Hai Phong things to do are recommended here. Find the updated top places to go, things to do, dishes to try and more here.
In the country’s north is an island and sea paradise known as Hai Phong. Here are some activities in Hai Phong that are suitable for all visitors. You may take note of the best places to go, eat, learn new things, and stay right here.
Paddle a kayak in Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha bay covers a total area of over 7,000 square meters with various big and small limestone islets in the east of Cat Ba island and in the south of Ha Long bay.
Few people are aware of the beautiful beaches in this area. Because of this, travelers are choosing Lan Ha Bay as a vacation location increasingly frequently.
Tourists will be transported by ship to the serene marine regions that arelet-ringed. An interesting experience is paddling a kayak close to Dark Cave, Light Cave, and Me Kong Cave. The only thing here is you, floating in the turquoise sea, listening to the twittering birds, and taking in the cool breeze gusts, far away from all the noise and activity.
Have a fun day trip around Cat Ba Island
The largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, which is made up of approximately 360 islands and is situated south of the well-known Ha Long Bay, is Cat Ba Island. Similar to Ha Long Bay, the region is a serene blue water area dotted with islands.
The best time to visit Cat Ba is in the summer. The region experiences cool weather from April to October, which is ideal for swimming and lounging by the water. May to July is when tourism is at its busiest in this location.
Storms and rain are possible between July and August. To ensure that there won’t be any rain while you’re there, pay close attention to the weather prediction.
Since there are so few visitors between November and March, the island is rather tranquil. Exploring and relaxing in nature are appropriate during this time.
You may go kayaking, explore coral reefs, rock climb, go night fishing, and visit the Cai Beo floating town in this location.
A highly recommended place to visit is Cat Ba National Park, which spans more than 26,000 hectares.
The park, which has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve, is home to numerous marine habitats, terrestrial forests, and submerged forests. It also boasts a diverse array of uncommon species of plants and animals.
Visit the over-100-year-old lighthouse on the wild Long Chau Island
The island of Long Châu, often referred to as Dragon Eye Island or Re Den Island, is situated 50 kilometers southeast of Hai Phong City on Cat Ba Island.
This place requires a visit to Long Chau lighthouse, one of Vietnam’s oldest lighthouses. Thousands of ships passing through the area have used the lighthouse built by the French in 1894 to guide them to the land.
The lighthouse is over 109 meters above sea level and has a 27 nautical mile range of illumination. Its exceedingly unique arch architecture has earned the “Long Chau Holy Eye” the moniker. A cluster of tiny bulbs is located in the center of the lit space. Ships 50 kilometers away can see the light on clear nights.
Standing atop the lighthouse, you can see the surrounding area from above, with a number of karst islets poking up from the clear, blue water. Certainly nothing can match to this breathtaking view!
About 30 karst islets make up the Long Chau Archipelago. There are many perilous underwater cliffs in the vicinity. The island has long been regarded as the front post guarding Hai Phong and the Ha Long marine, which is essential to the country’s marine sovereignty.
Even though it is not a well-known tourist attraction, Long Chau Island continues to draw those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
You can hire a ship to tour the area while taking in the fresh air and the verdant islets. This place is well worth the trek for its serene atmosphere.
Explore the capital of abalone – Bach Long Vi Island, Hai Phong City
In Tonkin Bay, 110 kilometers from the mainland, sits Bach Long Vi Island. Within the limits of Hai Phong City’s geology, it is the farthest-reaching island.
The cliffs below the surface surround the island. It has been crucial to the country’s sovereignty and economic growth strategies.
The island was given the name Bach Long Vi (White Dragon’s Tail) due to its appearance and connection to a tale. A family of dragons is reported to have fallen from the sky in the past. Of which, a few were located here, constituting the Cat Ba Archipelago. Ha Long Bay was developed by those who remained in Quang Ninh.
One of the parent dragons’ tails dropped into the water as they ascended back to the sky, creating what is now known as Bach Long Vi Island.
Along with its breathtaking scenery, the island is home to a delectable cuisine, particularly dishes made with abalone. The island has earned the moniker “capital of abalone” for this reason.
The local climate is clearly split into two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
The dry season spans from October to March, whereas the rainy season lasts from May to August.
Despite being distant from the mainland, the island hardly ever experiences storms.
With an average temperature of 23 °C, the atmosphere is constantly pleasant and fresh.
Travelers are advised to visit the island between April and September since the weather is good during this time, with minimal rain and plenty of sunshine.
The island has pristine beaches with cool, clear water enveloping fine, white sand.
Additionally, there are rocky regions with ferocious white waves that are perfect check-in locations for young people.
The highest point on the island from which to view the stunning scenery is the 80-meter-tall lighthouse.
