Table of Contents
Introduction
Asia is where ancient temples meet futuristic skylines, where lush islands sit beside busy harbors. Exploring it by sea lets you take in this variety without packing and unpacking between cities. From Japan’s calm harbors to Thailand’s golden beaches, Asia’s coastline is dotted with cruise terminals that connect travelers to the continent’s heart.
Whether you’re planning a 10-day voyage between Hong Kong and Singapore or a month-long exploration through Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan, knowing the major cruise ports in Asia will help you make the most of your journey.
Here’s a look at the 11 best-known ports , what makes them unique, what to do nearby, and how to prepare for your stop.
1. Ha Long Cruise Port, Vietnam
Located in northern Vietnam, Ha Long International Cruise Port is the main entry point for exploring the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay , famous for its limestone cliffs and emerald waters. It’s one of the most scenic cruise ports in Asia, combining cultural depth with natural wonder.
Facilities:
The port has six wharves , four for large international ships and two for yachts. Modern terminals are built in a design inspired by Vietnamese villages, with comfortable waiting areas, cafes, and information desks.
Nearby Attractions:
- Ha Long Bay: boat rides through limestone islands.
- Hanoi: the capital, about 3 hours away, filled with temples and French colonial architecture.
- Bai Chay Beach: calm stretch for swimming or lounging.
- Cua Van Fishing Village: glimpse of traditional life on water.
Travel Tip: Try to join a half-day junk boat cruise inside the bay , nothing beats seeing the cliffs up close.
2. Tanjung Benoa Cruise Port, Bali (Indonesia)
Bali’s main cruise terminal, Tanjung Benoa, sits near Nusa Dua and Denpasar , a gateway to Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods.” Known for its beaches, rice terraces, and temples, Bali offers a sensory mix of spirituality and adventure.
Facilities:
The terminal features modern infrastructure, immigration counters, souvenir shops, and tour booths. It welcomes major international lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Costa Cruises.
Nearby Attractions:
- Uluwatu Temple: perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Ubud: the island’s cultural heart, filled with art markets and terraced rice paddies.
- Nusa Dua Beach: soft white sand and calm waves.
- Kuta & Seminyak: shopping and nightlife hubs.
Travel Tip: Visit during March’s Nyepi Day celebrations to witness unique Balinese rituals. Don’t forget , everything shuts down for 24 hours during Nyepi.
Also Read: 9 Things You Must Know Before Joining the Merchant Navy
3. Port Klang Cruise Terminals, Malaysia
Located 40 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, Port Klang is Malaysia’s busiest port and a key stop on Southeast Asian cruise routes.
Facilities:
The Port Klang Cruise Centre (managed by Glenn Marine Group) is clean and well-organized with free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, and duty-free shops. Shuttle buses or taxis connect travelers to Kuala Lumpur.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kuala Lumpur City Tour: Petronas Twin Towers, Central Market, and Merdeka Square.
- Batu Caves: giant limestone cave with Hindu shrines.
- Klang Town: explore old temples and try seafood at local eateries.
Travel Tip: Plan at least 5–6 hours if you’re heading into Kuala Lumpur , traffic can be unpredictable.
4. Manila Port, Philippines
The capital’s main cruise hub offers a mix of Spanish colonial heritage and lively urban energy. Manila often appears on longer Southeast Asian routes connecting Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Facilities:
The port has two main piers equipped with customs, tourist info counters, and duty-free outlets. The friendly port staff even hosts welcome performances for arriving guests.
Nearby Attractions:
- Intramuros: Manila’s old walled city with cobblestone streets and historic churches.
- Rizal Park: a large urban park dedicated to the national hero.
- Manila Ocean Park: family-friendly marine attraction.
- Mall of Asia: one of the biggest malls in Asia.
Travel Tip: Use Grab (ride-share app) for hassle-free rides; Manila’s traffic is dense, so plan short-distance excursions.
5. Port of Shanghai, China
Shanghai is China’s busiest cruise hub, boasting three large terminals: Wusongkou, Waigaoqiao, and the downtown Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. Together, they handle millions of passengers yearly.
Facilities:
Wusongkou Terminal has a 1.5-kilometer quay that can berth four large liners simultaneously. Waigaoqiao serves mega-ships exceeding 200,000 tonnes and features a 13-meter deep berth. Terminals are air-conditioned with lounges, cafes, and modern customs systems.
Nearby Attractions:
- The Bund: famous waterfront promenade.
- Yu Garden: a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming dynasty.
- Shanghai Tower: panoramic skyline views.
- Nanjing Road: premier shopping street.
