Hai Phong

Hải Phòng, Vietnam’s third-largest city and major northern seaport, is nicknamed the “City of Flame Flowers.” Founded under French colonial rule in 1887, it's a fusion of rich history, striking architecture, and gateway to nearby natural wonders—Cat Ba, Lan Hạ, and Hạ Long Bay 

Top Things to Do

1. Explore Colonial Heritage

• Hải Phòng Opera House: A Baroque-style marvel inspired by Paris’s Palais Garnier (1904–1912), with an ornate dome and 300-seat performance hall 

• Hải Phòng Museum: Housed in a former French bank (built 1919), it preserves over 20,000 artifacts showcasing regional heritage 

2. Spiritual Sites

• Du Hàng Pagoda & Red Temple: Ancient temples offering peace amid city bustle 

• Cathedral of the Diocese of Hải Phòng: A striking Gothic landmark with stained glass and bronze Virgin Mary

3. Local Culture & Markets

• Tam Bặc Riverfront & Market: Chill by the water, watch river life, and enjoy street food 

• Cat Bi Market: Popular spot featured on food-tour maps—the perfect place to sample crab noodle soup and local flavors

4. Nearby Nature & Adventure

• Cát Bà Island & Lan Hạ Bay: Ideal for kayaking, trekking, and boarding cruises via Hải Phòng port 

• Đồ Sơn Beach: Family-friendly shore with calm waves, seafood stalls, jet-skiing, and nearby Tưởng Long Tower on Long Sơn Mountain 

• Trang Kênh & Tuyệt Tịnh Cốc: Scenic relic complex and photogenic landscapes just outside the city 

 Eat & Drink

Hải Phòng’s cuisine shines with bold coastal flavors. According to food influencers, it stands among Vietnam’s top culinary cities

Favorites include:

• Bánh đa cua: Crab noodle soup — spicy, aromatic, rich 

• Seafood & shellfish: Showcasing bề bề (mantis shrimp), fresh caught daily 

• Bánh mì cay, bún cá cay, sui dìn, bánh đúc tàu: Iconic street eats on local food trails

Where to Stay

From first-time visitors to digital nomads, here are the best districts 

1. Lê Chân District – Central, access to attractions. Recommended: DT Hotel.

2. Hồng Bàng District – Nightlife hub by the Cam River. Recommended: Pullman Hải Phòng Grand.

3. Ngô Quyền – Good for digital nomads; hotels like Mercure.

4. Cát Bà Island – For longer stays close to nature.

5. Kiến An – Budget option, e.g. local homestays.

Recommended Stay:

• Pullman Hải Phòng Grand (Hồng Bàng) – 5★, ideal for both business and leisure

• DT Hotel (Lê Chân) – Affordable central penthouse

• Paradise Cát Bà – Beachside retreat

Travel Tips

• When to Visit: Best from November to April – cooler, drier weather; avoid monsoons 

• Getting There: Easy road or hydrofoil transfer from Hanoi; gateway to Hạ Long/Cát Bà cruises

• Getting Around: Grabs, taxis, motorbike/tuk-tuk rentals available.

• Must-Pack: Light seasonal layers, sun-protection, sunscreen for beach/island days.

• Local Etiquette: Respect religious sites—remove shoes, dress modestly.