Hai Phong Travel Guide

In addition to the advantages of sea and islands, Hai Phong also has a deep cultural and historical depth. This is a rich countryside, famous for its charming scenery and hundreds of historical and cultural relics ranked nationally. Moreover, this place is associated with many outstanding celebrities such as Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Trai, Chu Van An, Tue Tinh, … They contributed to glorifying Vietnamese culture.

With the combination of beautiful natural scenery, rich culture – history and outstanding sea and island tourism potential. Let’s explore this beautiful land with Origin Vietnam.

1. Where is Hai Phong?

Hai Phong is a coastal city in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. It is about 120 km east of the capital Hanoi. Geographically:

• Northern borders Bac Ninh province and Quang Ninh province.
• The East borders the Gulf of Tonkin – Vietnam.
• The West borders Bac Ninh province and Hung Yen province.
• The South borders Hung Yen province.

2. How is Hai Phong city unique?

Hai Phong is a unique destination with a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historical architecture and traditional cultural identity. Moreover, one of the factors that creates a distinct attraction for this city is the system of architecture imbued with the seaport. In particular, it stands out with works bearing the mark of the French colonial period. A place where Asian – European, classical and modern cultures intersect. This has created a Hai Phong that is both elegant, strong and unique.

In addition, the city also possesses outstanding advantages in transportation when converging all types. From sea, road, rail, inland waterway and air. Along with that is a modern transportation network such as Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, Hai Phong seaport, Cat Bi international airport, … It helps Hai Phong become an important gateway for trade with domestic and international provinces. At the same time, it expands opportunities for developing sea and island tourism and smokeless industry.

Not stopping there, Hai Phong also impresses visitors with its beautiful natural scenery. From Cat Ba Bay with its rich marine and forest ecosystem, to the gentle and attractive Do Son beaches.

In addition, Hai Phong is also considered the cradle of traditional culture of the Vietnamese people. This place stands out with hundreds of historical and cultural relics, traditional festivals, long-standing craft villages, … And stories associated with famous people such as Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Trai, Chu Van An, Tue Tinh, …

The combination of the modernity of the port city and the cultural and historical depth of the Northern Delta. It has created a unique and distinctive Hai Phong with great potential for exploration.

3. When is the best time to visit Hai Phong city?

You can visit Hai Phong city at any time of the year. Because each season here has its own unique beauty. However, to have a complete journey and memorable experience, you should choose one of the ideal times below:

• From September to April next year: This is considered the best time to travel to Hai Phong. The dry, cool weather with little rain is very favorable for exploring famous attractions such as Do Son beach, Cat Ba archipelago, … Or walking around the city center without being affected by harsh weather.
• From January to March: This is the vibrant festival season in Hai Phong. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere at festivals such as Doi mountain festival, elephant festival, Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem temple festival, and festivals at temples, historical sites in Hai Duong. This time is not only suitable for learning about culture and spirituality but also ideal for those who love the fresh spring atmosphere.

It is worthy visiting Hai Phong city

• From May to June: This is the lychee harvest season – one of the outstanding specialties of Hai Phong. You can combine the trip to experience the countryside atmosphere and enjoy fresh fruit right in the garden.
• October and December: It is the season of blooming sunflowers and wild sunflowers. It is very suitable for you to check-in and live virtually at the flower street under Phu bridge. Or combine sightseeing and relaxation at destinations near the center of Hai Phong.

In addition, winter is also the ideal time to stroll around the bustling streets in the city center. You can freely take photos at famous entertainment spots without worrying about crowds. Or you can also plan a food tour of Hai Phong, enjoying countless delicious dishes typical of the port city.

Choosing the right time not only helps you enjoy the trip to the fullest but also saves costs and travel time. No matter what season you come to Hai Phong. This place is always ready to welcome you with attractive and surprising experiences.

4. How to move to Hai Phong?

4.1 From Hanoi to Hai Phong

Hai Phong is located 120 km from Hanoi. So you can get to this beautiful coastal city in many different ways such as:

• By personal vehicle: The road from Hanoi to Hai Phong is quite easy, you just need to follow Highway 5 through Hai Duong to get to Hai Phong. Note that before leaving, you should check the car carefully and bring a smartphone so you can find your way in case you get lost. You can use google map to know how the best way to get there.
• By train: This is the means of transportation chosen by many tourists. Not only that, when traveling by train, you also have the opportunity to fully see the beautiful scenery of Hai Phong as well as both sides of the road.
• By passenger car: If you want to save time and money, the passenger car is the most optimal means of transportation. To get to Hai Phong, it takes about one and half hours to travel. You can also easily buy tickets at Giap Bat bus station, Gia Lam bus station,…

4.2 From the central and southern provinces of Vietnam to Hai Phong

The most optimal means of transport is still the plane. After landing at Noi Bai airport, you will travel to Hai Phong by road. However, if you want to save money, you can use trains or buses from Mien Dong bus station.

