Author: Cảng Hạ Long

• Specialized port – the answer to Vietnam’s cruise tourism problem
• Cruise tourism to advance after this boost
• Specialized port holds key to Vietnam’s cruise tourism development

 

Ha Long International Cruise Port, known as the country’s first specialized cruise port opened at the end of 2018, has become a remark in Quang Ninh’s tourism activities and a pioneer of Vietnam’s cruise tourism.

The Port has received 56,000 arrivals just in the first four months of this year, which accounts for 47 percent of all foreign visitors traveling to Vietnam by sea (119,000 arrivals).

According to a Ha Long International Cruise Port’s representative, the vessels that have docked were mainly super-luxury cruise ships coming from Hong Kong and Singapore and five-star ships from other continents such as the UK’s Columbus and Sydney’s Seven Seas Mariner. They have become a significant source of revenue for Ha Long tourism.

Inland wharf – Ha Long international passenger ship port opens a new gateway to visit Ha Long Bay

Next to the international harbor, just before the holidays of 30/4 and 1/5, Ha Long Passenger Port has opened the inland wharf – marina to welcome visitors to Heritage Bay. As part of the 1,100 billion VND Port project, the inland wharf project is designed with 4 berths, accommodating up to 300 cruise ships to visit and stay on routes to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long bay and Gia Luan port (Cat Ba).

Along with the system of wharves, the port terminal designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley is considered to be a differentiating factor that helps Ha Long international passenger port to meet the standards of a tourist port, surpassing the whole system. Current port system in Vietnam.

The port terminal has a scale of 3 floors with a total area of ​​13,500 m2, accommodating up to 2,000 people, impressed by the delicate architectural blend between European and Vietnamese culture, owns a comfortable lounge system, food service area, duty free shops and souvenir shops displaying a variety of local produce ..

he new inland port at Ha Long International Cruise Port: a new gateway to Ha Long Bay

Besides, an inland port – Ha Long Passenger Terminal – was inaugurated just before the country’s Reunification Day, April 30. As a part of the VND 1.1 trillion ($47.03 million) cruise port, the inland port has four wharfs that can accommodate 300 cruise ships, allowing them to travel to and stay during their visits to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Gia Luan Harbor (in Cat Ba Island).

The terminal of the Port was designed by famous architect Bill Bensley, which helps Ha Long International Cruise Port to reach the international standards of a tourist port and to make it different from other Vietnam’s ports.

The three-floor terminal has a total area of 13,500 square meters and can accommodate up to 2,000 people. It’s an impressive mixture of Vietnamese architecture and European one. The terminal includes a convenient lounge, a food court, duty-free stores, and souvenir shops selling a full range of local products.

High-end services and facilities are offered at Ha Long International Cruise Port

With the inland port being in operation, Ha Long International Cruise Port has become the first specialized international cruise port in Vietnam that is capable of accommodating both domestic and international visitors. With impressive results achieved the past few months, it is expected to boost the number of new arrivals and help Quang Ninh province to achieve its target of 16 million tourists by 2020.

…to the ambition of boosting Vietnam’s cruise tourism

Ports in Vietnam are used to receive both cargo and passenger ships. However, services such as loading, unloading, shipping, and storage always take first priority in revenues.

This problem, therefore, affects the development of cruise tourism. Tourism experts consider this as the cause of many problems that remain unsolved. For instance, in 2018, the Ovation of the Seas with 4,000 passengers and 1,600 crewmembers were unable to dock at Phu My Port in Ho Chi Minh City, while the Voyager of the Seas had to cancel its plan to Ho Chi Minh City due to the lack of dock space as a result of cargo ships fully occupying the port.

Ha Long International Cruise Port is the only specialized cruise port in Vietnam

This were just some examples provided by Dr. Ha Bich Lien, a consultant of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in Vietnam, to explain the problem affecting cruise tourism and its consequences: a decline in the number of customers at travel agencies and the city’s substantial loss of tourism revenues.