A highlight of the islands in general and of Bach Long Vi Island in particular is the beautiful sunrise, which is the ideal moment for taking photos.
The local abalone is among the top ten foods in Vietnam, which can be compared with that from New Zealand and Australia.
Abalone can be processed in various ways including being eaten raw with mustard, stewed with herbs, cooked in porridge or stirred in fat with mushroom. All are delicious dishes and good for your health.
The abalone here is reasonably priced, unlike that in other areas. Hence tourists can enjoy the abalone dishes here and bring some back home as gifts.
Gain an insight into Vietnam’s history in Hai Phong Museum
A significant architectural achievement of the seaside city, the Hai Phong Museum should be included on visitors’ lists of things to do in Hai Phong. Many artifacts and photographs from the city’s early years as well as the time when it fought off foreign invaders are kept in the museum.
Hai Phong Museum, one of the country’s first provincial museums, was erected in 1919 on a 1-hectare plot of land. European Gothic design was used to create the museum. Initially, it served as the France-China Bank’s main office during the time of French colonialism.
The structure has been used as the city’s museum since December 1959, and it now houses thousands of documents, pictures, and artifacts. The oldest items in this collection date back about 4,000 years.
Stones taken from Ly Son Island that date back thousands of years and demonstrate Viet Nam’s dominance over the East Sea are on show in the museum.
Every day between 8 am and 4.30 pm, with the exception of Mondays, Saturday afternoons, and Sunday afternoons, the museum is open.
Indulge in the convergence of the past and present in Trang Kenh Complex
The Trang Kenh Complex is situated around 20 kilometers from the heart of Hai Phong City in Minh Duc Town, Thuy Nguyen District. A network of karst mountains, caves, rivers, and canals make up the complex.
Due to its breathtaking scenery, which has earned it the moniker “Ha Long Bay on Land,” this monument has been designated as a National Landscape Site.
Three sacred temples honoring early national heroes—Ngo Quyen (897-944), Le Hoan (941-1005), and Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300)—as well as a pagoda called Trang Kenh Truc Lam Pagoda on the summit of Phoenix Mountain—are located inside the complex.
When paying respect to the heroes, tourists can experience peace amid the complex’s many delicately crafted temples and pagodas.
The complex holds a number of festive occasions, including Vu Lan (in the middle of the seventh lunar month) and Buddha’s birthday (in mid-May).
You will be able to see the enormous Bach Dang River from the top of U Bo Mountain.
There are other amazing caverns in the complex, the largest of which is King Cave, which is 18 meters high and 10 meters wide. A brook flows around the cave. The cave was equipped with an altar honoring the Hung monarchs, the progenitors of the Vietnamese nation.
Victory Square, which was constructed on Bach Dang River, should be visited by tourists. Three heroes, Ngo Quyen, Le Dai Hanh, and Tran Hung Dao, are commemorated by sculptures in the 2,000 square meter space. They fought against northern invaders on the Bach Dang River in the years 938, 981, and 1288, respectively.
Numerous tourist attractions, including Du Hang Pagoda, Kien Bai Communal House, Bach Dang Giang Relic Site, Cat Ba Island, Cave Pagoda at Do Son Tourism Site, Tuyet Tinh Coc Thuy Nguyen, and Dau Islet, are close to Trang Kenh Complex.
Visit the 1000-year-old Tuong Long Tower
Due to its unique construction and sanctity, Tuong Long Tower (also known as Tower Pagoda) on Long Sn Peak in Do Son District has become a popular tourist destination.
When Buddhism in the nation was at its height, under King Ly Thanh Tong (1054–1072), the pagoda was constructed. The pagoda has a total area of about 2,000 square meters, and the tower has nine stories and a height of 100 meters.
On the top, which rises 128 meters above sea level, the tower was regarded as the tallest Buddhist architectural creation. According to historical records, the tower served both religious needs and as an observation station for the northeast.
The old tower eventually fell apart, but a copy was constructed from it in 2007 and finished ten years later. The imitation tower was constructed out of ceramic brick and embellished with distinctive Ly Dynasty designs.
The tower has been a popular destination for both domestic and foreign visitors, especially in the beginning of the year.
Venture into the mysterious Voi Mountain
Voi (Elephant) Mountain is located at the border of Truong Thanh and An Tien communes of An Lao District, which is over 20 kilometres away from Hai Phong City centre.
Its name was taken from its appearance, which resembles a giant elephant kneeling on his legs.
The area has a system of mountains lying next to each other. Voi Mountain stands over 140 metres high.
During the revolutions against the French and Americans, the area was used as a shelter for Vietnamese soldiers. Local authorities have recognised the mountain as a national relic site.
The natural landscape has made the area a tourists’ hub as well.