4.3 Moving in Hai Phong

• Renting a motorbike: Is a reasonable choice if you want to explore Hai Phong in your own way. Motorbikes will help you be proactive in your time, explore new routes and have many interesting experiences. Motorbike rental prices range from 80,000 – 150,000 VND/motorbike/day.
• By taxi: Very suitable for families with the elderly and young children. Because traveling by taxi will be faster and more comfortable without being dependent on the weather. Hai Phong taxi price is about 10,000 VND/first km/4-seat car and 15,000 VND/first km/7-seat car.
• By bus: Cheap price, only from 7,000 VND/ticket. Although it takes a bit of travel time, this will still be an interesting experience for you if you have a lot of time.

5. Sightseeing in Hai Phong

5.1 Do Son Beach

Do Son Beach is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Hai Phong. This place is only about 20 km from the city center, easy to get to. Every summer, this Hai Phong tourist area is often crowded with tourists coming to immerse themselves in the cool blue water and enjoy fresh seafood right next to the sea.

5.2 Cat Ba Island

If asked, what is there to do in Hai Phong tourism besides Do Son beach? The answer is definitely Cat Ba Island. Possessing a picturesque scenery with endless beaches, undulating white sand banks and many boats anchored near the shore. The landscape here has truly fascinated many tourists. According to travel experience in Hai Phong, it is ideal for tourists to come here in June – July.

5.3 Lan Ha Bay

Dubbed the “paradise pearl island”, Lan Ha Bay attracts tourists with its clear blue water and pristine natural scenery. With 400 large and small islands, all are covered with green trees. Traveling here you will feel “lost” in a cool, green “paradise”. Visit Lan Ha bay is truly a wonderful space for you and your family to relax.

5.4 Bach Long Vi Island

As the most remote island in the Gulf of Tonkin, Bach Long Vi Island still retains its wild beauty and attracts a large number of tourists. This place has a fresh, cool climate and is always vibrant with fishing boats every day. If you are looking for a peaceful, secluded tourist destination in Hai Phong. You should go to the island in the evening, watch the sunset and breathe in the fresh air.

5.5 Hon Dau Island

Hon Dau tourist area attracts many tourists. Because of its beautiful wild natural scenery and many attractive entertainment areas with large-scale investment. This place is also considered by many tourists to be the “miniature Da Lat” of Hai Phong city. Because of the image of whispering green pine trees. According to Hon Dau Hai Phong travel experience, you should experience both natural beaches and artificial beaches. They combined resorts and modern amusement parks.

5.6 Dock without number

K15 pier, also known as Leaning pier, is a tourist destination in Hai Phong that is being preserved by the country. This is a national monument, marking a milestone in the resistance war against America to save the country. The numberless pier is also the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh road at sea, marking brilliant victories, marking the heroic history of our army. Now, this place is not only a historical relic but also an indispensable point in Hai Phong tours. It attracts a large number of tourists to visit and learn.

5.7 Elephant Mountain Complex

The Elephant Mountain complex includes beautiful caves. Such as: Elephant cave, Chieng cave, Carp cave, Be cave…This place is very suitable for one-day trips to Hai Phong or tourists who love to explore the beauty of Hai Phong. The wild, natural beauty of the caves.

5.8 Tuong Long tower cultural and historical relic site

Tuong Long Tower is a historical and cultural relic more than a thousand years old located on the top of Long Son. In 1058, King Ly Thai Tong built the tower and then dreamed of a golden dragon, so he immediately named the tower: Tuong Long Tower, meaning “seeing the Golden Dragon appear”. When standing on the tower, you will admire the panoramic beauty of Do Son as well as the simple life of the fishermen here.

5.9 Thanh Mai Pagoda

In Hai Phong, there is a sacred pagoda named Thanh Mai. It is known by many people as a peaceful, pure place, free from worldly concerns. Thanh Mai Pagoda is located in Hoang Hoa Tham commune, Chi Linh district, Hai Phong city. Zen master Phap Loa, the second patriarch of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, built the pagoda around 1329. When you come here, you not only find a peaceful, ethereal place. But also to admire the beauty of the pagoda covered in the brilliant colors of maple leaves when winter comes.

