VIETNAM SEAPORTS – A TRAVEL GUIDE TO BEST SEAPORTS IN VIETNAM
Seaports in Vietnam play vital role in economic growth, sea infrastructures, global trade connections, facilitating maritime activities and enhancing international commerce. Vietnam has 3,260-km-long coastline stretching from north to south, there are around 34 seaports in the whole country. Many luxury ship excursions of worldwide travelers dock to some ports of Vietnam to enjoy sightseeing on land yearly. Vietnam Port Shore Excursion Travel agents in Vietnam take the advantages of sea tourism to develop tour packages from the port, each port location has distinctive tourists’ activities for visitors. In this article, we will mention the top seaports which are popular for tourists and provide activities to do. Together, let’s read this insight travel blog carefully to be well-prepared for your holiday in Vietnam.
Vietnam cruise ship tours
1. Top Seaports in Vietnam – Vietnam Port Shore Excursion
There are many seaports in Vietnam, we only mention the famous places for you to take note during your holiday in our S-shaped country. We are sure that your ship will dock in some below ports in our article. The following information is top famous ports which you should know in Vietnam.
1.1. Cai Lan Port – Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Location:
Cai Lan port is located in the southeast of Ha Long Bay, in Bai Chay ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. This port has favortable location for visitors to do sightseeing on land which it is about 10 km from Ha Long city center. A world-famous Ha Long Bay landscape will attract your discovery from this port. Cai Lan Port about 74 hectares, including the seaport and port logistics areas. The port is built on a hard geological foundation with a natural depth of 13–18 m, ensuring large-tonnage ships can anchor and receive goods.
Tourists’ Activities:
Thanks to a favorable geography in the North, Vietnam. Cai Lan port has contributed to the economy significantly especially tourism sector. Tourists enjoy this special destination with various activities.
Coming to Cai Lan port, visitors definitely should not miss the opportunity to discover the seaport area. At this attraction, you will be amazed to see the massive contemporary machinery used to transport containers weighing tens of tons in this location. In addition, you can observe to experience and learn how the warehouses and factories work. The place especially is surrounded by green trees and flowers which bring fresh air and enjoy gorgeous beach.
Some other popular activities you can do from Cai Lan Port is joining Ha Long Bay trip by swimming or kayaking, enjoying the beach, conquer natural mountain, visiting historical Quang Ninh Museum, discover Tuan Chau Island, sightseeing at Bai Chay, and so on. Diverse activities can be taken from Cai Lan Port for visitors, they promise to bring a memorable holiday.
1.2. Chan May Port – Hue, Vietnam
Location:
Being located in the central of Vietnam, Chan May port is situated in the south of Thua Thien Hue province, in Loc Vinh commune, Phu Loc district. This convenient location offers unique travel experiences in two major cities for travelers with the distance of 40 km from Hue city center and 45km from Danang.
Thanks to a favorable location in central region, Chan May port also has contributed to the economy dramatically. It is considered as an economy zone for tourism sector. Not only can travel to big cities such as Hue and Danang, but also can reach to Hoi An from the port. Many exciting places can visit from the port’s geography.
Tourists’ Activities
As we mentioned earlier about the tourists’ activities from Chan May Port, you can take the opportunity to discover the central region easily.
From Chan May Port to Hue city, visitors can emerge themselves with the history of royal monuments. Experiencing and learning about the feudal period of Vietnam during the past are incredible and informative. Hue is an ancient capital of Vienam where preserves many royal relics which will be interesting to learn. In addition, the city offers other landmarks and activities such as buddhism temples, nature hills, beaches, folk music, local cuisines, and so on. A trip to Hue will leverage your knowledge about our ancient city of the emperors.
From Chan May Port to Danang, we are sure that you will enjoy beach vacation which is renowned as a coastal city. However, if you do not want to chill out at the blue sea, you can take a day trip to conquer some famous attractions such as Bana Hills, Linh Ung pagoda, Marble Mountain, Monkey Mountain, Cham Museum, Dragon bridge, and so on. A liveable city as Danang will create lasting memories during your vacation.
From Chan May Port to Hoi An, this charming and poetic ancicent town will not make you feel disappointed. Being famous as a world heritage town from 1999, Hoi An Ancient Town has captivated million worldwide travelers due to the history and architectures. The town was busy as a trading port in Vietnam in the past to connect Asian and European traders. Many attractions in the ancient town you can discover are Japanese bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Phuc Kien Assembly House, Local Market, and so on. In addition, Hoi An city is also well-known with rural villages such as Tra Que garden village, Cam Thanh coconut village, Thanh Ha pottery vilage, ..etc.. A memorable trip to Hoi An from Chan May port is unmissable.
