Tuan Chau International Passenger Port – the “Golden Gateway” opening up the journey to discover the wonder of Halong Bay. This place is not only a stopover for thousands of travelers every day but also a symbol of the remarkable development of Halong tourism.
Alongside Halong International Cruise Port, Tuan Chau Port has contributed to creating a modern, spacious maritime port system that meets the increasingly high demands of both domestic and international travelers. This strong investment in tourism infrastructure serves as a testament to the coastal city’s continuous efforts in elevating service quality and attracting visitors. In this article, Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours will provide you with a deeper insight into Tuan Chau International Passenger Port – Southeast Asia’s largest international passenger port. Let’s explore together.
Introduction to Tuan Chau International Passenger Port
Situated in a prime location in the southwest of Tuan Chau Island, Tuan Chau Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Tuan Chau International Passenger Port faces the central waters of Halong Bay, at coordinates 20.9° N, 106.9° E. This location is not only convenient for the movement and anchoring of vessels but also offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the natural wonder of the world.
Construction of the port began in 2002 as a vital part of the Tuan Chau Group’s ambitious project to transform Tuan Chau Island into a modern resort destination rivalling the region’s top hotspots. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Dao Hong Tuyen – the “father” of Tuan Chau tourism, after 7 years of construction, the port was officially completed and inaugurated in 2009, marking a crucial turning point in the development of Quang Ninh tourism. Regarded as Southeast Asia’s largest artificial yacht marina, Tuan Chau International Passenger Port consists of two main zones: Tuan Chau Port 1 and Tuan Chau Port 2, each possessing unique characteristics that collectively form a world-class tourism complex.
Location of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port
Tuan Chau Port 1: Located between the two shores of the urban area toward the south of the island, it is built in the architectural style of European marinas. The port features a 2,000-meter-long mooring pier and a system of covered walkways surrounding it. The central area houses the terminal, waiting lounge, and administrative offices spanning over 8,000m², capable of accommodating approximately 3,000 guests daily. The port commenced operations in 2009.
Tuan Chau International Passenger Port 1
Tuan Chau Port 2: Connected to Tuan Chau Port 1 to the southwest, it is 11 times larger than Tuan Chau Port 1. Developed synchronously with a total investment reaching trillions of VND, construction began in 2012 on a barren tidal mangrove flat. After 3 years of construction, the port was inaugurated in 2015. It boasts a mooring pier length of nearly 7 kilometers, complemented by an administrative building, a passenger terminal, working offices for regulatory authorities, and a logistics system supplying fresh water and fuel to vessels. The port has the capacity to simultaneously receive 2,000 vessels for anchoring, embarkation, and disembarkation. Surrounding the port is a well-connected transport infrastructure, spacious parking lots, dedicated facilities for collecting and treating surface water and ship waste, alongside a high-end urban complex featuring numerous luxury villas, resort hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. The port has been officially recognized by the Vietnam Records Organization as the Largest Artificial Marina in Southeast Asia.
Tuan Chau International Passenger Port 2
Since coming into operation, the port has been continuously upgraded and expanded to meet the growing demands of tourism, while cementing its position as one of Vietnam’s most modern maritime ports. The presence of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port not only helps bring the image of Halong Bay closer to international travelers but also strongly drives the local socio-economic development.
On October 25, 2016, Tuan Chau Group officially put into operation a new, modern terminal at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, aiming to elevate the service quality for travelers visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Built on the footprint of the old terminal, the facility underwent extensive renovation and expansion with a professional design, boasting a usable floor area of over 8,000m². Featuring more than 1,000 seats, the terminal can simultaneously welcome approximately 3,000 guests waiting to complete procedures for boarding cruises to explore Halong Bay.
Passenger terminal at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port
The interior space of the terminal is scientifically arranged into functional zones, including:
- Check-in and administrative areas for port authorities such as the Inland Waterway Port Authority, Halong Bay Management Board, and Port Management Board…
- A convenience store area offering a diverse range of items to meet travelers’ needs.
- A children’s play area featuring various engaging and safe games.
- A medical station ready to assist visitors whenever necessary.
- An area showcasing distinctive traditional musical and dance performances.
- A post office and travel information desk providing convenient services.