At an international conference on cruise tourism development organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism at the end of 2018, experts and representatives of cruise lines said the main difficulty in Vietnam was its infrastructure, which was not up to date.

While Vietnam has been struggling, cruise tourism is a money-making business in many countries around the world. With the advantages of having a long coastline of more than 3,260 km, more than 3,000 big and small islands, and impressive natural landscapes, it is time for Vietnam to recognize the potential of cruise tourism and make adequate investment.

Cruise tourism will be promoted first through exclusive cruise ports, which creates an instant impression on visitors and becomes the first step for Vietnam to attract more super-luxury cruises from around the world.

Only 2 days to travel to Ha Long must make many young people regret not being able to explore the whole land here. The sharing of travel experiences in Ha Long in 2 short days will help you solve this problem.

Pleasant, splendid, and extraordinary were how tourists described their visit to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site, on the opening day of Ha Long International Cruise Port, an inland port – marina.

The inland port – marina Ha Long International Cruise Port was inaugurated shortly before Vietnam’s Reunification Day, April 30. Despite the holiday’s unceasing rain, the place was packed with Vietnamese and international tourists. Annie from Hong Kong, one of the firsts to board a vessel from the brand-new port to Ha Long Bay, expressed her excitement: “The moment I set foot in the terminal, I was stunned by its elegant and modern design. On top of that, the smile and the welcoming guidance of the staff always give me a feeling of contentment. Anh our hotel is located near the port, so it is really convenient to travel to other tourist attractions in Bai Chay or Hon Gai”.

The stunning architecture is not the only thing that the terminal has to offer. The well-structured layout of the terminal with a separate guidance center allow travel agencies to conveniently update tourists on the latest information about their schedule and destinations.

Thanks to the magic touch of the famed landscape architect Bill Bensley, tourists can enjoy a spectacular and unforgettable show of a lush atrium with water, lights, music, and greenery at the heart of the terminal. “We have just returned from Ha Long Bay. The terminal felt warm and cozy despite the bad weather! The cafés and the water fountains in the atrium are incredibly extraordinary”, said a group of young Uruguayan travelers as they capture photos to treasure every moment of the trip.

Even tourists from Italy – the World Capital of Fashion and Architecture – are astounded by the terminal’s design where “Romantic Classicism meets Modernism”. Mr. and Mrs. Matteuci said eagerly, “This is our first time in Vietnam and my wife insisted that we visit Ha Long Bay. We did not expect this modern terminal to be a part of our trip. Our favorite sight was the atrium with water fountains, it was so luscious and relaxing!” From the floor tile designs, the colorful ceiling panels, the vintage chandeliers to different picture frames on the walls, and all of other details of the terminal depict hidden stories about 19^th-century sailing adventures. Conquests of the Mediterranean and the Americas that were only seen in movies are now brought to life with manifold decorative features of the terminal.

The passenger terminal does not only fascinate tourists with its magnificent architecture, but it also offers diverse and unique experiences with its charming cafés and souvenir shops. Mr. and Mrs. Ritesu from Singapore chose Ha Long to be their destination in their first trip to Vietnam as it is one of the must-see New Seven Wonders of Nature. The couple confessed their “love at first sight” for Vietnamese coffee, “The terminal has a classic yet contemporary look. I was captivated by the aroma of roasted ground coffee at the coffee shop nearby, so I had to try it for myself immediately.”

A diverse collection of souvenirs is also offered in the terminal, such as decorations, artworks, fine arts wood products, ceramics, scarves, brocade, etc. These sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing products are handpicked to meet the demands of all visitors.

Locals also gravitated to the place during the first few days to check in and share their pride in Ha Long – the home to Vietnam’s first specialized international cruise port that can accommodate both domestic and international visitors. Many young locals chose the place to take yearbook photos and make lasting memories with their friends.

