Cruises to-from Chan May
Chan May — the main sea gateway to Imperial Hue (Huế) and one of the most scenic port-of-call stops in Central Vietnam. This deep-water port sits on a cape shaped like an enormous crescent, leaning against the foothills of the Trường Sơn mountains (the Annamite Range), just north of the Hải Vân Pass and a few kilometres from Lăng Cô Bay — one of the most beautiful bays in the world. There is no city bustle here: Chan May is an industrial deep-water pier with no town, shops or promenade of its own — but from here, liners open the gateway to three jewels of Vietnam at once: the former imperial capital of Hue, the metropolis of Da Nang, and the ancient trading town of Hoi An.
For a cruise traveller, Chan May is first and foremost a port of call, not a homeport: large liners stop here for 8–12 hours as part of Southeast and East Asia itineraries, crossing between Singapore, Hong Kong and ports in China or Japan. In 2025 the port welcomed 46 cruise ships and around 131,515 passengers and crew, and 2026 is projected to see the number almost double — to 88 calls and roughly 260,000 visitors. Since the port began receiving cruise ships, it has hosted more than 420 liners and over 830,000 passengers and crew members. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise to-from Chan May or stepping ashore for a few hours of port call, here is what you need to know:
🇻🇳 Country: Vietnam
📍 Region: Hue City (until 1 January 2025 — Thừa Thiên Huế Province; since then, a centrally-governed city, the sixth of its kind in Vietnam)
👥 Population: about 1.24 million people within the whole city-region of Hue; the historic core — Hue city proper — numbers about 650,000 residents (2021 figures)
📐 Area: 4,947 km² (Hue city-region)
🗣️ Languages: Vietnamese (official); English is increasingly used in the tourism sector
💵 Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND, ₫)
🕐 Time zone: ICT (UTC+7) — 4–5 hours ahead of Kyiv time, depending on the season
☀️ Climate: tropical monsoon, with a dry season from February to August (+28…+35 °C) and a rainy season from September to December, when typhoons are possible
✈️ Nearest airport: Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) — approximately 45–50 km (about an hour's drive) from the port; it mainly serves domestic flights, with international connections via Da Nang, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
⚓ Official port name: Cảng Chân Mây (Chan May Port)
🗺️ Port area: over 27,000 hectares (about 270 km²) within the Chan May – Lang Co Economic Zone
🏛️ The history of Chan May — from a Cham coastline to the gateway of an imperial capital
⏳ A land at the crossroads of civilisations
The lands around present-day Chan May once belonged to the kingdom of Champa — a Hindu civilisation that controlled the coast of Central Vietnam for over a thousand years. The nearest major city in the region, Hue, grew out of the Cham settlement of Kandarpapura, known as far back as the 4th century. In 1306 these lands became part of the Vietnamese state of Đại Việt: the Cham ruler Chế Mân ceded them as a dowry for his marriage to the Vietnamese princess Huyền Trân. From then on the region gradually became Vietnamese, and a small settlement on the bank of the Hương River (Sông Hương, the «Perfume River») eventually grew into Hue.
👑 The imperial capital of the Nguyễn dynasty
In 1802, having unified the country after a long civil war, Emperor Gia Long founded the capital of the new Nguyễn dynasty here — the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. Throughout 1802–1945, 13 emperors ruled from Hue, building the grand Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, and dozens of tombs along the Perfume River. In 1968, during the Tet Offensive, the citadel suffered heavy damage, but as early as 1993 UNESCO inscribed the Complex of Hue Monuments on the World Heritage List — the only site in the organisation's entire list recognised as an example of an «eastern feudal capital».
⚓ Chan May Port — Central Vietnam's gateway to the sea
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The idea of building a deep-water port on Chan May Cape emerged in the early 1990s, when engineering teams surveyed the coast of Central Vietnam in search of a site for a new maritime hub. In 1996 the Prime Minister approved the urban planning direction for Chan May, and by May 2003 the port's first berth had opened. In 2006 a government decision established the Chan May – Lang Co Economic Zone here, spanning more than 27,000 hectares, and in 2009 the neighbouring Lang Co Bay was named one of the most beautiful bays in the world, becoming the 30th member of the international Worldbays Club. Today's Cảng Chân Mây is not a passenger terminal in the usual sense but a large cargo-and-passenger hub within the Chan May – Lang Co Economic Zone, run by Chan May Port JSC (Công ty Cổ phần Cảng Chân Mây). Berth No. 1 is 480 metres long, of which 360 metres is a deep-water section with a draft of up to 12.5 metres, able to handle cargo vessels of up to 50,000 DWT and passenger liners up to 362 metres long with a gross tonnage of up to 225,282 GRT. Berth No. 2, 280 metres long, came into operation on 18 July 2021 and mainly serves cargo ships. The port does not yet have a dedicated passenger terminal with hotel-style facilities — passengers are processed in temporary tented pavilions, and the berth area is fenced off and accessible only to pre-arranged transport. Regular calls by large cruise ships began in 2017.
