Tuan Chau Harbor

Tuan Chau marina is the most famous international cruise port in Halong Bay and also the largest artificial port in Vietnam. The port comprises two distinct areas: Port 1 and Port 2. Port 1, established in 2009, boasts a 2-kilometer berth and the capacity to host 200 ships concurrently. Port 2 commenced operations in 2015, featuring an extended 7-kilometer berth capable of accommodating up to 2000 ships simultaneously. Notably, Port 2, with an average depth of 15 meters, caters predominantly to large-scale overnight vessels, whereas Port 1 primarily serves smaller vessels operating during daytime hours.

The marina has modern infrastructure and facilities such as large terminal and operating areas, working areas for port authorities and management board, representative offices of cruises, systems for supplying fresh water and fuel for ships, etc. Connected to the mainland by a long bridge, it provides a convenient transportation system and a spacious parking lot to welcome thousands of tourists every day.

On top of that, a series of villas, luxurious hotels and resorts, restaurants, amusement parks, supermarkets, shops, and appealing attractions in the surroundings make the port one of the must-come destinations when visiting Halong Bay.

Location

Tuan Chau marina is located on Tuan Chau island, Ngoc Chau ward, Halong city, Quang Ninh province. It is around 170 km from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), 73 km from Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh), and 40 km from Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong). Travelers can easily get there in many ways from public transport to private vehicles.

How to get there?

Thanks to the ideal location, the marina is accessible from any province in Vietnam. However, the port welcomes a big number of tourists coming from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong City.

From Hanoi

Most travelers come to Halong from Hanoi since it is an important transit hub and a must-see tourist attraction in the northern region. There are tons of cruise companies and travel agencies offering cruise services including bus transfer from Hanoi at a very affordable price (US$20-40 per person per round trip).

Besides, Hanoi offers a wide range of local buses from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station which costs just around US$7 per person/one way. However, this way takes up to 4 hours and is less comfortable than the others.

A private 4-seater car at the cost of US$90 - 100 per way is the private and flexible option and a seaplane with 45 minutes of transfer and 15 minutes of sightseeing from a bird-eye view is the most luxurious and desirable way to get to the destination.

From Ho Chi Minh City

Located over 1800 km away from by roadway, Ho Chi Minh City provides you with local sleeping buses or trains which take 35 to 37 hours. These ways save money and allow you to admire the scenery from the south to the north of Vietnam. However, the most popular way to save time is by traveling by airplane. It takes you only 2 hours from Tan Son Nhat airport to one of the three nearest airports including Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Van Don (Quang Ninh), and Noi Bai (Hanoi). The air ticket price ranges from US$60 to 100 depending on the time frame and season.

From Hai Phong

It takes only 1 hour to drive by car from Hai Phong to Tuan Chau marina. From the airport, a taxi/private car is the most convenient way which ranges from US$30 per car/one way. Another option is traveling by local bus from Lac Long station. Although it is much cheaper (only US$2/ticket), it takes a bit longer (1.5 hours) and requires you to move from the airport to the station which is 8 km away.

Where to eat

The cruise port brings a gastronomy voyage full of local and international cuisine. There are 3 must-go places for food and beverages there including Tuan Chau food court, Sen Ha Thanh Halong restaurant, and Yolo Hill restaurant.

Tuan Chau food court

With traditional oriental architecture, the food court serves a lot of regional delicacies with affordable prices from VND 150,000 - 300,000/pax. The food court also has large and small VIP dining areas to cater to private groups of 15 to 150 people.

• Address: On the way to the Dolphin Performance Club, Tuan Chau marina, Ha Long
• Contact: +(84) 336 235 686 / +(84) 912 568 393

Sen Ha Thanh Halong restaurant

Belonging to the famous Sen Buffet restaurant chain in Hanoi, Sen Ha Thanh Ha Long restaurant is a remarkable culinary choice there. Covering an area of 6000m2, the restaurant features a luxurious Indochine style with 3 sides facing the bay, offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

It offers a buffet menu of up to 200 dishes from Vietnamese cuisine to other Asian and European dishes. Moreover, there is a children's zone and a trendy space with pleasant music for unwinding time. Set menus and drinks are also available at the restaurant.

• Address: Lot 1, Tuan Chau marina, Ha Long
• Open time: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Monday - Sunday)
• Contact: +84 (0) 919 558 993

Yolo Hill restaurant

Formerly known as Yolo Tuan Chau restaurant, Yolo Hill serves a variety of local seafood dishes and no shortage of other Vietnam specialties. With both an intimate indoor space and a sea-view outdoor area, the restaurant can cater to 1500 guests per time and is the ideal go-to place for groups, events, conferences, etc.

• Address: Lot 12, Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau marina, Halong
• Open time:  8:30am - 0:00am.
• Contact: +(84)343959556 - +(84)912485695

Where to stay

While visiting Halong Bay, you may want to extend another night in Tuan Chau to discover Halong City and its appealing surroundings. A bunch of resorts and hotels can provide you with a comfortable stay. Followings are some suggestions:

What to do

Like an all-in-one destination, Tuan Chau is not simply a cruise port with accommodation and food and beverage services yet offers an assortment of entertainment activities and attractions to visit. Here are top things travelers should not miss:

Halong Bay

The first and foremost thing to do must be to cruise in Halong Bay. Hundreds of ships cruising to the bay start from this pier and you can find the newest cruises at different levels and different price ranges here.

• Luxury cruises: Paradise Elegance, Stellar of the Seas, Heritage Binh Chuan, Capella, Genesis Luxury Regal, Nostalgia Cruise
• Mid-range cruises: Orchid Trendy, Paradise Sails, La Casta Regal, La Pandora, Sena
• Budget cruises: Amanda, Alova, Phoenix, Pelican Glory

Tuan Chau beach

With a 5-kilometer coastal line, Tuan Chau beach is the most extensive artificial beach in Vietnam. Thanks to the sandy shore and charming scenery, the beach is an ideal destination for you not only to swim but also to join in beach and water activities such as volleyball, kayaking,  windsurfing, jet skiing, etc.

• Entrance fee: Free
• Cleaning fee: US$1
• Open time: 24/24

Tuan Chau Park

Located on Tuan Chau Island, around 1.5 km from the port,this park is the most bustling spot in the area. It has an area of 5 hectares with 3 main zones: King Kong Park, Tuan Chau Dolphin Park, and an outdoor amusement park.

King Kong Park will delight you with a series of giant king kong statues as well as miniatures recreating the legend of 18 types of dragons, the legend of Lac Long Quan - Au Co, the fairy waterfall, etc. At Dolphin Park, travelers have a chance to admire the fun dancing performances of dolphins and seals at the time frames of 10:00, 15:00, and 20:30 every Saturday and Sunday. Furthermore, the outdoor amusement park with countless thrilling games, car crashes, 5D cinemas, merry-go-rounds, etc.

• Entrance fee: US$10 (Tuan Chau Park), US$5 (King Kong Park)
• Open time: 8:00 - 22:00