The inland port – marina consists of four modern wharfs that can accommodate up to 300 cruise ships to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Gia Luan Harbor (Cat Ba). It is also capable of serving large ships, sightseeing ships, night ships, and large speedboats. The port is situated at the heart of Bai Chay Tourist Site, next to the Sun World Halong Complex – an entertainment and recreation cluster, the beach, and the sea lane. It takes only five minutes to arrive in Ha Long market and Quang Ninh Museum from the port. With its first-class service and exceptional design, the inland port – marina Ha Long International Cruise Port promises to be a public’s preference and is expected to welcome thousands of visitors every day.

For the latest updates on the schedule to Ha Long Bay, please contact the hotline: 0328 225 699 on weekdays (from 5h-19h).

• The inland port of Ha Long International Cruise Port to open
• New inland domestic port in Ha Long boasts top-of-the-line in the Northern region
• The new inland port at Ha Long International Cruise Port: a new gateway to Ha Long Bay

From April 28, 2019, the inland port of Sun Group’s Ha Long International Cruise Port will officially come into operation. With top-of-the-line facilities, the new port is expected to expand access to Ha Long Bay, and provide a safe and convenient entry point for vessels.

As a part of VND 1.1 trillion Ha Long International Cruise Port project, the inland port is located to the left of the Hon Gai – Cai Lan site in Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City. It will be a stop for cruise ships, speedboats, and yachts to visit the heritage site.

The port is located in the heart of Bai Chay Tourist Site, next to the Sun World Halong Complex – an entertainment and recreation cluster, the beach, and the sea lane. It takes only five minutes to reach Ha Long market and Quang Ninh Museum from the port. The port enables Vietnamese tourists, as well as foreign visitors to travel by luxury cruises, and conveniently transfer to domestic cruises to explore Ha Long Bay.

he inland port is situated at the heart of Bai Chay so tourists can easily visit other sites in Ha Long Bay

Located near Bai Chay Bridge, the port connects Bai Chay Tourist Site with Hon Gai city – the political, economic and cultural center of Quang Ninh province. Tourists can easily access to Bai Chay Bridge and enjoy dining and shopping experiences in Hon Gai city.

The port consists of four modern wharfs that can accommodate up to 300 cruise ships to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Gia Luan Harbor (in Cat Ba). It is also capable of receiving large ships, sightseeing ships, night ships, and large speedboats. The four wharfs, including two 488-meter, one 244-meter, and one 171-meter in length, are designed to easily welcome vessels and visitors.

The inland port is equipped with modern facilities to ensure safety for visitors and vessels

Besides convenience, the safety of tourists is also a priority when designing the port – a standard fire prevention and fighting system is included, lifebuoys are placed every 6 meters along the quay, a pontoon with strong guardrails is also installed.

The pontoon here is the largest and most modern one in the Northern region, allowing easy supplies of electricity and water for cruises. The pontoon’s top-of-the-line design allows it to move with tide fluctuations, which eliminates chances of overnight vessels flipping.

Vessels mooring overnight at the pontoon are risk-free

Visitors are certainly provided brand new experiences, for example, at the passenger terminal, as they wait for tickets to Ha Long Bay, tourists will enjoy state-of-the-art architecture, gourmet food, and high-end shopping experiences.

Covering a total area of 13,500 square meters, the three-floor terminal can accommodate up to 2,000 people and offer a variety of activities. Visitors can relax in convenient lounges or purchase premium products such as wine, souvenirs, and cosmetics in duty-free shops. Supermarkets, restaurants, and shops selling local specialties are also available

Green spaces are included in the design of the terminal

The Ha Long International Cruise Port terminal was designed by Bill Bensley, who is among the top five world-leading architects. The terminal features the quintessence of both Vietnamese and European culture and architecture – while its exterior resembles a corner of Hoi An, and its sophisticated interior décor brings to mind a 13th-century vessel with wooden poles and steel and wood ceilings. The terminal wall features a unique design with 27 photo frames depicting nautical charts and vintage ships. The unique design and the modern facilities of the terminal are perfect for travelers to relax during their transfers.