🚢 How many liners the port receives
The Asia Cruise Association has listed Chan May among the 46 key cruise destinations of Southeast Asia and granted it first-class seaport status. In 2025, 46 cruise ships docked here (around 131,515 passengers and crew), and 2026 is projected to bring up to 88 calls and about 260,000 visitors. According to local tourism officials, premium cruise passengers spend 2–3 times more ashore than the average tourist, giving a significant boost to local services, transport and trade.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Chan May
Liners from leading global cruise brands regularly call at the port: Royal Caribbean International (including Spectrum of the Seas), Princess Cruises (Diamond Princess, Coral Princess), Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line (ms Westerdam), Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Adora Cruises. This makes Chan May one of the key stops on Southeast and East Asia itineraries, as well as on transoceanic crossings between Asia, Australia and the Americas. 🌏
💡 Interesting facts about Chan May and Hue
Getting to know the region is more complete once you know a few less obvious details:
🏔️ Chan May Cape is shaped like a giant crescent «leaning» on the Trường Sơn mountains — hence the port's name: the Vietnamese «chân mây» literally means «foot of the clouds».
🌊 The neighbouring Lang Co Bay has belonged to the Worldbays Club — an association of the world's most beautiful bays — since 2009, as its 30th member.
🛣️ The road from the port to Da Nang runs either through the 6.2-kilometre Hai Van Tunnel or along the scenic Hai Van Pass, which Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson called «a ribbon of perfection» — one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world.
🏛️ The Complex of Hue Monuments is the only UNESCO World Heritage site recognised as an example of an «eastern feudal capital».
🏙️ Since 1 January 2025, Hue has officially become Vietnam's sixth centrally-governed city — alongside Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Can Tho.
⛴️ There is no taxi rank at the port — transfers need to be booked in advance, as the berth area is a restricted industrial zone.
👑 Throughout 1802–1945, 13 emperors of the Nguyễn dynasty — Vietnam's last ruling dynasty — reigned from Hue.
🎊 On 19 February 2026, Chan May marked the opening of Central Vietnam's new cruise season: the liner Adora Mediterranea arrived from Guangzhou carrying 2,613 passengers and 732 crew members.
📍 Top attractions near Chan May — must-see spots for cruise travellers
A ship's call at Chan May usually lasts from 8 to 12 hours, and the most interesting sites are 45–100 kilometres from the pier, so it's worth planning your route in advance. You'll find a detailed list with addresses, prices and opening hours in the «Attractions and Places of Interest» section; below is a brief overview of the key destinations.
🏯 Hue Imperial Citadel — the former residence of 13 Nguyễn dynasty emperors, a UNESCO site with palaces, the Purple Forbidden City and remnants of its former splendour.
⛩️ Thien Mu Pagoda — a seven-tiered pagoda on the bank of the Perfume River, one of the symbols of Hue's spiritual life.
👑 The royal tombs (Tự Đức, Minh Mạng, Khải Định) — monumental mausoleum-parks along the Perfume River, each in its own architectural style.
🏞️ Hai Van Pass and Bay — a scenic mountain pass between Hue and Da Nang, and the neighbouring Lang Co Bay, recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world.
🌉 Da Nang — a modern metropolis with the Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills, the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) and My Khe beachfront.
🏮 Hoi An — an ancient trading town and UNESCO site with historic houses, lanterns and tailor workshops.
✨ Why choose a cruise to-from Chan May
Chan May — is a rare chance to see three faces of Vietnam in a single day at sea.
First, there is unique historical depth: within a single port call you can visit the former imperial capital with its Nguyễn dynasty palaces and tombs. 👑
Second, there is breathtaking nature: the Trường Sơn mountains, the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay, recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world, create one of the most striking landscapes in Southeast Asia. 🏞️
Third, there is a favourable geographic position: Chan May sits almost exactly midway between Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, so even a single stop lets you get to know several very different faces of the region. 🗺️
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the optimal Southeast Asia itinerary with a call at Chan May, suggest the best way to arrange a shore excursion, and offer exclusive rates from Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Chan May
Chan May (Chân Mây) — is not a resort town with a developed transport network, but an industrial seaport tucked between Lang Co Bay and the foot of the Hai Van Pass, dozens of kilometres from the nearest major cities — Hue and Da Nang. There is no metro here, no station square with a taxi queue, not even a proper town around the pier — the liner docks right next to an industrial quay surrounded by container yards. That is why logistics here differ significantly from European ports: every transfer needs to be planned in advance. Below is a verified step-by-step guide to every way of reaching the terminal (or, more often, getting from it to Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An), with up-to-date prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where exactly is Chan May cruise port located
The port sits in Chan May Bay, within the «Chan May – Lang Co» Economic Zone, in the territory of Hue city (formerly Thua Thien Hue province), roughly halfway between Hue and Da Nang, at the foot of the scenic Hai Van Pass.
📌 GPS address: Cảng Chân Mây, thôn Bình An, xã Lộc Vĩnh, TP. Huế, Việt Nam (coordinates: 16.3078° N, 107.9742° E)
⚓ Berths: the port has two cargo-and-passenger berths totalling around 760 m (Berth No. 1 — 480 m, Berth No. 2 — 280 m, built in 2018–2021) and can accommodate cruise ships up to 362 m long.
🚶 Distance from the gangway to the main port gate: about 500–600 m across the working cargo terminal — you'll need to walk it or take a shuttle, which the cruise line often organises itself.
