Travel

Quang Ninh province welcomes first fully chartered cruise ship

The visit, a milestone for the province, marked the first time it has hosted a fully chartered cruise ship from Japan, signaling a new chapter in its burgeoning tourism industry.

Pacific World cruise ship brings around 1,700 tourists to Quang Ninh (Photo: VNA)
Pacific World cruise ship brings around 1,700 tourists to Quang Ninh (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh (VNA) – The northern province of Quang Ninh offered a warm welcome for some 1,700 passengers, mostly Japanese, who disembarked from the Pacific World cruise ship at Ha Long International Cruise Port on April 30.

The visit, a milestone for the province, marked the first time it has hosted a fully chartered cruise ship from Japan, signaling a new chapter in its burgeoning tourism industry.

The Pacific World, operated by Japan’s Peace Boat Company, departed from Yokohama and made several international stops before anchoring in Ha Long, a coastal city famed for its emerald waters and limestone karsts. The arrival opened the door to direct sea routes linking Japanese ports with Quang Ninh, a move local officials hope will attract more affluent Japanese travelers to this UNESCO World Heritage destination.

During their one-day stopover, passengers explored Quang Ninh’s cultural and natural treasures. Many marveled at Ha Long Bay’s dramatic seascape, while others toured the Quang Ninh Museum, browsed the bustling Ha Long I market, or rode the Queen Cable Car for panoramic views. In Dong Trieu, the tranquil Yen Duc village offered a window into rural Vietnamese life, with its traditional crafts and pastoral charm.

Quang Ninh is riding a wave of tourism growth, fueled by a recovering cruise sector. The province aims to draw 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million foreigners, a target that could propel local economic growth above 14%. Since early 2024, the Ha Long International Cruise Port has seen a hike in cruise traffic, with estimates at 70 ships carrying nearly 90,000 passengers for 2025, a 30% annual increase.

Luxury liners like Celebrity Solstice, Mein Schiff 6, and Westerdam have returned, joined by newcomers such as Brilliant Lady, Luminara, and the Pacific World. This influx solidifies Quang Ninh’s reputation as a premier Southeast Asian cruise hub./.

VNA
#Quang Ninh welcoming Pacific World cruise ship #Ha Long International Cruise Port Quang Ninh
Follow VietnamPlus

Post-pandemic recovery

Related News

See more

Tourists at the Hue Imperial Citadel (Photo: VNA)

Tourist arrivals in Hue surge, further growth expected

During the period, the city has welcomed more than 1.9 million visitors, up 31.3% year-on-year. Of the total, international arrivals exceeded 843,000, rising 26.7%, while domestic visitors reached over 1.05 million, up 35.2% compared with the same period last year.

Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoai An speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang launches 2026 tourism stimulus, MICE promotion programmes

The city targets welcoming around 19.1 million visitors in 2026, including 8.7 million international arrivals. It expects that synchronised stimulus and promotion efforts will enhance visitor experience, add value, and foster sustainable tourism development

Vietnam saw a 22% rise in tourist numbers last year – and is showing no signs of wanting the growth to slow (Photo: telegraph.co.uk)

Vietnam praised as a welcoming destination for global travellers

From the otherworldly Ha Long Bay with its sprinkling of column-like islands, to the delicious cacophony of Ho Chi Minh City’s food markets, Vietnam is too often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbour Thailand, despite offering more competitive prices.

Foreign tourists excited by Ha Giang travel experiences. (Photo: VNA)

Ha Giang, Hoi An gain global spotlight in Time Out’s 2026 rankings

If Ha Giang represents the beauty of space, Hoi An embodies the beauty of time. Ha Giang evokes both geological grandeur and human stories while the ancient town stands out not only for its distinctive visual charm but also for its vibrant living environment and its rare ability to preserve a natural connection between heritage and contemporary life.

Dien Tho Palace (within the Complex of Hue Monuments) serves as the residence of the Empress Dowagers and Grand Empress Dowagers during this period. It is one of the distinctive architectural structures that has remained almost intact to the present day. (Photo: VNA)

Hue awakens heritage through community strength

The city is now shifting its development strategy to focus on the community, empowering local residents to become true guardians of heritage by preserving, creating, and directly enjoying the benefits of their cultural legacy.

Korean tourists on Ho Chi Minh City's book street (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese destinations attracting Korean visitors amid “micro-trip” trend

Last year, Vietnam welcomed more than 4.3 million Korean visitors out of a total of nearly 29.6 million Koreans traveling abroad. This volume significantly outpaces Korean arrivals to neighbouring competitors like Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, cementing Vietnam’s status as a premier regional hub for East Asian tourism.

Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam, is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands - all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam named among world’s 28 most beautiful countries

In its latest list, the US-based magazine noted that while cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City attract millions of visitors each year, Vietnam’s true allure lies in its diverse natural landscapes and immersive travel experiences. The country, it said, is “a haven for outdoor enthusiasts” and anyone drawn to scenic beauty.

The enduring appeal of Hoi An's heritage lies not in static structures, but in its vibrant presence in everyday life. (Photo: VNA)

Hoi An, Da Nang Int’l Airport named among world’s best

Hoi An has been named among “The 51 most beautiful places in the world” by British magazine Time Out, while Da Nang International Airport has, for the third consecutive year, secured a place in the world’s Top 100 airports by Skytrax.

French tourists learn about Vietnamese tourism at the 49th World Travel Fair held in Paris (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam refines tourism promotion strategy to elevate national brand

At the fair, Vietnam’s pavilion drew strong interest from travel businesses, experts, and European visitors. According to organisers, Vietnam, along with Japan and Thailand, was among the Asian countries most searched for by French tourists, reflecting growing European attention to Southeast Asia and Vietnam.

International tourists visit the historical sites of the Dinh and Le Kings' temples in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam sees surge in foreign tourist arrivals, driven by safe destination image

Tourism experts attributed the strong growth to a combination of factors, including more open visa policies, diversified tourism products, and intensified promotion activities. Vietnam’s growing reputation as a safe and friendly destination has also played a significant role in attracting international travellers.

Through the lens of Travel + Leisure, Phu Quoc emerges as an open-air showcase of global architecture

US magazine calls Phu Quoc “a global showcase for architecture”

In a fresh perspective on the island, Travel + Leisure moves beyond beaches and resorts to spotlight Phu Quoc’s evolving identity. The magazine highlights how internationally inspired architectural works are increasingly shaping the destination, forming a new tourism character.

Unlocking tourism potential of Hoi An’s southern coastline

Unlocking tourism potential of Hoi An’s southern coastline

The central city of Da Nang possesses nearly 200km of coastline – the longest in Vietnam, with scenic landscapes and favourable natural conditions for tourism and service development. However, only about half of this coastline has been utilised for tourism activities, mainly concentrated in central Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town. Large stretches of coastline south of Hoi An remain largely untouched, holding significant potential for future development.