Leveraging its seaport infrastructure, an increasingly comprehensive
service ecosystem, and a continuously refreshed range of tourism products,
Quang Ninh is proactively welcoming cruise ship passengers during the final
months of the year. -
Indochina Junk Halong Bay
The well-integrated infrastructure of the Ha Long International Cruise Port
serves as a key advantage, enabling Quang Ninh to accommodate numerous large
cruise vessels.
Cruise tourism is emerging as a highly promising segment for Quang Ninh’s
tourism industry. Bui Quang Tuan, Executive Director of the Ha Long
International Cruise Port branch, stated that in the first nine months of
2026, Quang Ninh welcomed 49 international cruise ships carrying nearly
59,000 passengers. In the third quarter of 2026 alone, 5 vessels arrived,
bringing over 8,100 visitors to explore and experience the destination. The
arrival of large-scale vessels not only boosts the number of international
visitors but also underscores the growing appeal of this destination within
regional maritime routes.
According to a report by Tourism Economics and the Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA), in collaboration with the Singapore
Tourism Board, the cruise tourism industry in Southeast Asia generated an
economic impact exceeding $10 billion in 2024. Yet, Vietnam-and Quang Ninh
in particular-has only tapped into a fraction of this market’s potential.
The report also reveals that 85% of passengers rated their experience in
Southeast Asia positively, with 47% of cruise travelers expressing an
intention to return for longer, land-based stays. These figures point to a
promising avenue for development: cruise passengers not only generate
revenue while their ships are in port, but they also represent a potential
market for longer, multi-day trips in the future.
A key foundation enabling Quang Ninh to attract more international cruise
tourists is its specialized seaport infrastructure designed for passenger
vessels. In 2026, the Ha Long International Cruise Port was once again
honored by the World Travel Awards as Asia’s Leading Cruise Port-a title it
previously received in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
This consistent recognition from a prestigious international tourism award
reinforces the port’s image as a modern, specialized facility, while
simultaneously elevating Quang Ninh’s profile within the global cruise
network. Furthermore, Quang Ninh benefits from excellent connectivity
between its cruise port and a wealth of unique tourism assets. From this
gateway, visitors can easily access Ha Long Bay, cultural sites, museums,
entertainment venues, urban centers, restaurants, and a variety of
locally-inspired experiences-all within a timeframe that fits their ship’s
itinerary.
In the first nine months of 2026, Quang Ninh welcomed approximately 18.8
million visitors, including about 4.21 million international tourists, with
total tourism revenue estimated at 56.4 trillion VND. The international
market for Quang Ninh has become increasingly diverse, spanning China, South
Korea, Japan, Taiwan (China), India, and the ASEAN region, as well as
Europe, North America, and Australia. Notably, visitors from China account
for over 35% of all international arrivals, reaching Quang Ninh via land,
air, and sea.
This market diversity enables the province to expand its base of cruise ship
passengers while gradually reducing reliance on a few traditional markets.
To translate this potential into a tangible competitive advantage, Quang
Ninh is developing distinct tourism products tailored to the specific
preferences and consumption patterns of different visitor segments.
For 2026, Quang Ninh has set a target of welcoming over 23 million visitors,
with total tourism revenue projected to exceed 71 trillion VND. Between now
and the end of the year, approximately 20 to 25 international cruise ships
are expected to bring visitors to the province. These travelers represent a
unique segment: while their stays are typically short, they possess a
diverse range of interests-from sightseeing and cultural immersion to
culinary exploration and shopping. Consequently, the tourism sector is
focused on curating high-value experiences that leave a lasting impression,
encouraging visitors to return.
According to Nguyen The Hue, Chairman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association,
a comprehensive autumn-winter tourism stimulus program is currently being
rolled out, involving more than 20 lodging establishments rated 3 to 5
stars. Participating venues are offering discounts ranging from 20% to over
60%, alongside a variety of services including dining, wellness, and other
guest amenities. This initiative serves not only as a strategy to boost
demand during the off-peak season but also as a means to develop a service
ecosystem capable of meeting the diverse needs of international travelers.
In addition, products deeply rooted in local identity are broadening the
range of experiences available to visitors-such as traditional
three-compartment wooden boats (*thuyen ba vach*) on Ha Long Bay,
sightseeing cruises, 3D mapping shows, and the opening of Soi Sim Beach for
tourism.
Along with infrastructure and product offerings, the quality of service is a
decisive factor in maintaining Quang Ninh’s appeal within the international
cruise tourism market. The province currently boasts over 1,370
accommodation establishments with 32,696 rooms, 109 cruise vessels offering
1,967 cabins, more than 200 travel agencies, and 2,442 tour guides. This
serves as a vital foundation for organizing, coordinating, and catering to
an ever-growing number of international visitors.
Promotional and marketing efforts have also been expanded to include Russia,
the CIS countries, Australia, India, China, and Southeast Asia. By
strengthening international cooperation and organizing familiarization
trips, promotional campaigns, and business-matching events, Quang Ninh has
been able to bring its tourism products closer to cruise lines, travel
agencies, and key source markets.
Source:
Halong Bay welcomes more international cruise tourists