❗ Important: Chan May is first and foremost a port of call: ships that dock here are sailing itineraries that begin at other Asian ports (Singapore, Hong Kong, Ha Long, Ho Chi Minh City and others), and the call typically lasts 8–10 hours. The port has no European-style passenger terminal, so there's no taxi queue or information desk waiting outside the security zone — a transfer must be booked in advance.
✈️ From the airport to the cruise terminal
If your trip involves flying in — for instance, to join or leave the cruise independently, or to continue travelling overland — the region has two airports.
🛫 Phu Bai International Airport, Hue (HUI) — the closest to the port:
• Distance: about 50 km
• Travel time: approximately 1 hour
• Serves mostly domestic Vietnamese flights (from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang); there are no direct flights from Ukraine
🛫 Da Nang International Airport (DAD) — a larger hub with a wider network of international routes:
• Distance: about 48 km
• Travel time: 55 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes (depending on whether the Hai Van Tunnel is open or the road goes over the pass)
🚕 Taxi and private transfer
Both airports have official metered taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun and local companies), but it's best to book a direct connection to Chan May Port in advance — drivers are reluctant to head into the industrial zone «on spec», and a fare agreed on the spot can end up considerably higher.
• Private transfer from Phu Bai Airport: from 80–90 USD per car (sedan, 1–3 passengers)
• Private transfer from Da Nang Airport: from 70–85 USD per car
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges individual transfers from both airports right to the ship's gangway — just share your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚌 Public transport: there is no direct bus from either airport to Chan May Port — another key difference from European ports. For independent travellers, taxi or private car is the only realistic option.
🚂 By train via Lang Co or Hue station
Vietnam has an extensive «Reunification» railway line (Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City) that runs through this region too, but as a way of reaching the cruise port it's more of a scenic option than a practical one.
🚉 Lang Co Station (Ga Lăng Cô) — the closest to the port, located a few kilometres away in the resort village of the same name. It serves a limited number of trains a day, including the «Central Heritage» tourist train, which runs the scenic Hai Van Pass route between Hue and Da Nang.
🚉 Hue Station (Ga Huế) — the region's main railway hub, 62–65 km from the port, with regular services in both directions along the country.
⚠️ Important: even after arriving by train at Lang Co or Hue station, you'll still need a taxi or private car to reach the pier itself — neither station connects directly to the port. Given the limited train frequency and the need for an extra transfer, this option suits travellers who choose rail deliberately for the scenery, not for speed or savings.
🏙️ From Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An to the cruise terminal
Since there are no hotels and no town centre right by the port, most passengers either head out from the ship on a shore excursion, or, conversely, make their way to the port from a hotel in Hue, Da Nang or Hoi An after spending several days in one of these cities. The main — and practically the only — way is a private car or taxi.
🚕 Private car/taxi — the only reliable option
• Chan May ↔ Hue: about 62 km, 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes on the road; cost — roughly 100–130 USD per car one way (4-seat sedan)
• Chan May ↔ Da Nang: about 45 km, 50 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes; cost — roughly 90–120 USD per car one way
• Chan May ↔ Hoi An: about 72 km (mostly via Da Nang), 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 50 minutes; cost — roughly 120–140 USD per car one way
For minivans (6–7 passengers) the fare is usually 10–15 USD higher. Payment — cash in US dollars or Vietnamese dong, less often by card.
🚪 Two exits from the port
The port essentially has two checkpoints: the first just a few metres from the ship's gangway, the second the main gate, 500–600 m away. If a driver enters the port and meets passengers right at the ship, an additional port fee is charged per passenger — roughly 20–25 USD. To avoid this surcharge, most transfer companies recommend walking to the main gate and getting into the car outside the controlled zone.
❗ Important: for a vehicle to be allowed in right up to the pier, some companies require passport numbers and vehicle details to be submitted 3–4 days in advance so the port authority can issue a pass.
🚌 Organised shuttle or group excursion: since there is no regular city or tourist bus between the port and the cities, the vast majority of passengers rely either on the cruise line's own group buses (booked on board) or on a pre-booked private excursion with a gangway-to-gangway transfer.
🚗 By your own or a rented car
Renting and self-driving a car in Vietnam is difficult for foreigners: international driving licences are not officially recognised, so the major international rental chains (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) barely operate here. The realistic way to reach the port under your own steam is to hire a car with a driver — essentially the same private transfer described above.
Near the main port gate there is a small area for dropping off and picking up passengers, but this is a working cargo-terminal zone without the kind of organised, paid parking infrastructure found at European ports. Drivers simply dropping off or collecting passengers can usually stop briefly by the gate; for a longer wait it's best to agree on a parking spot with the transfer company in advance.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Chan May is a working cargo port, and its infrastructure is noticeably less adapted than the dedicated passenger terminals of Europe.
✅ Cruise lines usually arrange assistance staff on the pier and, if needed, a shuttle from the gangway to the main gate for passengers who find the walk difficult
✅ Local private transfer companies offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles on request — it's best to book a few days ahead
⚠️ There are no level pavements, ramps or lifts across the port area itself, unlike major European terminals — let the cruise line know about any special needs in advance, at the booking stage
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
How early you should arrive depends on whether Chan May is your ship's port of call, or — far less commonly — its embarkation or disembarkation port.