1.3. Tien Sa Port – Danang, Vietnam
Location:
Being renowned as a popular seaport in Danang city, Tien Sa plays a vital role in sea-tourism of central Vietnam. The port is located in the southeast of Da Nang Bay, about 6 km from Da Nang city center. This is one of the two largest ports in Da Nang City, with an area of about 22 hectares and a natural depth of 12–18 m. Large-tonnage ships and boats can comfortably anchor and receive goods. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and efficient operations contribute to the economic development of Da Nang and its neighboring provinces. Today, Tien Sa port is transforming into a Tien Sa eco-tourism area with numerous tourist attractions.
Tourists’ Activities:
Similarly with Chan May Port, Tien Sa port is a favorite location to transfer to Hue and Hoi An during one day. You can experience the diverse tourism activities in these two cities as we mentioned above. In addition, if you do not want to travel in a far distance to Hue or Hoi An, you can simply enjoy tourists’ activities in Danang city such as sightseeing at historical landmarks, conquer nature landscapes, taste delicious cuisines, enjoy a boat trip on Han River, explore Bana Hills especially the Giant Golden Bridge, and so on. An unforgettable trip will create for your holiday from Tien Sa Port.
1.4. Cau Da Port – Nha Trang, Vietnam
Location:
Cau Da Port’s geography is located in the south of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province. It only takes 10 – 15 minutes to arrive Nha Trang city center due to the distance of 5 km. The port is located in a protected area and the depth in front of the dock is not silted up. Thanks to the convenient location which make the port become an important habor for economic especially the tourism industry.
Tourists’ Activities:
You will not be surprise to search for tourists’ activities in Cau Da port because the city is famous with beach holiday. Immerging yourself by swimming with blue sea and taste delicious seafood are memorable experiences. In addition, Nha Trang city also offers more things to do such as renting a boat to visit several islands, dive to observe coral reefs, visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, hiking at Ba Ho waterfall, explore Ponagar Cham Tower, sightseeing at Alexandre Yersin Museum and so on. Nha Trang is an ideal destination for many visitors in South, Vietnam.
1.5. Phu My Port – Vung Tau, Vietnam
Location:
Phu My Port is located in the southeast of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, in Tan Phuoc commune, Phu My town. This is a convenient place to travel to the land of Ho Chi Minh city, Vung Tau or Mekong Delta. Especially, it is only estimated 60km in distance to visit the most popular city of South Vietnam which is Ho Chi Minh city. Phu My Port is a famous seaport which is considered by many experts, few places in Vietnam possess many perfect ‘advantages’ to become the leading ‘Port city’ in Southeast Asia.
Tourists’ Activities:
Various tourism activities can be taken from Phu My Port. Depending on your stay duration, you can choose a suitable destination for sightseeing. As we mentioned, you can choose either Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh city or Mekong Delta. Our best advice is taking a trip of 60km away to travel to the most metropolis destination of Vietnam which is Ho Chi Minnh city. You can have a wonderful time to explore historical landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, French Post Office, China Town, Reunification Palace, War Remnant Museum, Ben Thanh market…etc… Another tour recommendation is you can take a full-day trip to visit Cu Chi Tunnels which is the largest underground network where soldiers and locals lived during the war.
1.6. Hai Phong Port – Hai Phong, Vietnam
Location:
Hai Phong Port is located at the end of the Cam River, in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 5 km east of Hai Phong city center. This is the largest port in the North in Vietnam which plays an important role in contributing the economic growth and commerce of Haiphong and the Northern region. Hai Phong Port has a huge cargo handling capacity and is equipped with piers, cranes, and advanced machinery to satisfy the demands of major cargo transit. Furthermore, the port provides infrastructure and support services such as storage facilities, warehouses, train stations, and industrial clusters for logistics and manufacturing activities. Thanks to the convenient of location which is situated in the North – South international maritime route, it is essential for international trade gateway of Vietnam.
Tourists’ Activities:
Hai Phong is a popular place for tourists as many people have chosen this destination for their holiday. Diverse activities can be participated such as sightseeing the landmarks and try local cuisines. Our recommended activities in Hai Phong are visit Cat Ba island, Hon Dau Island or Cat Ba National Park. In addition, you can take the opportunity to discover other places such as Hai Phong Opera House, Trang Kenh complex, Hai Phong Museum, 100 years old lighthouse, …etc… Many exciting attractions in Hai Phong are waiting you to conquer. Our team at Explore Vietnam Travel will share you the best travel guidelines when you contact us.
1.7. Ha Long Port – Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Location:
Being located in Bai Chay Moi Beach Road, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Port is Vietnam’s first cruise port capable of receiving the world’s largest and most advanced cruise ships. It is located in the centre of Bai Chay, so previously, it was Bai Chay tourist wharf, then changed to Halong International Cruise Port. Ha Long International Port has 6 berths: four for yachts, and cruise ships, and a dock with two wharves for receiving large-tonnage international passenger ships.
