Why this confuses so many cruise passengers
Central Vietnam has two ports that take cruise ships, and booking sites label both of them in different ways: "Da Nang", "Hue/Da Nang", "Chan May" or "Tien Sa". The difference matters. One port is in the city, less than an hour from Hoi An. The other is in a remote bay closer to Hue, and Hoi An is a long drive away. Before you book any shore excursion, check the exact port name in your cruise app, your daily programme or with guest services.
Chan May vs Tien Sa at a glance
| Tien Sa Port | Chan May Port | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Da Nang city, Son Tra peninsula | Hue province, between Hue and Da Nang |
| To Hoi An | ~35 km · 45–55 min | ~90 km · 1.5–2 hrs |
| To Da Nang centre | ~12 km · 20–25 min | ~60 km · ~1 hr |
| To Hue | ~100 km · 2–2.5 hrs | ~60 km · ~1.5 hrs |
| Ships | Small and mid-size ships that fit the harbour | Larger ships, deep-water berth |
| Taxis at port | Easy to find | Limited, return trip harder |
| Best day trip | Hoi An + basket boats, or Da Nang sights | Hue, or Hoi An with a private car |
If you dock at Tien Sa
Lucky you: Tien Sa is the easier port. Hoi An is under an hour away, so you can ride a coconut basket boat, explore the Ancient Town, have lunch and still add a stop at the Marble Mountains or My Khe Beach. You do not need to rush. Read our full Tien Sa to Hoi An guide.
If you dock at Chan May
Plan around the drive. You will spend 3–4 hours in a car to visit Hoi An, so it is best for ships that stay at least 7–8 hours. Hue is a little closer, so if history is your priority it is the shorter trip. If you want Hoi An's old town, food and the basket boats, a private car that plans backwards from your all-aboard time is the most reliable choice. Read our full Chan May to Hoi An guide.
Our shore excursions from both ports
From Tien Sa Port
Private round-trip car, coconut basket boat tour and Hoi An Ancient Town.
1,000,000đ/person · flat rateFrom Chan May Port
Private round-trip car, coconut basket boat tour and Hoi An Ancient Town, timed to your ship.
From 1,000,000đ/person (4+) · 1,500,000đ/person (2–3)Both include the driver, tolls, fuel and the coconut forest entrance fee. Not sure which port you are at? Send us your ship name and date on WhatsApp and we will check for you.