🕐 If Chan May is a port of call (the typical case):
The «all aboard» rule applies just as it would at any other port of call: you need to be back on board 60–90 minutes before the ship's stated departure time. Given how far the main sights are (Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An lie 45–75 km away), build in extra time for the return trip — traffic around the Hai Van Pass and the approaches to Da Nang can get heavy in the afternoon.
🕐 If Chan May is an embarkation or disembarkation port (turnaround, a rare case):
Check-in usually opens 2–3 hours before departure, and boarding closes 60–90 minutes before the ship sails. Since the port has no full passenger terminal with a waiting area, cruise lines in this situation typically arrange a transfer straight from a hotel in Hue or Da Nang to the gangway, on the schedule stated in your voucher.
❗ Deadline: in either scenario, always check the exact time in your cruise voucher — every Four Gates Group document includes the precise schedule for your specific sailing.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Asian cruises, our specialists have gathered advice that's especially relevant for a port as remote and unusual as Chan May:
📅 Book your transfer in advance, not on the spot. Unlike major European ports, there's no taxi queue outside the gate at Chan May — flagging down a free car on site is extremely difficult, especially on days when several liners are in port at once.
💵 Carry cash. The ATM right at the port is unreliable, and Vietnam's official currency is the dong (VND); drivers and guides usually also accept US dollars, but small expenses (water, souvenirs, tips) are easier to cover in local currency.
🤝 Agree on the price before you set off. With private drivers outside official transfer companies, fares aren't always fixed — agree on the amount and route before getting into the car.
📱 Download offline maps and a translation app in advance. Away from the main tourist routes, English-language signage is rare, and mobile data on the road isn't always reliable.
👟 Plan your day realistically. The one-way trip to Hue or Hoi An takes 1–2 hours, so it makes sense to pick one or two, at most three, places for a single call rather than trying to see the whole region at once.
🧳 Choose an organised excursion if you'd rather not arrange your own transfer. Given how remote the port is and how limited the tourist infrastructure is right here, a group or private shore excursion with a trusted operator is the most stress-free way to spend the day ashore.
📞 Contacts for cruise passengers at Chan May
Chan May Port (hotline): 1900 3133
Mai Linh Taxi, Hue: 0234 3 89 89 89
Mai Linh Taxi, Da Nang: 0236 3 56 56 56
Vietnam Police: 113
Ambulance: 115
Fire Service: 114
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
Logistics for a cruise calling at Chan May are indeed more complex than at most European ports: there's no metro, no bus line to the pier, no familiar taxi queue outside the gate. But that's no reason to skip Hue, Da Nang or Hoi An — it just takes a bit of advance planning for your transfer. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients at every step: from choosing the best route to arranging a private transfer straight from the ship's gangway to your hotel or the sight you want to see. Get in touch with your manager — and your day in Central Vietnam will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date details, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the venues concerned.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Places of Chan May: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Chan May is not a single city but a gateway to two jewels of Central Vietnam at once: the ancient imperial capital of Hue and the metropolis of Da Nang together with the neighboring old town of Hoi An. All three destinations are UNESCO World Heritage listed, and alongside them you'll find marble mountains, golden bridges in the clouds, and one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Asia. The main feature of a cruise call at Chan May is distance: Hue is about 60 km away, Da Nang is 50–55 km, and Hoi An is 70–80 km. That means over one 8–12-hour port call it is realistic to cover only one direction — either historic Hue or the Da Nang & Hoi An coastline. Below is a verified guide to the region's key landmarks with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the Chan May cruise port to each site. 🎯
🏯 1. Hue Imperial City (Đại Nội)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Imperial City of Hue is the heart of Vietnam's former capital, built on the model of Beijing's Forbidden City, but on a smaller scale and with a distinctly Vietnamese character. The complex consists of three concentric enclosures: the Capital Citadel (Kinh Thành), the Imperial City proper (Hoàng Thành), and the most restricted zone — the Purple Forbidden City (Tử Cấm Thành), which only the emperor, his wives, and his closest attendants could enter. 🏛️
🔹 The main entrance is the majestic Ngo Mon Gate (Ngõ Môn) with five passageways: the central one was reserved exclusively for the emperor.
🔹 The Purple Forbidden City was almost completely destroyed during the fighting of 1947 and 1968 (the Tet Offensive), so most of its buildings are modern reconstructions, while the outer walls and the Ngo Mon Gate survive as originals.
🔹 Restoration work is still ongoing across the site: one or two pavilions are rebuilt every year based on original French and Vietnamese archival blueprints.
🔹 In 1993, the Complex of Hue Monuments became the first site in Vietnam to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
📜 History:
In 1802, after winning a long civil war against his rivals, Nguyen Anh proclaimed himself Emperor Gia Long and founded the Nguyen dynasty — the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. He moved the capital to Hue and began building the citadel according to feng shui principles, choosing the banks of the Perfume River (Sông Hương) as the ideal site — with Mount Ngu Binh as a natural screen and the river as a symbolic dragon.