5.10 Chu Van An Temple

The Chu Van An Temple is located on Phuong Hoang mountain, in Van An ward, Chi Linh town, Hai Phong city. Chu Van An Temple was built on high ground, with sacred feng shui. And it is considered a place to educate the tradition of “respecting teachers and valuing education” and is also a famous tourist destination in Hai Phong.

When coming here, in addition to burning incense to the teacher of the nation. You will admire the majestic natural landscape because this land is where the four sacred animals and five musical instruments gather.

In the space of the peaceful Chu Van An temple complex, hidden in the middle of a dense green pine forest. The temple stands out with the words “Van the su bieu”, especially the large “Hoc” engraved in calligraphy on the entrance to the temple. This is a manifestation of the gratitude of many generations of Vietnamese people towards the exemplary teacher.

5.11 Chi Lang Nam Stork Island

Chi Lang Stork Island is also known by the familiar name Chi Lang Nam Stork Island. This is a famous tourist destination in Hai Phong, very suitable for enjoying and immersing yourself in the airy and peaceful natural space. When coming here, you can freely watch the storks and herons soaring in the sky.

Located in the middle of the vast An Duong Lake with an area of ​​over 20 hectares. Chi Lang Nam Stork Island is a strip of land more than 7,000 m2 wide, covered by green bamboo groves leaning to reflect their reflection. Therefore, it has become a common home for many species of birds, the most populous being the herons and egrets.

5.12 Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village

Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village or Thanh Hai Water Puppetry Troupe originated from An Liet village in the Later Le Dynasty. Currently, it is located in Thanh Hai commune, Thanh Ha, Hai Phong city. In particular, this place is the cradle of the art of puppetry in Vietnam with a history of hundreds of years.

Through many historical changes, generations of Thanh Hai village are still passionately pursuing and keeping the fire burning for this wonderful art form.

5.13 Ngoc Well

Ngoc Well is a sacred well located in the special national relic site of Con Son – Kiep Bac. In particular, despite having gone through more than 700 years of history, the well water has never dried up, but the water is as clear as the eyes of a unicorn.

When coming here, you can both offer incense to Buddha and burn incense at the temple of the national hero, world cultural celebrity Nguyen Trai. Or the tomb of teacher Chu Van An.

5.14 Con Son scenic relic area

Con Son scenic relic area, also known as Hun pagoda, is a particularly important national relic of Vietnam. This place has a large scale, charming scenery, poetic mountains and forests and a sacred atmosphere here. This place is located between the two mountain ranges of Phuong Hoang and Ky Lan with mountains, pagodas, towers, pine forests, streams. And famous relics associated with the lives of many famous people in history.

5.15 Chu Dau pottery village

If Hanoi is famous for Bat Trang pottery village, Hai Duong is also proud of Chu Dau pottery village. It is loved by many people and sought out to explore the historical flow of a famous traditional craft village in Northern Vietnam.

People formed this craft village in the 14th century and flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries. After more than three centuries of disappearance and decline, Chu Dau pottery village revived and became one of the valuable export items.

5.16 Mao Dien Temple of Literature

Mao Dien Temple of Literature is a tourist destination in Mau Tai village, Cam Dien commune, Hai Phong city. In particular, this is an architectural work of Eastern countries influenced by Confucian culture. Moreover, it is also considered the second largest temple of literature in Vietnam. And only after Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam in both scale and history.

When coming to Mao Dien Temple of Literature, you can not only admire the artifacts dating back hundreds of years. But also discover historical stories about Vietnamese education through the ages.

5.17 Lychee Tree

The Lychee Tree is also known as Thanh Ha Lychee Tree. This is a familiar and typical crop of Thanh Ha, Hai Phong. Lychee Tree is grown in many villages around Thanh Ha, such as Dinh Bang village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Van Lam village, etc.

5.18 Chau Khe Jewelry Village

Chau Khe Jewelry Village is a famous traditional jewelry village in Binh Giang, Hai Phong. In particular, the products of the village are produced by highly skilled and experienced artisans. The products are also very diverse, rich and suitable for modern style.

5.19 Kinh Chu Pagoda

Kinh Chu Pagoda is a pagoda created from the natural landscape of Kinh Chu Cave. Moreover, the surrounding statues are all made of stone. In addition, this place is a familiar incense offering incense offering a place for local people as well as Buddhists from far away. They come on holidays, full moon days, and the first day of the month to worship and pray for peace.

