Welcome To Hai Phong
Explore the charming “City of Red Flamboyant Flowers,” Hai Phong, a dynamic northern Vietnamese gem offering a captivating blend of colonial charm, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty. From bustling markets to serene bays, Hai Phong promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Destination Highlights: What to See & Do
Hai Phong boasts a diverse array of attractions, catering to history buffs, nature lovers, and urban explorers alike.
- Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay: Often called the “Pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin,” Cat Ba Island is your gateway to the stunning, less-crowded Lan Ha Bay. Kayak through emerald waters, explore hidden caves like Dark Cave and Light Cave, and relax on pristine beaches. Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers excellent hiking trails with panoramic views from peaks like Ngu Lam. Don’t miss a visit to the ancient Cai Beo Floating Village, a living museum of Vietnamese fishing culture.
- Colonial Architecture & City Landmarks: Step back in time by exploring Hai Phong’s French Colonial Quarter. Admire the grand Hai Phong Opera House, a magnificent early 20th-century French neoclassical masterpiece. Nearby, the Hai Phong Post Office showcases picturesque colonial architecture.
- Historical & Cultural Sites: Delve into the city’s past at the Hai Phong Museum, featuring exhibits on local history and war artifacts. Visit the tranquil Du Hang Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple with ancient architecture and serene surroundings. The Nghe Le Chan Temple is dedicated to the city’s founder, General Le Chan, and offers a glimpse into local spirituality and history.
- Tam Bac Lake: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Tam Bac Lake, a pleasant urban oasis. The surrounding markets provide an authentic Vietnamese shopping experience.
- Do Son Beach: For a relaxing seaside escape, head to Do Son Beach, a popular resort town with sandy shores, perfect for swimming and water sports.
- Elephant Mountain (Núi Voi): Located southwest of the city, this unique mountain formation resembles a giant elephant and features interesting caves, making it a great spot for exploration and archaeological insights.
Culinary Delights: Dining in Hai Phong
Hai Phong is a foodie paradise, renowned for its distinct and delicious local cuisine, especially its fresh seafood. A street food tour is an absolute must!
- Banh Da Cua (Crab Noodle Soup): The undisputed star of Hai Phong’s culinary scene. This vibrant and hearty soup features chewy red rice noodles in a flavorful crab-based broth.
- Recommended spots: Banh da cua Co Yen (2B Pham Ngu Lao), Banh da cua Lach Tray (143/46 Lach Tray Street).
- Banh Mi Cay (Spicy Baguette): A Hai Phong specialty – crispy baguettes filled with savory pâté and served with a fiery chili sauce.
- Recommended spots: Banh mi cay Dinh Tien Hoang (28 Dinh Tien Hoang Street), Banh mi cay Ba Gia (57 Le Loi Street).
- Bun Ca Cay (Spicy Fish Vermicelli Soup): A bold and flavorful dish blending the best of countryside and ocean ingredients.
- Recommended spots: Bun ca Le Loi (66 Le Loi Street).
- Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Rolls): Square-shaped, crispy spring rolls packed with crab meat, shrimp, and other delicious fillings.
- Lau Cua Dong (Freshwater Crab Hotpot): A perfect communal dining experience, showcasing Hai Phong’s love for seafood.
- Sui Din: A sweet and savory dumpling-like dish, a delightful local treat.
- Banh Beo: Traditional water fern cakes, often rectangular and wrapped in banana leaves, with savory fillings.
Don’t forget to try local refreshing drinks like Tra Cuc (chrysanthemum tea) and Ca Phe Cot Dua (coconut coffee).
Accommodation: Where to Stay
Hai Phong offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious international hotels to comfortable budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Luxury Hotels:
- Sheraton Hai Phong: A 5-star property known for its excellent service and facilities.
- Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel: Centrally located, offering superb views and comfortable stays.
- Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera: Another luxurious option with great amenities.
- Flamingo Resort Cat Ba: For a luxurious resort experience on Cat Ba Island with stunning ocean views.
- Boutique & Mid-Range Hotels:
- Pearl River Hotel & Apartments: Offers spacious rooms with a classic and elegant design.
- Numerous well-regarded hotels can be found throughout the city center, offering comfort and convenience.
- Budget-Friendly Options:
- You’ll find many guesthouses and smaller hotels that offer clean and comfortable stays at affordable prices. Look for options like Happy Guest House or apartments like Phong Lan Apartments and PH Hotel & Apartment for good value.
Shopping: Take a Piece of Hai Phong Home
Hai Phong offers a mix of modern shopping centers and traditional markets where you can find local goods and souvenirs.
- Shopping Malls:
- Aeon Mall Hai Phong: A large, modern shopping complex with a wide variety of international and local brands, dining, and entertainment.
- Vincom Plaza Imperia Hai Phong & Vincom Plaza Le Thanh Tong: Popular choices for fashion, electronics, and entertainment, including cinemas.
- Go! (formerly Big C Hai Phong): A hypermarket offering a wide range of goods and a food court.
- Local Markets:
- Cho Sat Market: The city’s main market, a bustling hub where you can observe local life and find a variety of goods.
- Tam Bac Market: Located by Tam Bac Lake, offering local produce and street food.
- Hang Market: A good place to find local souvenirs.
- Cat Ba Seafood Market: On Cat Ba Island, perfect for fresh seafood.
- Souvenirs: Look for local handicrafts, dried seafood, and specialties like Hai Phong’s famous chili sauce and various dried fruits.
Transportation: Getting Around Hai Phong
Getting to and around Hai Phong is relatively straightforward.
- Arrival in Hai Phong:
- By Air: Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) is located just 8 km from the city center, with direct flights from major Vietnamese cities.
- By Road: The Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway offers a convenient 1.5-hour bus or car journey from Hanoi. Buses are a popular and affordable option.
- By Train: A scenic 2.5-hour train ride from Hanoi is another popular and economical choice.
- Getting Around the City:
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps: Readily available and convenient for getting around the city.
- Motorbike Rental: A popular option for independent exploration, especially on Cat Ba Island.
- Cyclos (Xích Lô): For a more traditional and leisurely experience in the city center.
- To Cat Ba Island:
- Ferry from Got Pier: The most common and affordable option (approx. 30 minutes).
- Speedboat from Binh Pier: A quicker but more expensive alternative (approx. 45 minutes).
- Bus and Ferry Combination: A cost-effective way that combines a bus ride to Got Pier and then a ferry to Cat Ba.
- Cable Car: Offers scenic views and connects Cat Hai Island to Cat Ba.
Hai Phong is waiting to be discovered, offering a blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and natural wonders. Start planning your unforgettable journey to this vibrant Vietnamese city today!