Construction continued for decades under subsequent emperors — Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and their heirs. The Nguyen dynasty ruled from Hue until 1945, when the last emperor, Bao Dai, abdicated in favor of Vietnam's new independent government. Today the Imperial City stands as the country's foremost symbol of centuries of monarchical heritage.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• Private car/transfer: 1.5–2 hours one way (about 60 km)
• Taxi at the port: there are no official taxis right at the terminal — a transfer should be booked in advance through the cruise line or a cruise specialist
• Organized shuttle bus from the cruise operator — the most common option for independent travelers
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Adult entrance ticket: 200,000 VND
• Child ticket: 40,000 VND
• Combined “Citadel + 2 tombs” ticket: 420,000 VND (adult), 80,000 VND (child)
• Opening hours: daily, approximately 7:00 AM–5:30 PM (longer in summer)
⚠️ Official online ticket sales: eticket.hueworldheritage.org.vn — tickets bought at the counter are valid for 48 hours only.
👕 Dress code: clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended for visiting the inner pavilions.
🏛️ 2. Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh (Lăng Khải Định)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Tomb of Khai Dinh is the youngest and, at the same time, the most unusual of all the imperial mausoleums in Hue. Unlike the traditional Nguyen-dynasty tombs built in a purely Eastern style, its architecture blends Indian towers, Gothic and Romanesque motifs, Buddhist stupas, and even French wrought-iron fencing. 🎭
🔹 The complex covers only 117 × 48.5 meters — the smallest among Hue's imperial tombs, yet the most richly and elaborately decorated.
🔹 Construction used iron, steel, cement, and slate tiles imported from France, along with porcelain and colored glass from China and Japan.
🔹 Inside the main pavilion stands a life-size bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh himself, cast in France in 1920.
🔹 The walls are decorated with “tháp pháp” mosaics of broken glass and porcelain — a technique related to Gaudí's Barcelona “trencadís,” although the artisans of the two countries never crossed paths.
📜 History:
Khai Dinh, the 12th emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, reigned from 1916 to 1925, during a period when Vietnam was under French colonial protectorate. He was known for his fondness for European culture and fashion, which is directly reflected in the architecture of his mausoleum. Construction took 11 years (1920–1931) and was completed under his successor, Emperor Bao Dai. This is the last major tomb built by the Nguyen dynasty, and a symbolic summation of an era when traditional Vietnam was rapidly changing under Western influence.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• Located 10 km south of central Hue, so slightly further than the road to the city itself — about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours from the port
• Best combined with the Imperial City as part of the same route
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Adult ticket: 150,000 VND
• Child ticket: 30,000 VND
• Opening hours: daily 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
💡 Tip: the stairs up to the tomb are steep and numerous — comfortable shoes are a must.
⛩️ 3. Thien Mu Pagoda and the Perfume River (Chùa Thiên Mụ)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Thien Mu Pagoda (the “Pagoda of the Celestial Lady”) is the oldest and most famous pagoda in Hue, standing on Ha Khe Hill above the bank of the Perfume River. Its seven-tiered Phuoc Duyen Tower, built in 1844, has become the unofficial symbol of the city. 🌸
🔹 According to legend, a celestial lady appeared to a local woman in a dream and prophesied that a ruler would build a pagoda here for the peace and prosperity of the land — hence its name.
🔹 The grounds preserve the old Austin car in which the monk Thich Quang Duc rode to Saigon in 1963, where he performed a self-immolation to protest religious persecution — an event that made headlines around the world.
🔹 Each tier of the Phuoc Duyen Tower is dedicated to one of the Buddha's incarnations.
🔹 The best way to see the pagoda is to arrive by traditional “dragon boat” along the Perfume River, just as emperors did centuries ago.
📜 History:
The pagoda was founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the first lord of the Nguyen clan in Central Vietnam, long before the imperial dynasty was established. Since then it has been rebuilt and expanded several times under various rulers, remaining an important spiritual center of Theravada Buddhism in the region. Monks still live here today, and the structure is protected by the state as a historic landmark.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• Located 5 km from central Hue, so the journey takes about the same time as to the Imperial City — roughly 1.5–2 hours
• Dragon boat ride along the Perfume River (Thien Mu ↔ central Hue): from 250,000 VND per boat (up to 10 people), or 120,000 VND per person for a short musical program
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entrance: free
• Parking: a nominal fee of 5,000–10,000 VND
• Opening hours: open around the clock, though the best time to visit is early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) or shortly before sunset
👕 Dress code: as at any active temple, shoulders and knees should be covered.
🏖️ 4. Lang Co Bay and Hai Van Pass (Lăng Cô & Đèo Hải Vân)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Lang Co Bay is the natural landmark closest to the cruise port itself, just a few kilometers away. In 2009, the Worldwide Bays Club recognized Lang Co as one of the most beautiful bays on the planet. Its strip of white sand stretches for 10 km along the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. 🌊
🔹 Nearby lies Lap An Lagoon — a shallow bay famous for its mirror-like reflections of the Bach Ma mountains at dawn and its oyster farms, where floating restaurants sit right on the water.
🔹 Hai Van Pass (“Ocean Cloud Pass”) is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Asia, about 21 km long and reaching 496 meters at its highest point. In 2008, “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson called this road “one of the best coast roads in the world.”
