Ha Long Cruise Port has once again established itself as a key player in the Asian cruise industry. The Vietnamese port, operated by Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has been awarded the title of “Asia’s Best Cruise Terminal” at the World Cruise Awards 2026, during the awards ceremony held in Jamaica on 12 October.
The award, announced on 16 October, marks an important milestone for the port and Vietnam’s tourism sector as a whole, which is increasingly focused on strengthening its presence in international cruise itineraries. For Ha Long, this is the second time it has received the same accolade, having previously won in 2022. The achievement confirms the progress made in developing port infrastructure and promoting the destination.
One of the defining features of Ha Long Cruise Port is its ability to accommodate different types of vessels. The port has six berths designed to serve a wide range of ships, from yachts to large cruise vessels, meeting the needs of both domestic and international traffic.
Its management by Global Ports Holding also places Ha Long within an international network of cruise ports, helping to increase its visibility among industry operators and strengthen the destination’s position in cruise line itineraries.
However, the appeal of Ha Long Cruise Port extends beyond its infrastructure. The port enjoys a privileged location next to the renowned Ha Long Bay, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. For cruise passengers, the port serves as a gateway to a region characterised by spectacular natural scenery, cultural traditions and numerous sightseeing opportunities. The integration of the port with the surrounding tourism offering represents a significant advantage for cruise lines seeking destinations that can enrich their guests’ shore experiences.
Another key strength is its connection to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, which can be reached in approximately two and a half hours via a well-developed motorway network. This connection allows visitors to broaden their excursion programmes and explore other parts of northern Vietnam beyond the bay itself. The opportunity to combine different experiences within a single visit enhances the destination’s appeal and gives cruise lines greater flexibility when designing shore excursions.
Accessibility is particularly important in the cruise sector, where the distance between the terminal and major attractions can influence itinerary planning and the quality of time spent ashore. In this context, Ha Long Cruise Port also plays an economic and tourism-related role: it facilitates the arrival of international visitors, supports the destination’s connectivity and contributes to the growth of local activities linked to hospitality, transport, services and excursions.
The World Cruise Awards accolade follows another significant achievement in 2026. Ha Long Cruise Port was also named “Asia’s Leading Cruise Port 2026” at the World Travel Awards, further strengthening its international profile.
The two awards highlight complementary aspects of the port’s development: on the one hand, the quality of its terminal and infrastructure; on the other, its standing within the regional cruise industry.
For Vietnam, these achievements represent an opportunity to consolidate its presence on international cruise routes and promote destinations that offer a balance of natural heritage, cultural identity and services for travellers. The challenge ahead will be to accommodate growing visitor numbers while maintaining a strong focus on the quality of hospitality, the management of tourism impacts and the protection of the natural heritage that makes Ha Long such a distinctive destination.
Its double recognition at the World Cruise Awards, including a return to the top after its 2022 success, confirms the growth of Ha Long Cruise Port and its contribution to the development of cruise tourism in Vietnam.
The 2026 award therefore represents more than an accolade for the terminal: it also signals Vietnam’s growing importance in the Asian cruise tourism landscape. To sustain this progress over time, the destination will need to continue combining infrastructure development and destination promotion with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Giorgia Lombardo