Container gateway · Philippines
Port of Manila
Manila is a container gateway on the South China Sea in Philippines (Southeast Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Philippines
- UN/LOCODE
- PHMNL
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Waters
- South China Sea
- Coordinates
- 14.60°N, 120.95°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 890 nm
About the port of Manila
Manila is the main port of the Philippines, with the Manila International Container Terminal and South Harbor handling most container imports for Metro Manila and Luzon. Services from Vietnam are direct or via Hong Kong, Kaohsiung or Singapore.
Manila is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam is connected by frequent short-sea and feeder services, typically with several sailings a week and transit times of a few days; ATIGA and RCEP preferences apply to much of this trade.
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) → Manila | 890 | 2–3 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Philippines that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: ATIGA, RCEP. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Manila
Where is the port of Manila?
Manila is in Philippines, on the South China Sea, in the Southeast Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Manila?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Manila is PHMNL. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Manila?
On a typical routing from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), the sea distance is about 890 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 2–3 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Manila?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Manila?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Manila 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.