🔹 Historically, the pass served as the natural border between the kingdom of Champa and the Vietnamese state of Dai Viet from 1306 to 1471, and later as a climatic divide shielding Da Nang from cold northern winds in winter.
🔹 At the summit stands the Hai Van Quan fortress, restored in 2024 and originally built in 1826 on the orders of Emperor Minh Mang. Its gate bears the inscription “Thiên hạ đệ nhất hùng quan” — “The greatest stronghold under heaven.”
📜 History:
Lang Co has been a fishing village since ancient times, and some local families still live by traditional sea fishing — catching fish and shrimp in the nearby Tam Giang lagoon. For centuries, Hai Van Pass remained a strategic military point: Nguyen-dynasty garrisons were stationed here, and during the Vietnam War, American and South Vietnamese fortifications stood at the site, traces of which can still be seen near the fortress today.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• Lang Co Bay: 20–30 minutes by car — the closest landmark to the port
• Hai Van Pass: 40–50 minutes by car from the port, along a winding mountain road
• Many private transfers between Hue and Da Nang deliberately route through the pass instead of the tunnel — for the views
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Lang Co beach: free entry
• Hai Van Quan fortress: free entry after the 2024 restoration
• Oysters at the floating restaurants on Lap An Lagoon: from 150,000 VND per serving
⛰️ 5. Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Marble Mountains are five limestone-and-marble hills south of Da Nang, each named after one of the five elements of Eastern philosophy: Metal (Kim Sơn), Wood (Mộc Sơn), Water (Thủy Sơn), Fire (Hỏa Sơn), and Earth (Thổ Sơn). 🗿
🔹 The largest and most popular peak is Thuy Son, home to Buddhist cave temples, pagodas, and natural grottoes with openings in the ceiling that let daylight filter through.
🔹 Am Phu Cave is a dramatic allegory of Buddhist hell and heaven, with striking sculptural scenes lining its narrow passages.
🔹 A village of marble carvers has existed at the foot of the mountains for centuries — today it is home to dozens of workshops and souvenir shops selling pieces made of local and imported stone.
🔹 From the upper terraces of Thuy Son, you get a panoramic view of the Da Nang coastline and My Khe beach.
📜 History:
The mountains have long been regarded as sacred ground — cave sanctuaries were carved here as far back as the Champa kingdom, and as Buddhism spread throughout Vietnam, the caves and grottoes became Buddhist temples and places of monastic retreat. During the Vietnam War, guerrilla fighters hid in the mountain's tunnels, and Huyen Khong Cave served as a field hospital.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• Located along the road from Da Nang to Hoi An, about 8 km from central Da Nang
• About 1 hour by car from Chan May port — easy to combine with a visit to Da Nang or Hoi An on the same day
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to Thuy Son mountain: 40,000 VND (adult)
• Am Phu Cave: 40,000 VND (adult)
• Elevator (round trip): 30,000 VND
• Guide service: approximately 50,000 VND per person
👟 Tip: you can also climb the stairs on foot, but the elevator makes the route far more comfortable in the heat.
🐉 6. Dragon Bridge and the Da Nang Riverfront (Cầu Rồng)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Dragon Bridge is the calling card of modern Da Nang — a 666-meter bridge shaped like a golden-yellow dragon arching over the Han River. It is the heaviest dragon-shaped bridge sculpture in the world, with a steel structure weighing about 9,000 tons. 🔥
🔹 Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:00–9:30 PM, the dragon “comes alive”: real flames shoot from its mouth, followed by jets of water, to the applause of thousands of onlookers along the riverfront.
🔹 Construction ran from 2009 to 2013 and cost roughly 1.5 trillion Vietnamese dong.
🔹 The bridge has been ranked among the “16 most unique bridges in the world” by several international publications.
🔹 Nearby lies My Khe Beach, repeatedly ranked among the world's best beaches by Forbes and National Geographic — it was here that American troops set up a recreation area known as “China Beach” in the 1960s.
📜 History:
Da Nang was once a small fishing settlement that began developing as a trading port from the 17th century, and became a French colonial base in the 19th century. Today it is Vietnam's fifth-largest city and one of the country's fastest-growing technology and tourism hubs. The dragon is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and prosperity in Vietnamese culture, which is why this image was chosen as the main infrastructural symbol of the reborn city.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• About 50–55 km, 1–1.2 hours by car — Da Nang is the closest major city to the port
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Walking the riverfront and photo spots: free
• Fire and water show: free, Friday–Sunday at 9:00 PM (daily during public holidays)
• Han River cruise with a view of the bridge: from 150,000 VND per person
✨ 7. Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills (Cầu Vàng)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Golden Bridge is the region's youngest and, at the same time, most famous landmark, which went viral worldwide on social media right after it opened. A pedestrian walkway about 150 meters long appears to be held up by two giant, moss-covered stone hands — a detail that became its signature feature. 🙌
🔹 The bridge sits at an elevation of over 1,400 meters above sea level, within the Ba Na Hills mountain resort, offering panoramic views for dozens of kilometers on a clear day.
🔹 To reach the top, visitors ride what was, at the time, the world's longest single-track cable car, recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
🔹 At the summit is an entire entertainment village: a “French Village” with stylized European architecture, Fantasy Park amusement rides, flower gardens, and the “Moon Castle.”