Tourists’ Activities:
Halong International Cruise Port is a premier cruise destination that offers a truly exceptional experience for visitors exploring the wonders of Halong Bay and the surrounding region. With its strategic location, comprehensive facilities and services, and a diverse array of shore excursion options, the port serves as a gateway to one of Vietnam’s most captivating natural and cultural destinations. You also can soak in the cool water at Bai Chay Beach and visiting the Yen Tu area, known as the ancestral land of Vietnamese Buddhism. Especially, if you have more time, you can take a trip to explore Hanoi capital.
2. Top Destinations for Vietnam Port Shore Excursion
| Ports in Vietnam | Destinations & Itinerary | |||
| Destinations | Tours & Trips | Highlights | ||
| Chan May Port | Hue City | Chan May Port To Hue Tour – Private Tour | Khai Dinh Tomb, Hue Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu pagoda | |
| Golden Bridge – Bana Hills | Chan May Port to Golden Bridge Private Tour | Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Bana Hills Cable Car, Golden Bridge, Le Jardin D’Amour, French Village, Fantasy Park | ||
| Da Nang City | Chan May Port To Danang Tour | Lap An lagoon, Lang Co Bay, Hai Van Pass, My Khe Beach, Linh Ung pagoda, Marble Mountain, Han Market | ||
| Hoi An Ancient Town | Chan May Port To Hoi An Tour | Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountain, Hoi an Ancient town | ||
| Phu My Port | Ho Chi Minh City | Phu My Port To Ho Chi Minh City Full Day – Private Tour | Nguyen Hue and Le Loi Streets, City Hall, The Opera House, The Flower Garden, Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Reunification Palace, The War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market | |
| Cu Chi Tunnels | Phu My Port to Cu Chi Tunnel Private Tour | Cu Chi Tunnels Complex, Military Liberation Zone’s Reenactment Areas, Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels, Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station, Cu Chi’s fruits garden | ||
| Vung Tau | Phu My Port to Vung Tau Private Tour | Nirvana Meditation Retreat, Buddha Shrine, French-Built Lighthouse, Giant Jesus Statue, White Palace, Whale Temple | ||
| Tien Sa Port | Hue City | Tien Sa port to Hue by car | Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, Khai Dinh’s Tomb, Imperial Citadel,Thien Mu Pagoda | |
| Golden Bridge – Ba Na Hills | Tien Sa port to Ba Na Hills by car | My Khe Beach, Marble Mountain (upon request), Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge | ||
| Da Nang City | Tien Sa port to Da Nang by car | Linh Ung Pagoda, My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains (upon request), Dragon Bridge, Cham museum, Han Market | ||
| Hoi An Ancient Town | Tien Sa port to Hoi An by car | Linh Ung Pagoda (upon request), My Khe Beach, The Marble Mountains, Hoi An ancient town | ||
3. Travel Tips
In order to have a smooth trip, you should be well-pepared about all the procedures and travel information of the ship. Usually, you can check the weather patterns, health conditions, beach’s waves, ships’ policy and rules, travel activities, and so on. The following information are our useful tips which will help you gain some information before the ship’s departure.
3.1. Should not travel on the days with the big waves
When you book a ship excursion, our recommendation is that you should check the weather patterns with the tour operator. Traveling with big storms and sea waves are dangerous especially for visitors whom have seasick. The weather affects a lot on your travel experiences especially the safety. To participate in cruise travel, you should choose days with wonderful weather, mild waves, and no strong rain or storms. This will keep you and your traveling companions from feeling seasick, headaches, or dizziness.
3.2. Read carefully the rules before boarding the ship
Comparing to other travel transportations, cruise ships have clear policy and rule for tourisits to read before the departure. They have restricted regulations to make sure visitors have a smooth and safe trip. When you book the ship excursion, the operator will send you a copy of regulation for you to read, kindly make sure to take your time read through it. We are sure that you will gain useful information to be well-prepared for your vacation. Many tourists will be too enthused about their vacation to read the restrictions. As a result, reading the rules is critical in order to prevent being asked to exit the train by the train officials.
3.3. Keep the room lock carefully
The ship’s staffs will give you the room key to lock your personal belongings and other stuffs during the trip. Kindly note that you have to protect and keep it safety. Normally, the key is intergrated with your boarding pass at each stop. In addition, it is convenient to use the room key for other functions when you travel by ship such as identification documents, replacing credit cards on the ship, etc. If you accidentally lose the key, you should announce the ship’s staffs immediately to resolve the problem.
3.4. Follow the trip schedule
There are several activities on the ship that you should not miss out such as the boat activities, parties, pauses, future destinations, and so on. You definitely should keep track on the schedule of the cruise to join these memorable events. Exciting and fun moments will be created on your vacation.
If you want some sightseeing trips on land when your ship docks at any port in Vietnam, do not hesitate to contact Explore Vietnam Travel to plan your travel program. Our company operates all local tours in many cities of Vietnam with the best suggested itineraries. You can contact us anytime because our sale department work 24/7 to serve customers’ requests. We will be your best companion in our S-shaped country for tourism excursions from the ship.