Located in the heart of Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Halong International Cruise Port stands as Northern Vietnam’s most modern and prestigious cruise terminal. Designed to accommodate both international liners and local overnight cruises, it serves as the main gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
This is also the official departure point of Aime’e Cruises – where each refined voyage across Halong Bay begins in comfort, elegance, and seamless service.
With more than 30 years of experience in cruise operations, Bai Tho Junks, the proud operator of Aime’e Cruises, has long been part of Halong’s maritime heritage. From its early days at Hon Gai Port to today’s state-of-the-art Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Tho Junks continues to lead the way in shaping the Halong cruising experience.
From Hon Gai Port to Halong International Cruise Port – A New Chapter
For decades, Bai Tho Junks and its fleet of traditional wooden boats departed from Hon Gai Port, offering iconic cruises to both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. The Hon Gai pier, located on the eastern side of Ha Long City, was once a bustling gateway for local operators and authentic wooden junks.
However, in recent years, Hon Gai Port has ceased cruise operations to make way for urban development and environmental restoration.
To ensure greater convenience, safety, and international-standard facilities, all Bai Tho Junks operations — including Aime’e Cruises — have been officially relocated to Halong International Cruise Port in the city center.
This transition marks a milestone in Bai Tho’s 30-year journey: from the traditional Hon Gai pier to a world-class embarkation hub that meets the expectations of modern travelers.
Why Halong International Cruise Port?
Halong Bay currently has two major cruise terminals: Tuan Chau Port and Halong International Cruise Port.
While Tuan Chau Port remains active for many day boats and mid-range cruises, it is located about 12 km from Ha Long City’s center and can be more crowded during peak seasons.
By contrast, Halong International Cruise Port offers unmatched convenience:
- It sits right in the city center (Bai Chay area), within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
- It provides direct highway access from Hanoi and other northern provinces, making transfers faster and smoother.
- It offers better facilities, air-conditioned lounges, and international-standard services for both domestic and foreign guests.
For travelers from Hanoi and nearby destinations such as Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, or Van Don, Halong International Cruise Port is now the most convenient and comfortable embarkation point to begin their Halong Bay cruise.
Location and Overview
Halong International Cruise Port is located at No. 9 Ha Long Road, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, within the lively Sun Marina complex – a vibrant hub of hospitality, shopping, and entertainment.
Developed by Sun Group and inaugurated in 2018, the port meets international cruise standards, capable of handling both luxury international liners and hundreds of domestic cruise ships simultaneously.
- Total area: over 13 hectares
- Capacity: 300 – 500 tourist boats
- International terminal: accommodates vessels up to 225,000 GT
- Domestic terminal: dedicated to sightseeing and overnight cruises
With its central location and modern facilities, Halong International Cruise Port has quickly become the new icon of Ha Long’s tourism infrastructure.
Architectural Design and Facilities
The port’s terminal building was designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma – the creative mind behind Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.
The five-story structure blends modern design with Asian inspiration, resembling sails unfurling toward the sea — a fitting metaphor for new voyages and discovery.
Main features include:
- Spacious air-conditioned waiting lounges
- Check-in counters and baggage assistance
- VIP lounge and café
- Souvenir shops and tourist information desk
- Private boarding areas for each cruise line
Every detail is designed to provide comfort, style, and efficiency — reflecting the hospitality philosophy of Aime’e Cruises from the very first moment of your journey.
Embarkation with Aime’e Cruises
Upon arrival, guests are warmly greeted by Aime’e Cruises’ ground team inside the terminal. The process is smooth and well-coordinated:
Step 1 – Welcome and check-in
Guests present their booking confirmation and identification. The Aime’e team verifies details and assists with luggage.
Step 2 – Boarding preparation
Guests receive their boarding passes and relax in the private lounge while awaiting embarkation.
Step 3 – Transfer to the cruise
When ready, guests are escorted to the pier and transferred by tender to the Aime’e Cruises vessel, anchored in Halong Bay.
The process is simple, efficient, and designed to ensure a calm, pleasant start to your cruise.
How to Get to the Port ?
From Hanoi:
- Distance: 155 km via Hanoi–Haiphong–Halong Expressway
- Travel time: 2 – 2.5 hours
- Recommended options: Aime’e’s shared limousine service or private transfer
From Hai Phong (Cat Bi International Airport): about 1.5 hours.
From Van Don International Airport: about 1 hour by car or limousine.
With its location in the city center, Halong International Cruise Port is faster to reach than Tuan Chau Port, saving travel time and offering greater flexibility for guests coming from multiple directions.
The Aime’e Cruises Lounge Experience
Before departure, guests are invited to relax in Aime’e Cruises’ private check in lounge
Guests can enjoy coffee or tea while waiting for embarkation — a small but meaningful touch that reflects Aime’e’s refined hospitality.
The terminal also provides shops, cafés, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring convenience and comfort at every step.
A New Symbol of Halong’s Tourism
Halong International Cruise Port is more than a pier; it’s a symbol of Halong’s transformation into a world-class travel destination.
With its international-standard facilities, prime city-center location, and professional operations, it represents the perfect fusion of Vietnamese heritage and modern luxury.
For Aime’e Cruises, embarking from this port is both a practical and symbolic choice — connecting the legacy of Bai Tho Junks with the future of refined cruising in Halong Bay.
From its heritage at Hon Gai Port to its new home at Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Tho Junks has evolved alongside the city it helped shape. Today, Aime’e Cruises departs from this world-class terminal, offering guests a seamless, elegant beginning to their Halong Bay journey.
Halong International Cruise Port is not just a place of departure — it is where every voyage with Aime’e Cruises begins, blending convenience, sophistication, and 30 years of maritime legacy.
