Vietnam's cruise ports give travellers access to historic cities, coastal towns and well-known cultural sites. A stop at Ha Long offers views of limestone islands, while Nha Trang is known for its beaches and island trips. From Phu My, cruise passengers can travel to Ho Chi Minh City for museums, markets and local food.
However, the port name does not always tell you how close you are to the city you want to visit. Transfer times, traffic and your ship's departure schedule can affect your plans ashore.
This guide covers Vietnam's main cruise ports, the excursions available from each one and practical tips for planning your time ashore.
An Overview of Cruising to Vietnam
Vietnam's cruise destinations stretch from Ha Long Bay in the north to coastal cities in the south. Each region offers different excursions, from boat trips and historic landmarks to beaches and local markets.
Northern Vietnam is known for Ha Long Bay's limestone islands. In Central Vietnam, cruise passengers can visit Hue's imperial landmarks, Da Nang's coastal attractions and Hoi An's historic town. Southern Vietnam offers access to Ho Chi Minh City's museums, markets and the Mekong Delta.
Cruise ships may call at Ha Long, Chan May, Phu My or the Nha Trang region. Some ships visiting Nha Trang use Cam Ranh as their arrival port, which can mean a longer road transfer.
Before choosing an excursion, confirm your ship's arrival port and check the travel time to your intended destination. If the journey is long, focus on one area to make the most of your time ashore.
Key Cruise Ports and Excursion Opportunities
Vietnam's cruise ports serve as starting points for excursions to nearby cities and attractions. The distance from the port affects how much time you have for sightseeing.
Phu My Port
Phu My Port is around 70 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. The road journey can take longer depending on traffic, so check transfer times before choosing an excursion.
Popular excursions from Phu My include:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. You can also explore local museums or stop for Vietnamese food.
- Vung Tau: Explore this coastal city, known for its beaches and religious landmarks. It is an option for travellers who prefer a shorter coastal outing over a full day in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Learn about the tunnels used during the Vietnam War and explore the sections open to visitors.
If you plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City, allow enough time for the return journey and your ship's all-aboard deadline. Vung Tau may suit travellers looking for a coastal excursion, while the Cu Chi Tunnels are worth considering if wartime history interests you.
Nha Trang and Cam Ranh
Nha Trang is known for its beaches, island trips and local seafood. Before planning your excursion, check whether your ship docks at Nha Trang or Cam Ranh. The arrival port affects how long it takes to reach the city.
Excursion options include:
- Island tours: Take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkelling, swimming or time at the beach.
- Po Nagar Cham Towers: Visit this historic temple complex, built by the Cham people and still used for worship.
- Long Son Pagoda: Explore the Buddhist temple grounds and see the large white Buddha statue.
- City and beach visits: Walk along the beachfront, browse local markets or try Vietnamese seafood.
- Mud baths: Visit a local spa for a mineral mud bath.
Nha Trang offers a mix of sightseeing and beach activities. If your ship arrives at Cam Ranh, check the road transfer and excursion schedule before booking. This will help you decide how much time you can spend in the city.
Chan May Port
Chan May Port is a gateway to Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An in Central Vietnam. Each destination offers a different experience, so choose based on your interests and the time available for your excursion.
- Hue: Visit the Imperial City, royal tombs and historic pagodas. Hue is a good choice for travellers interested in Vietnam's imperial history.
- Da Nang: Explore the Marble Mountains, visit local landmarks or spend time at the beach. You can also stop at a local restaurant to try Vietnamese dishes.
- Hoi An: Walk through the ancient town, browse traditional shop houses and explore streets known for their lanterns. Hoi An is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check the return journey before booking your excursion. For history and royal architecture, choose Hue. Hoi An suits travellers interested in traditional streets, while Da Nang offers city sightseeing and coastal activities.
Ha Long Bay: A Scenic Cruise Destination
Ha Long Bay is known for its limestone islands, caves and emerald waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Vietnam's well-known cruise destinations.
Ha Long International Cruise Port is located in the Bai Chay area of Ha Long City. From here, cruise passengers can explore the city or join excursions into the bay.
Popular excursion options include:
- Ha Long Bay boat trips: Sail between limestone islands and visit selected stops, which may include caves.
