Container gateway · Vietnam
Port of Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) is a container gateway on the Saigon – Dong Nai river system in Vietnam (Southeast Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Vietnam
- UN/LOCODE
- VNCLI
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Waters
- Saigon – Dong Nai river system
- Coordinates
- 10.76°N, 106.79°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
About the port of Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cat Lai, operated by Saigon Newport (Tan Cang Sai Gon) on the Dong Nai river in Thu Duc, is one of Vietnam’s busiest container terminals and the main terminal for intra-Asia services from Ho Chi Minh City.
Vessel size is limited by the river channel, so long-haul cargo usually connects via Cai Mep or regional hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Kaohsiung. Road congestion around the terminal at peak times is a practical factor when planning pick-up and delivery.
Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Laem Chabang | 630 | 1–3 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Singapore | 650 | 2–3 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Port Klang | 830 | 2–3 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Manila | 890 | 2–3 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Hong Kong | 940 | 2–3 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Jakarta (Tanjung Priok) | 1,020 | 2–4 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Ningbo-Zhoushan | 1,570 | 4–5 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Shanghai | 1,600 | 4–5 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Busan | 1,980 | 5–6 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Osaka | 2,210 | 5–7 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Yokohama | 2,420 | 6–7 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Tokyo | 2,430 | 6–7 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
- Wan Hai Lines
- PIL
- SITC
- KMTC
- RCL
- TS Lines
- Sinokor
- Interasia Lines
- Gold Star Line
- Samudera
- VIMC Lines
- VOSCO
- Hai An
Customs and documentation tips
- Export and import declarations in Vietnam are lodged electronically via the VNACCS/VCIS system; prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, contract and bill of lading.
- Check whether goods require specialised inspection, licences or quarantine before arrival or loading, as this affects clearance time at the port.
- If you claim preferential tariffs, prepare the certificate or self-certification of origin under the relevant FTA (e.g. ATIGA, RCEP, CPTPP, EVFTA).
- Confirm free time for containers at the terminal and depot to avoid demurrage and detention charges.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each export container before the carrier’s cut-off.
Frequently asked questions about Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)
Where is the port of Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) is in Vietnam, on the Saigon – Dong Nai river system, in the Southeast Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) is VNCLI. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
What documents are needed to ship via Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Usually a sales contract, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and an electronic customs declaration via VNACCS, plus any licences, inspections or certificates of origin that apply to the goods.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.