Take admirable selfies in Tuyet Tinh Coc, Hai Phong City
An Son Commune, Thuy Nguyen District’s Tuyet Tinh Coc lake, with its turquoise water, is a well-liked hangout for young people.
Tuyet Tinh Coc has a unique environment with a clear lake surrounded by karst mountains that resembles a lake depicted in a knight-errant tale by Chinese author Jin Yong.
Utilizing the nearby karst mountains has resulted in the clear turquoise water. The chemical reaction has transformed the lake’s initially murky water into a crystal-clear liquid that can be seen all the way to its bottom.
Because the water reflects the sky above like a huge mirror, it can change depending on the time of day.
All ages of people, but young people in particular, enjoy taking pictures here.
Visit one of the most famous Hai Phong religious sites – Hai Phong Cathedral
On Hoang Van Thu Street, in the heart of the city, stands the Cathedral of the Hai Phong Diocese. Built in 1912, the Gothic structure was influenced by French design from the Middle Ages. Its length is 77 meters and its breadth is 17 meters. The bell tower is 28 meters tall.
Explore the time-honored Tran Temple
Tran Temple is located in Do Son District, which is dedicated to Tran Quoc Tuan or Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300). It was built in 1824, under the reign of King Minh Mang.
The temple faces the sea and is backed by a mountain. The temple has typical architectural features of the Nguyen Dynasty and is surrounded by four big old trees.
Visitors can learn about the national hero Tran Quoc Tuan and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at this site.
Buy souvenirs of Hai Phong City in Hang Market
In the Le Chan District of downtown Hai Phong, travelers can learn about the way of life and culture of the locals by visiting Hang Market. Similar to those in rural areas, the market sells a variety of things, including household items and animals like birds, cats, and dogs as well as seedlings.
Also available in the market are souvenirs. You won’t have to worry about the cost when shopping here because everything is priced fairly.
Soak in the azure water in Do Son Beach, Hai Phong
Hai Phong’s Do Son Beach is a well-liked vacation spot. Between April and October, when the weather is cool and the water becomes clear, is the finest time to enjoy the sea here.
It is also suggested that visitors visit the region around the start of the year to take part in festive events.
To enjoy the outdoors, you can go to Dau Islet nearby or Dragon Streamline in Gem Mountain. The palace of King Bao Dai is a must-visit location for history buffs. On a hill that is 36 meters high, the palace’s original French architecture has been preserved, covering a total area of 3,700 square meters.
The seafood in this area is local and freshly prepared. Jellyfish salad and rice rolls with shrimp are two of the most well-liked foods.
Eat like a local in Hai Phong City
Hai Phong things to do, of course, include enjoying the cuisine. Here, there are many dishes you should try at least once in your life:
Spicy Fish Noodles
This noodle dish has crispy fried fish, pork paste, veggies, and herbs on top. To prepare a special hot fish soup, add noodles and a mixture of spicy paste and fat.
Hai Phong Bread
Spicy bread is a delicacy of Hai Phong City. The long thin loaf of bread is filled with local paste made from pig’s liver, which is then dipped in a kind of spicy sauce.
Fried crab spring roll
The main fillings in this kind of spring roll are sea crab together with vermicelli and mushroom ear. This dish is highly recommended in the Hai Phong travel guide.
Crab noodles
A must-try in Hai Phong things to do list. This local delicacy includes lots of toppings like mantis shrimp, crab, fried pork wrapped in lolot and pork.
Fermented pork paste
Fermented pork paste from An Lao district in Hai Phong City is made from carefully selected fresh pork which is naturally fermented. This snack should be enjoyed with herbs and dipped in sweet and sour sauce.
Spicy porridge
This dish is minced rice cooked with broth made from bone, with toppings of mussels, pork, pork ribs or eels. Some minced red chili is added to the soup, making it an unforgettable dish for diners.
Sweet coconut gruel
The sweet gruel is loved thanks to its rich taste of coconut milk added with jelly and tapioca.
Feel like royalty at Sheraton Hai Phong and Melia Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera
If you utilize the five-star amenities of the Sheraton Hai Phong and Melia Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera, your trip to Hai Phong City will be ideal.
The Vinhomes Imperia campus is where you’ll find the Melia Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera. A delightful stay in the center of nature is what this special location in the port city offers. More than 200 rooms in French-style architecture with spacious balconies and pleasant views of a swimming pool are available at the hotel, which also has an open space of more than 300 square meters.
Another choice is the Sheraton Hai Phong, which blends traditional and modern design and is situated in a great area of Hai Phong City. The city’s success has been equated with this high-rise hotel, where guests may unwind and savor delectable seafood. The hotel is better suited for young people and large groups attending MICE events.