Notably, to help visitors easily stay updated on cruise itineraries, the terminal is equipped with large-format screens continuously displaying service information. Additionally, the terminal provides complimentary drinking water and cold towels, two-way air conditioning, and captivating artistic performances such as water puppetry and traditional folk music and dance. Guests can also experience 5-star standard restrooms, a covered walkway system protecting against sun and rain all the way from the terminal to the vessel bow, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the dedicated assistance of hundreds of attentive service and security personnel.
2. Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry Terminal
Part of the Tuan Chau International Passenger Port complex, the Tuan Chau ferry terminal is the departure point for the ferry route connecting Tuan Chau Island (Halong) with Cat Ba Island (Haiphong). This is one of the vital waterways connecting tourism between the two provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong. Located on Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau Island, the ferry terminal is situated very close to Tuan Chau Port 1 and Tuan Chau Port 2. This advantageous location allows travelers to easily travel, combining a cruise through Halong Bay and the exploration of Cat Ba Island within a single journey.
Read more: Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry Schedule and Ticket Prices 2024
Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry
3. Tourist Boat Pier
The boat pier is an indispensable part of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, where vessels are securely moored, ready to take travelers to discover the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay. Featuring a modern pier bridge system, the Tuan Chau pier is capable of accommodating a wide variety of vessels, ranging from day-trip boats to luxurious overnight cruise ships.
Day-trip Cruise Boats
For travelers with limited time, day cruises are an ideal choice. From the Tuan Chau pier, you can easily find numerous reputable cruise lines offering tours with diverse itineraries, visiting renowned attractions such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, Fighting Cocks Islet… Currently, Tuan Chau Port offers tickets for two main scenic routes:
| Route | Duration | Itinerary | Price (VND/guest) |
| Route 1 | 3 hours | Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Stone Dog Islet – Incense Burner Islet – Fighting Cocks Islet | 460,000 |
| Route 2 | 5 hours | Stone Dog Islet – Incense Burner Islet – Fighting Cocks Islet – Sung Sot Cave – Titov Island | 510,000 |
Read more: Halong Bay Cruise Ticket Pricing and Boat Schedule
Overnight Cruises
If you wish to fully immerse yourself in the charm of Halong Bay, opting for an overnight cruise tour is an exceptional choice. Luxurious vessels equipped with full modern amenities such as fine-dining restaurants, bars, and premium cabins will ensure an unforgettable holiday on the bay. You will awaken amidst the boundless sea and sky, witness the magnificent sunrise over Halong Bay, and participate in exciting activities like kayaking, squid fishing, or enjoying a BBQ party on the sundeck…
Read more: Halong Bay Cruises: 2-Day 1-Night, 3-Day 2-Night Tours
4. Seaplane Marina
The Tuan Chau seaplane marina, also known as the Hai Au Seaplane Base, is a unique destination for travelers wishing to experience Halong Bay from a completely fresh perspective.
This is the exclusive location in Halong Bay offering seaplane flight services operated by Hai Au Aviation. Aboard modern Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX seaplanes, you will have the opportunity to admire a bird’s-eye panoramic view of the wonder, taking in the majestic beauty of thousands of large and small limestone karsts, pristine white-sand beaches, peaceful floating fishing villages, and tranquil vessels anchored across the bay.
5. Service Area
Alongside the state-of-the-art passenger terminal, Tuan Chau International Passenger Port offers visitors wonderful experiences with its diverse and convenient service areas. Here, you can freely indulge in Halong Bay’s rich gastronomy featuring fresh seafood restaurants, local specialty eateries, and familiar international flavors.
Service shops, hotels, and souvenir counters… are arranged around the port, making it easy for visitors to shop and experience
If you wish to shop for souvenirs, do not miss the boutiques displaying a wide array of unique products, from fine handicrafts to fashionable clothing and accessories. And when you need to unwind after excursions, you can pause at charming seaside cafes, sip a fragrant cup of coffee, and gaze at the stunning scenery of Halong Bay. Tuan Chau Port also features a children’s playground and comfortable lounges with complimentary Wi-Fi… ensuring that guests of all ages enjoy an exciting and comfortable experience.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port. Should you have the opportunity to visit Halong, do not forget to drop by Tuan Chau Port and enjoy the exceptional services offered here!