🔹 Development of the Ba Na Hills resort began back in the French colonial era of 1919 as a mountain climate station, and it gained its current look after a large-scale reconstruction in 2013–2018.
📜 History:
French colonists took a liking to Ba Na mountain in the early 20th century, building resort villas here as a retreat from the coastal heat — much like the mountain stations in Da Lat or Sapa. After years of decline during wartime, the site was taken over by the Sun Group, which since 2009 has transformed the mountain into one of the country's most popular tourist complexes, while the Golden Bridge, opened in June 2018, turned Ba Na Hills into a globally recognized brand.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• Located 25–30 km west of Da Nang, total travel time from the port is roughly 1.5–2 hours
• Only reachable by private or tour transport — there is no public transportation to the base of the cable car
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Ticket for foreign tourists (including cable car): 950,000 VND (adults and children over 1.4 m tall)
• Children 1–1.4 m tall: 750,000 VND
• Children under 1 m: free
• Opening hours: daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, cable car runs until 7:00 PM
⚠️ Official booking: booking.sunworld.vn — booking online in advance is recommended, especially on peak days.
🏮 8. Hoi An Ancient Town (Phố cổ Hội An)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Hoi An is a port town that, from the 15th to the 19th century, was one of the largest trading hubs in Southeast Asia, receiving ships from China, Japan, Holland, and Portugal. Remarkably, the old town escaped the large-scale fighting of the 20th century, so it has preserved its authentic architecture almost unchanged. 🏮
🔹 The town's symbol is the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), built in the 17th century by the local Japanese community, with a small pagoda inside.
🔹 Every month, on the night of the full moon, Hoi An switches off its street lighting — the town is bathed in the magical glow of thousands of paper lanterns set afloat on the Thu Bon River.
🔹 In 1999, the Ancient Town of Hoi An was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a uniquely well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port.
🔹 Hoi An is Vietnam's unofficial tailoring capital: hundreds of ateliers here can make a custom suit or dress in 24–48 hours.
🔹 Hoi An's market and the Thu Bon riverside are the heart of the town's street food scene, birthplace of dishes like cao lầu and bánh mì, both ranked among the world's best by CNN.
📜 History:
The port, then known as Faifo, thrived on trade in silk, porcelain, spices, and timber, serving as one of the main transshipment points on the maritime Silk Road. From the 19th century, the Thu Bon River began to silt up, large ships could no longer enter the harbor, and the town's commercial importance shifted to neighboring Da Nang. Paradoxically, this decline is what saved Hoi An — the town simply stopped growing and froze in time, while other ports in the region were destroyed by wars or redeveloped.
🚢 How to get there from Chan May port:
• The most distant landmark on this route — about 70–80 km via Da Nang, 1.5–2 hours of travel
• Best combined with the Marble Mountains, which lie almost directly along the road from Da Nang to Hoi An
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entrance ticket: 120,000 VND, granting access to 5 of the town's 22 heritage sites (museums, ancient houses, assembly halls, the Japanese Bridge)
• Ticket validity: 24 hours from purchase
• Opening hours for ticketed sites: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM; the old town itself is open around the clock as an ordinary street
• Full Moon Lantern Festival: free, held monthly on the 14th night of the lunar calendar
🎨 9. Other Notable Landmarks
• 🛕 My Son Sanctuary (Mỹ Sơn) — ruins of a 4th–13th-century Champa kingdom temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Located 40 km from Hoi An and about 70 km from Da Nang — due to the long distance from the port (almost 3 hours one way), a visit is only feasible as part of a full-day trip with no other stops. Entrance ticket — 150,000 VND for foreign tourists.
• 🖼️ Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture — the world's largest collection of art from the vanished Champa kingdom, with over 300 original artifacts. Entry — 60,000 VND.
• 🏖️ My Khe Beach — 6 km of white sand within Da Nang, ranked among the world's best beaches by Forbes. Free entry.
• 🌲 Bach Ma National Park — a mountain reserve with waterfalls and misty forests 30 km from the port, popular with hikers. Entry — 60,000 VND.
• 🦪 Lap An Lagoon — a picturesque lagoon with oyster farms and views of the Bach Ma mountains, located right along the road between the port and Hue.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around the Chan May Region in 9–10 Hours
A cruise call at Chan May usually lasts 8–12 hours, but given the considerable distances to the major cities, it's realistic to choose only one direction — historic Hue, or the Da Nang and Hoi An coastline. Below are three tried-and-tested routes depending on direction and budget.
🥉 Route No. 1. Historic Hue — budget, self-guided
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 900,000–1,200,000 VND per person + food
🕗 7:30 AM — Departure from the cruise terminal
Group shuttle or a pre-booked private car to Hue (about 1.5–2 hours).
🕘 9:30–11:30 AM — Imperial City (Dai Noi)
Entrance ticket 200,000 VND. An unhurried tour of the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and the remains of the Purple Forbidden City.
🕚 11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Lunch at a local restaurant in central Hue
Local cuisine (bún bò Huế, bánh khoái) — roughly 100,000–150,000 VND per person.
🕐 12:30–1:30 PM — Thien Mu Pagoda
Free entry, a stroll around the grounds and photos in front of the Phuoc Duyen Tower.