5.20 Tram Gian Pagoda

Tram Gian Pagoda is also known as An Ninh Pagoda. Moreover, according to historical data, this pagoda has a large scale and unique architecture, built in the early 17th century. In addition, in the pagoda there are documents written in Han – Nom characters written in the year of Mau Ty 1948. Therefore, this pagoda has a long-standing historical value and many important cultures, so it was ranked as a National Monument in 1990.

5.21 Hai Phong Museum

Hai Phong Museum was built by the French with the old name of the marine life museum, later renamed Hai Phong Museum. This museum has three themes up to now: Natural environment, Historical – cultural relics from the beginning to the August Revolution in 1945. And Historical – cultural relics 50 years after the August Revolution in 1945.

This place stores nearly 2000 artifacts including ancient artifacts, historical artifacts. Or artifacts showing the remaining ancient culture are all displayed and stored here.

5.22 Kiep Bac Temple

Kiep Bac Temple is a place associated with the life and career of the national hero Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan. Moreover, it is one of 62 special national relic sites of Vietnam. The relic complex not only attracts a large number of tourists. Because of the historical works of the nation, it is also attractive because of the majestic and charming mountain scenery.

In addition, Kiep Bac Temple is located in a fertile, green valley. Surrounded by Dragon Mountain on three sides, in front is Luc Dau Giang. And it is the convergence of six rivers: Cau River, Thuong River, Luc Nam River, Duong River, Kinh Thay River and the main branch of Thai Binh River.

With a prime location and amazing natural landscape, harmonious rivers and unique architectural system. Kiep Bac Temple is where you can have interesting discoveries about Vietnamese culture and glorious achievements in the history of this country.

6. Some activities and experiences in Hai Phong city

61 Admiring Tam Bac Lake

Tam Bac Lake is a quite famous tourist destination, suitable for picnics, exercise and chatting with friends. When coming here in the summer, you also have the opportunity to check-in with the beautiful red phoenix rows.

6.2 Cycling around Europe Hai Phong street

Another activity that you shouldn’t miss is cycling around the Europe Street of Hai Phong. This is where many delicious shops and restaurants gather so you can feel the vibrant and bustling life of the Port city.

6.3 Check-in at the city center

The center of the city of red poinciana converges many theaters, parks, squares and countless unique locations. You can live comfortably virtually during your journey.

6.4 Hunting dawn and watching sunset on Binh bridge

Binh Bridge is a beautiful and large-scale cauldron-shaped bridge in Hai Phong. Standing on the bridge, you will fully admire the beauty of Cai River. It’s even more wonderful when you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise right on this bridge.

6.5 Immersing yourself in the bustling weekend market atmosphere

The markets sell a variety of items, with many colorful colors, which will definitely make you want to buy immediately. This is also a favorite place for many young people on weekends.

6.6 Joining food tour in Hai Phong

• Recharging your energy with fatty coconut beams. Address: Opposite 118 Lach Tray, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Enjoying bun cha in a strange style. Address: 47 Lach Tray, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Hai Phong specialty spicy fish noodle soup cannot be missed. Address: 66 Le Loi, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Crab cakes are delicious and attractive. Address: Co Dao market, Hai Phong.
• Port’s famous spicy bread. Address: 57 Le Loi, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.

7. Specialties when traveling to Hai Phong

7.1 Crab hotpot

If you don’t know what to eat in Hai Phong, according to Hai Phong travel experience, you should enjoy crab hotpot. This hot pot dish is characterized by sweet broth simmered from bones, lots of crab sticks, soft tofu. It is accompanying vegetables and dipping meat that are all very attractive. The most special thing is the smooth hot pot broth that you never see it in any other province.

7.2 Spicy fish noodle soup

When mentioning Hai Phong specialties, we cannot ignore the famous spicy fish noodle dish. The spicy flavor from chili peppers mixed with attractive toppings. Such as vegetables, spring rolls, and crispy fried fish will really make you gasp and not hesitate to praise. You can choose between vermicelli or red rice paper depending on their preference.

7.3 Crab spring rolls

Unlike traditional spring rolls, this dish’s main ingredient is crab. The crispy outer shell combined with the fatty filling, filled with crab meat, will definitely conquer your taste buds. Those who are fans of seafood will definitely love this dish when traveling to Hai Phong.

7.4 Spicy bread

Spicy bread is considered the soul of Hai Phong cuisine. The highlight of this dish lies in the homemade pate and dipping sauce of each restaurant. This dish is considered the most delicious when the pate must be soft and fragrant, the dipping sauce must be spicy and not too liquid.

