further parts like Central or Southern Vietnam. 
• By bus: The most popular way thanks to the convenience and reasonable price. You can choose local buses or shared cruise buses/minivans. Local buses cost only $7-10/person/way and start from My Dinh, Giap Bat or Gia Lam Bus Station. It takes 3 - 4 hours and is a bit difficult for guests due to the language barrier. Meanwhile, shared cruise buses cost a bit more ($10 - 20/person/way) but pick you up from Hanoi Old Quarter and just take 2.5 - 3 hours.
• By private car: The most private and comfortable way. Travelling by private car is expensive but you save much time collecting other guests and are picked up from any location you request. You can book this service via many cruise operators or travel agents.
• By motorbike: The most economical way suitable for adventure and local experience seekers. The motorbike rental service is $5-8/vehicle/day (petrol excluded).
• By seaplane/helicopter: Allow you to reach Halong in approximately 60 minutes and witness the panoramic view of the heritage bay from a bird's eye view. This is the most expensive way but offers an exclusive experience. This is only available for visitors starting from Hanoi.

From Halong City to cruise ports

To Halong International Cruise Port (Sungroup Port)

Halong International Cruise Port is located on Halong Road, Bai Chay Ward, at the centre of the city. Just 500m from Sunworld Ha Long Complex, the port is very easy to access by any means of transport such as taxi or motorbike. It just takes you 5 - 10 minutes by car so it is most convenient for you to call a taxi from your location in the city.

To Tuan Chau International Cruise Port

A bit further than Sungroup Port, Tuan Chau Port is located on Tuan Chau Island, Ngoc Chau Ward, around 13 km from the city center. The port includes 2 zones for day cruises and overnight cruises. The day cruise zone is around 2,000 meters long while the overnight one stretches up to 7 km. As a result, guests can book a private car or ask the hotel to call a taxi for $20 - 25/sedan car. As the distance between cruise waiting areas may be fairly far, a specific address with the cruise name should be provided to avoid an incurred fee.