🕜 1:30–2:30 PM — Tomb of Khai Dinh
Entrance ticket 150,000 VND. A look at the unique “East meets West” architecture.
🕝 2:30–4:30 PM — Return to Chan May port
A brief stop at the Lap An Lagoon viewpoint along the way is possible.
🕟 4:30–5:00 PM — Arrival back on board, check-in
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip group shuttle: about 400,000–500,000 VND
• Imperial City: 200,000 VND
• Tomb of Khai Dinh: 150,000 VND
• Lunch: 100,000–150,000 VND
• Buffer: 50,000–100,000 VND
💸 TOTAL: 900,000–1,100,000 VND per person
🥈 Route No. 2. Da Nang and Hoi An — optimal
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 1,300,000–1,600,000 VND per person + food
🕗 7:30 AM — Departure from the port, private car to Da Nang
About 1 hour on the road.
🕘 8:30–9:15 AM — Marble Mountains
Entry 40,000 VND + elevator 30,000 VND. Tour of the cave temples on Thuy Son mountain.
🕤 9:30–11:30 AM — Transfer and walk through Hoi An Ancient Town
Entrance ticket 120,000 VND (choice of 5 sites), visiting the Japanese Bridge, historic merchant houses, and the market.
🕚 11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Lunch in Hoi An
Local cuisine (cao lầu, bánh mì) — roughly 100,000–150,000 VND per person.
🕐 1:00–2:00 PM — Transfer to Da Nang, the Han riverfront and Dragon Bridge
Free stroll, photos at the bridge and the riverside sculptures.
🕝 2:00–3:30 PM — My Khe Beach
Relax on one of the world's best city beaches, free entry.
🕞 3:30–4:45 PM — Return to Chan May port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private car for the day: about 900,000–1,100,000 VND
• Marble Mountains + elevator: 70,000 VND
• Hoi An (entrance ticket): 120,000 VND
• Lunch: 100,000–150,000 VND
• Buffer: 50,000–100,000 VND
💸 TOTAL: 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND per person
💡 If you add the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills (950,000 VND), it's worth shortening the route by dropping My Khe Beach — otherwise you won't have enough time.
🥇 Route No. 3. Premium — full-day private guided tour
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: from 3,500,000 VND per person (for groups — priced per vehicle)
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet-and-greet with a private driver holding a name sign right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ Comfortable air-conditioned car/van for the entire day
• ✅ Professional English-speaking (or Ukrainian-speaking) licensed guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line entrance tickets to every site
• ✅ A table reserved at a trusted local-cuisine restaurant
• ✅ A flexible route — choose Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An, or combine the highlights of both directions
🕗 7:30 AM — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 8:00–10:00 AM — Hue: guided tour of the Imperial City (skip the line)
A detailed tour explaining the symbolism of every pavilion.
🕙 10:15–11:00 AM — Tomb of Khai Dinh
A private guided visit, photos at all the key spots.
🕚 11:15 AM–12:00 PM — Thien Mu Pagoda and a short dragon boat ride
🕧 12:15–1:30 PM — Lunch at a restaurant serving traditional imperial Hue cuisine
Tasting menu — from 300,000 VND per person.
🕜 1:45–2:30 PM — Hai Van Pass, with a stop at the viewpoint
Driving the scenic mountain road instead of the tunnel, photos at Hai Van Quan fortress.
🕝 2:45–3:30 PM — Lang Co Bay
A short stop at the beach, or fresh oysters at Lap An Lagoon.
🕞 3:45–4:45 PM — Return to the port in comfort
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9–10 hrs): from 1,500,000 VND
• Driver with car (9–10 hrs): from 1,200,000 VND
• Entrance tickets (Imperial City + Tomb of Khai Dinh): 350,000 VND
• Lunch at the traditional restaurant: from 300,000 VND
💸 TOTAL: from 3,350,000 VND per person (for groups of 2+, priced per vehicle, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours across the Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An region with licensed guides, gangway pickup, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Chan May will be perfectly planned to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: you must be back on the ship 60–90 minutes before departure. Given the considerable distances to Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, allow extra time for possible delays on the road.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💶 Cash: carry the equivalent of 1–2 million Vietnamese dong in cash — cards are far from universally accepted, especially at markets and small cafés.
🚕 Transport: there are no official taxis right at the port terminal, and international driving licenses are not valid in Vietnam, so self-drive car rental is not an option. Transfers should be booked in advance.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes — Hue's landmarks involve a lot of stairs. Shoulders and knees should be covered for temples and pagodas.
☀️ Sun protection: the region has a hot, humid climate, with summer temperatures reaching +35 °C. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must, and during the rainy season (October–December) a light raincoat is worth packing.
📱 Internet: Wi-Fi is available at most cafés and hotels; for reliable connectivity on the road, it's convenient to pick up a local SIM card at the airport or arrival port.
🔐 Safety: the region is considered safe for tourists, but keep a close eye on your belongings at markets and busy streets in Hoi An.
🗣️ Language: Vietnamese is the official language; English is spoken mainly in tourist areas and hotels, so it's worth having an offline translator app on hand.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the respective sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the Professionals