Tuan Chau Marina Halong Bay is the departure point for Sea Lion — a modern marina terminal located in central Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. This guide covers everything you need to know about the facility: how to get there, check-in procedures, parking, nearby services, and what happens when you return at 6:00 PM.
Essentials:
- Location: Tuan Chau Marina, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
- Distance from Hanoi: ~160 km (2–2.5 hours via expressway)
- Check-in opens: 11:15 AM
- Boarding: 11:45 AM
- Departure: 12:00 PM
- Return: ~6:00 PM
Tuan Chau Marina Halong Bay — Terminal Facilities
| Facility | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioned waiting area | ✅ | Comfortable seating, clean, modern |
| Restrooms | ✅ | Clean, free, well-maintained |
| Café/snack shop | ✅ | Coffee, drinks, light snacks |
| Free WiFi | ✅ | Available in terminal |
| Parking | ✅ | Car and motorbike parking available |
| Luggage storage | ✅ | Leave bags at terminal during cruise |
| ATM | Nearby | Within 5-minute walk |
Getting to Tuan Chau Marina
| From | Method | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi (Old Quarter) | Sea Lion shuttle bus | 2.5 hours | Included in $58 package |
| Hanoi (Old Quarter) | Sea Lion limousine | 2.5 hours | Included in $64 package |
| Hanoi | Private car / Grab | 2–2.5 hours | $80–$120 one-way |
| Ha Long City hotel | Taxi / Grab | 5–15 minutes | $3–$8 |
| Cat Bi Airport (HPH) | Taxi | 45 minutes | $25–$35 |
⚓ Insider Note: If staying in Ha Long City, the $49 port package is the obvious choice — taxi to Tuan Chau Marina costs $3–$8 vs paying $58–$64 for Hanoi transport you don’t need. For Hanoi visitors, the $58 shuttle saves both money and hassle compared to any self-arranged option.
Check-In and Boarding Process
- 11:15 AM: Check-in counter opens. Present booking confirmation
- 11:15–11:30 AM: Receive wristband and boarding pass (~2 minutes)
- 11:30–11:45 AM: Free time in terminal. Use restrooms, buy coffee
- 11:45 AM: Boarding announced. Walk to dock (~2 minutes)
- 11:45–12:00 PM: Board Sea Lion via level ramp. Welcome drink served
- 12:00 PM: Departure — vessel leaves Tuan Chau Marina
After the Cruise — 6:00 PM Return
- Shuttle/limousine guests: Your return vehicle is waiting at the dock. Board immediately for the 2.5-hour return to Hanoi (arrive ~9:00 PM)
- Port package guests: Collect luggage from storage, arrange your own return transport
- Ha Long City guests: Grab/taxi available at the marina exit
For the full transport breakdown, see our Hanoi to Halong Bay transport guide. For the complete cruise experience, read the Sea Lion guide. For booking, visit the booking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store luggage at Tuan Chau Marina during the cruise?
Yes. The terminal offers luggage storage. Leave your bags during the 6-hour cruise and collect them upon return. Useful if you’re traveling directly to/from Halong Bay without a hotel.
Is there parking at Tuan Chau Marina?
Yes. Car and motorbike parking available near the terminal. Rates are standard local parking fees. The parking area is monitored but not covered — avoid leaving valuables visible.
What if my shuttle is late arriving at Tuan Chau Marina?
Sea Lion’s shuttle service accounts for traffic. The pickup time (7:30 AM from Hanoi) includes a buffer. In rare cases of significant delay, the operator coordinates with the vessel. Contact WhatsApp +84 981 886 155 if concerned.
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