Travel Tip: Shanghai has efficient metro access from Wusongkou , always keep Yuan cash or a metro card handy.
6. Thilawa Port, Myanmar
Thilawa, located 25 km from Yangon, is Myanmar’s main deep-water port for cruise ships. Officially known as the Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa (MITT), it offers an authentic Southeast Asian experience.
Facilities:
The port handles both cargo and cruise traffic, so security is tight. Cruise passengers are usually transported by shuttle to the exit gate. Basic amenities are available but limited.
Nearby Attractions:
- Yangon City: explore the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, a 2,500-year-old golden temple.
- Bogyoke Market: handicrafts and gemstones.
- Kandawgyi Lake: scenic urban park.
Travel Tip: Local currency (Kyat) is needed for most small purchases. Bring mosquito repellent for humid evenings.
7. Port of Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of Asia’s most efficient and modern cruise ports. Its four terminals , Harumi, Takeshiba, Hinode, and Tokyo International , cater to everything from domestic ferry cruises to international mega-ships.
Facilities:
The new Tokyo International Cruise Terminal (opened in 2020) has four floors, panoramic lounges, and smooth customs processing. Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and transport services are available.
Nearby Attractions:
- Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: traditional Tokyo district.
- Tokyo Skytree: one of the tallest towers in the world.
- Ginza: luxury shopping and dining.
- Odaiba: modern entertainment island near the port.
Travel Tip: Japan’s cruise operations are punctual , return to the ship at least 30 minutes before boarding time.
8. Port of Incheon, South Korea
The Port of Incheon links directly to Seoul and combines efficiency with modern design. It’s among the most passenger-friendly Asia cruise ports.
Facilities:
The terminal opened in 2019, offering two levels , departure and arrival halls, baggage handling, and multilingual staff. There’s an info center, currency exchange, and food stalls.
Nearby Attractions:
- Seoul City Tour: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong market, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Songdo Central Park: modern eco-friendly district near the port.
- Incheon Chinatown: perfect for food and souvenirs.
Travel Tip: Seoul is about an hour away , use cruise-arranged tours or the AREX train from Incheon Station.
9. Laem Chabang Port, Bangkok (Thailand)
Laem Chabang, located 25 minutes from Pattaya, serves as the main cruise gateway to Bangkok. It’s one of the best cruise ports Asia offers for beach lovers and culture seekers alike.
Facilities:
The terminal has duty-free stores, cafes, tourist help desks, and car rentals. Shuttle buses are often available to Bangkok and Pattaya.
Nearby Attractions:
- Bangkok City Tour: visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and floating markets.
- Pattaya Beach: water sports and beach bars.
- Sanctuary of Truth: a huge wooden temple in Pattaya.
Travel Tip: Local taxis charge flat rates , agree on a fare before boarding.
10. Hong Kong Cruise Terminals (Kai Tak & Ocean Terminal)
Hong Kong stands out for its skyline and deep natural harbor, making it a global maritime hub.
Facilities:
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, built on the site of the old airport runway, can host two mega-ships (220,000 DWT each). It features rooftop gardens, retail shops, and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Ocean Terminal (Kowloon) serves smaller ships closer to shopping areas.
Nearby Attractions:
- Victoria Peak: the best city view.
- Temple Street Night Market: famous for street food.
- Lantau Island: home to the Big Buddha statue.
- Macau Excursion: accessible by high-speed ferry.
Travel Tip: Octopus cards work on all local transport , MTR, buses, and ferries.
11. Taipei Harbor (Keelung), Taiwan
The Port of Keelung (also called Taipei Harbor) is Taiwan’s busiest cruise terminal, serving as the maritime gateway to Taipei.
Facilities:
Recently upgraded terminals offer smooth immigration and waiting lounges. There are cafes, ATMs, and local tour desks near the exit.
Nearby Attractions:
- Taipei City: visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101.
- Jiufen Village: picturesque hill town an hour away.
- National Palace Museum: home to over 3,000-year-old Chinese art.
- Keelung Night Market: famous for seafood.
Travel Tip: Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). ATMs inside the terminal usually offer good exchange rates.
Final Thoughts
These 11 major cruise ports in Asia reveal just how varied the continent’s coastline is , from Vietnam’s misty bays to Tokyo’s glassy skyscrapers. Each port brings its own blend of history, flavor, and warmth. Whether you want beaches, temples, or futuristic skylines, you’ll find them all along Asia’s shores.
If you’re mapping your next voyage, start with these Asia cruise ports , they’ll give you a taste of nearly every culture, climate, and coast the region has to offer.
