Hai Phong

Asia

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Vietnam

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Hai Phong

Hai Phong, located at the confluence of the Cam River in Northern Vietnam, is the third-largest city in Vietnam and serves as a hub for technology, economy, education, and culture in the Red River Delta. Its strategic location gives this city easy access to stunning natural landscapes and the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay.

With a humid subtropical climate, Hai Phong has suitable weather for your holiday tourist destination all year round. Hai Phong has warm and dry winters, contrasting with hot and humid dry seasons. Always have your umbrella ready because Hai Phong experiences significant annual rainfall, approximately 90 percent from April to October.

Hai Phong offers many captivating tourist attractions, like the Du Hang Pagoda, the colonial-era Opera House, and the bustling Cho Sat Market, which offers bountiful local produce, crafts, and street food delicacies.

For a serene escape, visit Cat Ba Island, a short boat ride away, featuring pristine beaches and the enchanting Cat Ba National Park. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the local eateries along the Tam Bac River, offering a taste of Haiphong's gastronomic delights. With its friendly locals and diverse attractions, Haiphong promises a memorable experience for every traveler.

Travel Tips for Hai Phong City

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Hai Phong

A guide to Hai Phong's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Motorbike

For just around VND10,000 for each ticket, you can use a local bus to get around Hai Phong. When using a local bus, communicate your destination to the bus driver to ensure you are taken to the correct stop.

Currently, there are two primary bus stations in Hai Phong's city center, which are located in the Thuy Nguyen and Vinh Bao areas. Some local bus options for transportation in Hai Phong include Dinh Vu – Khue Ferry, Dau Khi Hotel – Do Son, and Cau Rao Pier – Nomura Industrial Area – Du Nghia.

Practical Tips for Hai Phong

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What makes Hai Phong famous?

Get your camera ready because, along the way through the city, you will see flame flower trees, that's why Hai Phong is known as 'the city of flame flowers.' Beyond that, Hai Phong stands out as a port city with a collection of elegant and remarkable colonial-era buildings. Besides the numerous modern facilities and shopping centers, Hai Phong is also known as a tourist center with the best ferry links to Halong Bay.

What to do in Hai Phong?

Your holiday won't be perfect if you miss Cat Ba Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hai Phong. Recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba Island offers ideal recreation opportunities, from diving to swimming in crystal-clear waters with scenic views. You also wouldn’t want to miss the chance to go to Do Son Beach for kite flying or enjoy the annual Hanoi local culture festival.

A highly recommended activity during your Hai Phong visit is a trip to Du Hang Pagoda. When going to Du Hang Pagoda, bring bread if you want to feed the turtles and fish in the small pond within the compound. Seek blessings, admire the bell tower, Buddha images, guardian carvings, and pagoda features, and explore a beautiful garden showcasing diverse collections of bonsai and antiques.

What to eat in Hai Phong?

Hai Phong is famous for its fresh seafood; most dishes use it as the main ingredient. As you start your morning culinary tour, try crab noodle soup, an authentic Hai Phong-style breakfast. This crab noodle soup is served with shrimp, slices of meat, and pork for around VND25,000 to VND30,000.

If you want to enjoy a snack, try banh beo, steamed rice cakes with minced meat mixed with pepper, onions, and sweet and sour fish sauce. Alternatively, try sui din, sticky rice dumplings filled with green beans or black sesame, paired with hot ginger water and sprinkled with grated coconut, which is a perfect choice for eating in cold weather.

For dinner, the typical food from Hai Phong is snail dishes cooked in Saigonese style with strong herbs and spices that reflect the character of Hai Phong. Another must-try dish is banh duc tau or steamed rice cakes, cut into small pieces topped with shrimp, pork belly, papaya, or kohlrabi. Originally from China, banh duc tau is currently popular in Hai Phong.

What is the weather like in Hai Phong?

Situated near the East Sea, Hai Phong experiences cold and dry air from November to April. Meanwhile, from May to October, the air is quite cool and fresh. If you want to travel to Hai Phong, you should be mindful of the varying weather conditions, as there are significant temperature differences each month.

During the hottest months, June and July, the highest temperature can reach up to 33 degrees Celsius, while the lowest temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, during the coldest months, specifically January and February, the average minimum temperature hovers around 14 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature is only around 20 degrees Celsius.

What is the best time to visit Hai Phong?

Every season in Hai Phong can provide unique vibes and views of the city and sea, so it is worth visiting anytime. However, the best time to visit Hai Phong is November to March. During these months, the weather in Hai Phong is very favorable for you to go around the city to enjoy the beautiful views. If you come for a beach holiday, the summer months between May and October are recommended for a visit to Hai Phong.