The International Cruise Quay – a part of Ha Long International Cruise Port – officially came into operation on December 30, 2018. Within just 4 months, it has welcomed nearly 56,000 visitors from approximately 40 heavyweight ships, including Celebrity Millennium, World Dream, Mein Chiff, Westerdam, and Voyager of the Sea, etc.

On November 27, 2018, at 6 o’clock, Ha Long International Cruise Port (Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province) – Vietnam’s first private-owned specialized international cruise port – welcomed its first five-star luxury cruise ship with over 3,000 passengers and crew members.

The first cruise to dock at Ha Long International Cruise Port was the Celebrity Millennium from the American Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. It departed from Hong Kong with over 2,000 passengers and nearly 1,000 crew members of different nationalities for a visit to Ha Long Bay and other tourist attractions in Quang Ninh province.

Celebrity Millennium is a luxurious and modern five-star international cruise ship that serves Asia and South Pacific voyages. The Celebrity Millennium is to leave the port at 1 p.m. on November 28, 2018.

The welcoming of the first international cruise ship marks a turning point for the development of tourism in Quang Ninh and thus enhance international cooperation, economic and tourism development. In the next phase of commercialization, Ha Long International Cruise Port is expected to help attract elite tourists to the city and boost local tourism.

The majority of current ports in Vietnam hold both cargo and passenger ships, which can be inconvenient for domestic and international cruisers. Many ports only play their primal role as stops for ships, lacking well-organized services, and prevent passenger ships from anchoring since cargo ships occupy all the port. Moreover, to reach the ports, passengers have to transit a long distance. This does not only hinder cruise tourism development in Vietnam, but it is also a disadvantage of local tourism.

Meanwhile, the tremendous cost of a specialized international cruise port had made it impossible  for localities or private corporations to invest in one. Thus, the pioneering efforts of Quang Ninh to mobilize the private sector’s capital for this project is of great significance for both provincial development and cruise tourism development in Vietnam.

Although a specialized cruise port may not be profitable in the first several years, it attests to Quang Ninh’s strong commitment to restructuring its economy from agriculture-based to service-based. This is also one of focal projects in transportation infrastructure for Quang Ninh to set its goal in transportation enhancement, which in turn helps the province attract more investment capital for socio-economic development.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Long, Chairman of the Quang Ninh People’s Committee, recognized Ha Long International Cruise Port as an important factor contributing to the province’s economic development. “The public-private partnership model is an effective investment model and will be deployed in many major transport projects in the province. Constructed in over a year, the International Cruise Port is one of the most advanced of its kind, which can hold two cruises at a time. Ha Long International Cruise Port is going to be the highlight of tourism in Quang Ninh,” said Mr. Long.

Earlier, on November 22, 2018, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issued the official document approving the operation of Ha Long International Cruise Port. Located on the left of Hon Gai – Cai Lan channel in Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, the Port has a total investment capital of VND 1 trillion. It is of a major transportation project and is the first specialized international cruise port in Vietnam, which is designed to hold up to two cruise ships at a time, each of which ship has a capacity of up to 225,000 GRT and 8,460 passengers and crew members.

Major infrastructures of the project include  wharfs, a pier, a cruise port, a passenger terminal, and an administration building. The 406-meter-long pier consists of 6 anchor posts; the visitors’ lounge is 130 meters in length and 30 meters in width; the modern port can accommodate up to 8,460 passengers and crew members.

The three-story passenger terminal, which covers 4,500 square meters and has a total area of 13,500 square meters, was designed by Bill Bensley, who is of the top five best architects in the world. The terminal features the quintessence of both Vietnamese and European culture and architecture. To be specific, its exterior resembles a corner of Hoi An, while its sophisticated interior décor indicates a 13^th-century vessel with wooden poles and steel and wooden ceilings. Also, the terminal walls is prominent with 27 pictures depicting nautical charts and vintage ships.

Ha Long International Cruise Port is expected to welcome 10 international cruises by the end of 2018, laying the premise for the province to usher in a new chapter of tourism development with domestic and international arrivals surpassing the 2018’s goal of 12 million arrivals (with 5.2 million international arrivals).