Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port in Ho Chi Minh City Granted Extension for International Cruise Ships Until 2026, Boosting Southeast Asia’s Cruise Tourism Growth

Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port in Ho Chi Minh City Granted Extension for International Cruise Ships Until 2026, Boosting Southeast Asia’s Cruise Tourism Growth


Published on
October 18, 2025

The Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster, a significant part of the Ho Chi Minh City seaport system, has received approval to host international cruise ships until June 30, 2026. This decision, issued by the Ministry of Construction, aims to better utilize the region’s existing port infrastructure and respond to the increasing demand for tourism in the southern part of Vietnam. With this extension, the port cluster is set to enhance its role in the growing cruise tourism sector, catering to both international visitors and the expanding cruise industry.

Approved Ports and Terminals for Cruise Operations

The Ministry’s approval encompasses a range of terminals within the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster that are now designated for international cruise ships. These terminals include Thi Vai, Thi Vai International PortTan Cang – Cai Mep Thi Vai TerminalSP-SSA International TerminalTan Cang – Cai Mep International TerminalPTSC Phu My PortPetrochemical & Services Port Phu MySP-PSA International Port, and Saigon International Terminals Vietnam.

These terminals will be further developed to accommodate cruise ships and ensure they meet all necessary safety, security, and environmental standards. To make this possible, the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the necessary upgrades. The administration will also ensure that port operators follow industry regulations, update equipment, and prepare the ports for passenger handling operations.

Ensuring Port Preparedness and Compliance

In order to meet the June 2026 deadline, the Ministry has mandated the completion of all necessary procedures to integrate passenger-handling functions at the designated terminals. This preparation will ensure that the ports are fully equipped to manage the flow of passengers, from arrival to disembarkation, in line with maritime safetyfire prevention, and environmental protection standards. These steps are crucial for securing the long-term growth of cruise tourism in the region, as they will help improve the infrastructure required to support large-scale cruise operations.

Challenges Faced by the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Ports

Earlier disruptions in 2025 highlighted the need for improvements at the Cai Mep – Thi Vai ports. In one incident, the Ovation of the Seas, a luxury cruise ship carrying around 4,000 passengers, had to be rerouted because the port facilities lacked the necessary cruise-handling capabilities. This sudden cancellation disrupted the schedules of several cruise lines and caused significant setbacks for tourism operations in the region. Such setbacks underscored the importance of timely investments in port upgrades to meet the demands of the international cruise industry.

Cai Mep – Thi Vai Cruise Tourism Projections: 2024-2026

Despite the challenges, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism reports a positive outlook for the Cai Mep – Thi Vai area’s growth as a premier cruise tourism destination. The region is experiencing increasing international cruise arrivals, reflecting the city’s rising prominence in the global cruise tourism market. Here’s a look at the projections for 2024 to 2026, showcasing the sector’s recovery and future potential:

  • 2024 Performance: In 2024, the Cai Mep – Thi Vai area successfully hosted 65 cruise ships, carrying approximately 287,000 passengers. This performance solidified the region’s standing as an attractive destination for international cruise ships.
  • 2025 Forecast: Projections for 2025 show a temporary decrease in the number of cruise ships, with around 48 ships and 180,000 passengers expected to arrive. This drop is attributed to a shift towards large-scale, luxury vessels that operate extended itineraries. While the number of ships may be lower, the quality and value of tourists expected to visit are likely to increase.
  • 2026 Outlook: Looking ahead to 2026, the region is poised for a significant recovery, with 118 cruise shipsanticipated to dock at the port, bringing in over 260,000 passengers. This upward trend suggests that the port’s ongoing improvements and Ho Chi Minh City’s growing reputation as a key cruise tourism destination will continue to attract both international cruise lines and passengers.

Long-Term Confidence in Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port’s Capacity

The optimistic projections for the future are backed by confidence in the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port’s ability to handle the growing demands of the cruise tourism industry. The current expansion efforts, which include upgrading facilities and improving passenger-handling operations, are expected to significantly increase the capacity of the port. These developments will not only meet the growing demand for cruise arrivals but also establish the region as a reliable and competitive destination for international cruises.

Ho Chi Minh City’s status as a prominent cruise tourism hub will likely strengthen in the coming years, as the port continues to enhance its offerings and services for international tourists. The city’s position in Southeast Asia, combined with its well-established infrastructure, makes it a strategic point for cruise lines looking to include Vietnamon their itineraries.

Conclusion: The Future of Cruise Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City

With the extension of Cai Mep – Thi Vai port’s cruise ship operations through June 2026, the region is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for cruise tourism in Vietnam. The approval of the extension has provided a much-needed boost to the city’s standing in the global cruise tourism market, and the upgrades to the port facilities will ensure that the sector can handle the future surge in visitors.

In 2026, as international arrivals are expected to increase significantly, the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster will be better equipped to serve the growing number of cruise ships. This is a positive development for Ho Chi Minh City, further cementing its status as a tourism hub for both Southeast Asia and the wider international market. As the sector continues to expand, the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port will play a key role in shaping the future of Vietnam’s cruise tourism industry.



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