- Kayaking: Explore parts of the bay by kayak on tours that offer this activity.
- Cave visits: Discover caves known for their rock formations and interiors.
- Ha Long City: Browse local markets, walk along the waterfront or stop at a café.
- Hanoi day trips: Visit the capital's Old Quarter, temples and museums.
Hanoi can be visited on a longer excursion, but allow enough time for the return journey to the port. Travelling there and back can take up much of a port day, leaving limited time for sightseeing. Check your ship's schedule and the excursion duration before booking.
If your ship is in port for only a few hours, a boat trip around Ha Long Bay or an excursion in Ha Long City may be easier to manage. A longer port call gives you more flexibility to explore further afield.
Vietnam Cruise Ports and Excursions
|
Port or arrival region |
Main destinations |
Key excursions |
|
Phu My |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau |
City landmarks, local markets, Cu Chi Tunnels and beaches |
|
Nha Trang or Cam Ranh |
Nha Trang |
Island trips, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda and beaches |
|
Chan May |
Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An |
Imperial landmarks, Marble Mountains, beaches and Hoi An's ancient town |
|
Ha Long International Cruise Port |
Ha Long Bay, Ha Long City |
Bay cruises, cave visits, kayaking and waterfront walks |
Note: Confirm your ship's arrival port and excursion timings before booking. Transfer times and available activities depend on your port call and ship schedule.
Things to Know Before Your Vietnam Cruise
A little planning can help you use your time ashore well. Keep these points in mind before booking excursions or travelling to Vietnam.
Confirm Your Arrival Port
Check your cruise documents to confirm where your ship will dock. Phu My serves as a gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, while Cam Ranh provides access to Nha Trang. The port location affects your excursion plans.
Check Transfer Times
Review the journey to your chosen attraction and your ship's all-aboard time. Allow extra time for traffic, port procedures and tender boats, where applicable.
Book Suitable Excursions
Choose activities that fit your available time. A boat trip in Ha Long Bay, a visit to Hue's historic sites or a city tour in Ho Chi Minh City may each suit a different port call.
Check the Weather
Weather conditions vary across Vietnam. Rain, heat or rough seas can affect sightseeing and boat trips. Check the local forecast and pack suitable clothing, sun protection and drinking water.
Review Visa Requirements
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, passport and travel plans. Check the latest guidance from the relevant Vietnamese authorities and your cruise line before departure.
Carry Cash and Protect Your Belongings
Keep some Vietnamese dong for small purchases and local food stalls. Carry essential documents securely, and confirm your meeting point and return transport before leaving the port.
Consider Extending Your Stay
If your schedule allows, spend extra time in Hanoi, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City before or after your cruise. An additional stay gives you more time to explore attractions that may be difficult to fit into a port excursion.
Ready to Explore Vietnam by Cruise?
Vietnam offers cruise passengers several ways to spend a day ashore, from exploring Hoi An's old streets to taking a boat trip through Ha Long Bay. The right excursion depends on your arrival port, available time and interests.
Explore BlueTerra's cruise options and find an itinerary that includes the destinations you want to visit.
FAQs
Q. What are the main cruise ports in Vietnam?
Vietnam cruise itineraries may include Ha Long Bay in the north, Chan May and Nha Trang in central Vietnam, and Phu My near Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The ports included depend on your cruise route.
Q. Which places can I visit from Phu My Port?
From Phu My, you can visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau or the Cu Chi Tunnels. Check the journey time and return schedule before choosing your excursion.
Q. Can I visit Hoi An from Chan May Port?
Yes. Hoi An is a popular excursion from Chan May Port. Check the travel time and tour schedule to ensure you have enough time to explore the old town and return to your ship before departure.
Q. What can I do during a cruise stop at Ha Long Bay?
You can take a boat trip among the limestone islands, visit caves, go kayaking on suitable tours or explore Ha Long City. Hanoi is another option for a longer port call, although the road journey takes around two to three hours each way.
Q. What is the best time to cruise to Vietnam?
The best time for a Vietnam cruise depends on your route. Weather varies between northern, central and southern Vietnam, so check the seasonal conditions for each port on your itinerary before booking.
10 March 2026