7.5 Various types of snails

According to Hai Phong travel experience, snails are also a very special dish here. With diverse preparation methods and many types of sauces. Such as salted eggs, spicy tamarind, Thai sauce,…the snail shops here really know how to please tourists. You should visit Hai Phong snail restaurants in the evening. Because the air is cool at this time, so you can eat and drink comfortably.

7.6 Tu Ky Turtle

Hai Phong is a region in the Red River Delta, surrounded by large rivers. Therefore, around the 8th lunar month, there are many worms, especially famous in Tu Ky – Hai Phong. Rươi belongs to the worm family, has the shape of a worm but has a flatter body and legs, about 6 – 7 cm long, about 5 – 6 mm wide. In particular, Rươi often lives in brackish or salt water. People can process Rươi into many delicious dishes, providing many nutrients and many types of mineral salts. In particular, Rươi cake is an easy-to-make and delicious dish from Rươi that you should try.

7.7 Manh Hoach Chicken

From a small restaurant owned by Mr. Pham Hong Hoach. Up to now, the brand of Manh Hoach Chicken has been present throughout Vietnam, famous far and wide. Moreover, Manh Hoach Chicken is famous for being a type of chicken raised in the garden, not fed with industrial bran. Therefore, it ensures that the meat is tough, firm and delicious when processed.

7.8 Bean cake

Another specialty dish of Hai Phong that you should try is bean cake, famous on Tuy An street. The cake is made from rice flour, combined with peanuts. When enjoying, you will dip it in shrimp paste or soy sauce. And eat it with herbs and spices, simple as that but it fascinates many people.

7.9 Mixed rice noodles

Known as one of the famous specialties of Hai Phong coastal area. Hai Phong mixed rice noodles include main ingredients such as: rice noodles, raw vegetables, dried shrimp, fish cakes, roasted peanuts. And spices create a unique and attractive flavor. When enjoying mixed rice noodles, you will feel the richness, blending the sweetness of dried shrimp, the aroma of raw vegetables. Or the sourness of lemon and shrimp paste, with a little crunchiness of roasted peanuts.

8. Accommodation when traveling to Hai Phong

When traveling to Hai Phong, you can refer to some of the accommodations below:

8.1 Hotels:

• Hai Phong Hotel 2. Address: 193 Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Minh Phuong Hotel. Address: Dong Khe, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Nam Cuong Hotel. Address: No. 1 Vo Nguyen Giap Avenue, Tu Minh, Hai Phong.
• Mandala Hotel & Suites. Address: Intersection, Le Thanh Nghi Street, Yet Kieu, Hai Phong.
• Asean Hotel. Address: No. 168 Tran Hung Dao, Ngoc Chau Ward, Hai Phong.
• Dong Do Hotel. Address: 60 Luong Khanh Thien, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Hang Hai Hotel. Address: 282 Da Nang, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Van Xuan Hotel. Address: 326 Le Loi, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Purple Lotus. Address: 232 Truong Chinh, Thanh Bình, Hai Phong.

8.2 Guesthouses:

• Tay Ho Guesthouse. Address: 20 Thien Loi, Kenh Duong, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Nhat Anh Guest House. Address: 37 Le Hong Phong, Dong Khe, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Royal Guesthouse. Address: 14 Lot 7C, Le Hong Phong, Dong Khe, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Rose Guest House. Address: 241 Lach Tray, Dang Giang, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Hong Phuc Guest House. Address: 12 Le Hong Phong, Dong Khe, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.

9. Some important notes when traveling to Hai Phong

When coming to Hai Phong, you need to note the following issues to have a complete trip:

• If you plan to go to Hai Phong on holidays or Tet, you should book services in advance to avoid running out of rooms.
• Remember to check Hai Phong’s weather in advance to prepare appropriate outfits to both enjoy your virtual life and protect your health when traveling.
• You need to prepare additional electronic devices such as backup chargers and cameras to help save memories in Hai Phong.
• When traveling to Hai Phong, you should bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses… to avoid the heat.
• Prepare polite clothes to wear before visiting historical and cultural sites because Hai Phong has many sacred destinations.
• Bring insect repellent, other medicines in case you need to use them.
• Respect local culture.
• Don’t litter, protect the environment.

Hai Phong takes you to the beautiful port land in the Gulf of Tonkin region of Vietnam. With beautiful scenes that captivate many tourists. Hopefully the useful experiences about traveling to Hai Phong that we share above will help you have interesting journeys of discovery.

If you are planning your upcoming trip to Hai Phong, please contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator immediately. We will take you on a journey to explore Hai Phong with so many interesting things and unforgettable experiences.