Hai Phong

Last update: 2026-06-06

Introduction

Hai Phong is one of northern Vietnam's most diverse destinations, combining a major coastal city, famous islands, historic battlefields, ancient temples, traditional craft villages, fertile agricultural regions, and a rich culinary heritage. Following the merger of the former Hai Duong and Hai Phong provinces, the new Hai Phong Province now stretches from the Gulf of Tonkin and Cat Ba Island to the historic heartland of the Red River Delta.

Visitors can cruise through limestone karsts in Lan Ha Bay, explore centuries-old pagodas and temples, discover important sites linked to Vietnam's victories against foreign invasions, enjoy beautiful beaches, and sample some of the country's most distinctive regional dishes. The province offers a remarkable blend of nature, history, culture, and food within a relatively compact area.

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Pronunciation

Hải Phòng

How to pronounce Hải Phòng

IPA: /haːj˧˩ fɔŋ͡m˨˩/

Say it like: "high fong"

Meaning: coastal port city

(Standard Vietnamese pronunciation)

Location

Hai Phong Province is located in northeastern Vietnam, forming part of the Red River Delta region. The province borders Quang Ninh Province to the north, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces to the west, and the Gulf of Tonkin to the east and southeast. Its strategic coastal location has long made it one of northern Vietnam's most important maritime gateways.

The provincial capital is Hai Phong City, Vietnam's largest northern seaport. The province lies approximately 120 kilometers east of Hanoi, around 760 kilometers north of Da Nang, and roughly 1,700 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City.

Its strategic position has made the region an important gateway for trade, maritime transportation, military defense, and cultural exchange for centuries.

Geography And Nature

Hai Phong possesses one of the most varied landscapes in northern Vietnam. The coastal section includes beaches, islands, mangrove ecosystems, and limestone archipelagos, while the inland areas contain fertile agricultural plains, forested hills, caves, and low mountain ranges.

The province's most famous natural attraction is Cat Ba Island, home to Cat Ba National Park, dense tropical forests, limestone peaks, and rare wildlife. Nearby Lan Ha Bay offers hundreds of karst islands, hidden beaches, and calm waters often considered a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay.

Further inland, Kinh Mon contains impressive limestone formations and cave systems such as Kinh Chu Cave and the caves surrounding Nham Duong Pagoda. Chi Linh is known for its forested hills, lakes, and mountain scenery around Phuong Hoang Mountain and Thanh Mai Pagoda.

History And Culture

Hai Phong occupies a central place in Vietnamese history. The Bach Dang River witnessed three of Vietnam's most celebrated military victories. In 938, Ngo Quyen defeated the Southern Han fleet, ending centuries of Chinese domination. Later victories against the Song Dynasty in 981 and the Mongol Empire in 1288 further cemented the river's legendary status.

The province is also closely associated with several of Vietnam's most respected historical figures. Tran Hung Dao, the national hero who defeated the Mongol invasions, is honored at Kiep Bac Temple. Nguyen Trai, one of Vietnam's greatest scholars and strategists, is commemorated at Con Son Pagoda. Chu Van An, regarded as Vietnam's greatest teacher, is honored at Chu Van An Temple on Phuong Hoang Mountain.

The former Hai Duong region has long been considered one of the cultural and educational centers of northern Vietnam. Mao Dien Temple of Literature preserves the legacy of Confucian education, while numerous communal houses, pagodas, and temples reflect centuries of Vietnamese spiritual traditions.

Traditional crafts remain important to local identity. Chu Dau Pottery Village represents one of Vietnam's most significant ceramic traditions, while agriculture continues to produce famous specialties such as Thanh Ha lychee and Ninh Giang banh gai.

Highlights

Hai Phong's greatest strength is the extraordinary variety of experiences available within a single province. Travelers can move from island cruises and beaches to ancient temples and mountain landscapes within just a few hours.

Major highlights include Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Do Son Beach, Hon Dau Island, Cannon Fort, Trung Trang Cave, Ngu Lam Peak, Kiep Bac Temple, Con Son Pagoda, Bach Dang Giang Historical Site, Mao Dien Temple of Literature, Thanh Mai Pagoda, and Chu Dau Pottery Village.

The province is equally attractive for food lovers thanks to iconic dishes such as Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup, Bun Ca Hai Phong, Nem Cua Be, Banh My Cay, Cha Ruoi Tu Ky, Manh Hoach Chicken, Hai Duong Mung Bean Cake, Thanh Ha Lychee, and Banh Gai Ninh Giang.

Best Time To Visit

The best period for most travelers is from October to April when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower. This season is ideal for sightseeing, hiking, temple visits, and exploring historical sites.

May to August is the peak season for beaches and island tourism. Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and Do Son Beach are particularly popular during summer, although temperatures and visitor numbers are higher.

For food enthusiasts, June and July coincide with the Thanh Ha lychee harvest, while autumn is often considered the best season for enjoying Cha Ruoi Tu Ky.

How To Get There

By Air

Cat Bi International Airport serves Hai Phong with domestic and limited international flights. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City typically cost from 900,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND depending on season and booking time.

By Train

Direct trains connect Hanoi and Hai Phong daily. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, with tickets generally ranging from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND.

By Bus

Frequent buses operate between Hanoi and Hai Phong. Ticket prices usually range from 120,000 VND to 250,000 VND depending on vehicle type.

By Car Or Motorbike

The Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway provides the fastest road connection. Driving from Hanoi normally takes about two hours. Motorbike travelers often prefer older national highways for scenic stops along the route.

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available throughout Hai Phong City. Major operators include Mai Linh and Dat Cang Taxi. Typical starting fares range from 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND, with subsequent charges of approximately 12,000 VND to 16,000 VND per kilometer.

Ride-hailing applications such as Grab operate extensively in urban areas. These services are often convenient for short city trips and airport transfers.

Motorbike rentals generally cost from 120,000 VND to 250,000 VND per day. Self-drive cars are available from approximately 700,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per day depending on vehicle type.

Ferries connect the mainland with Cat Ba Island and other coastal destinations. Public buses serve major urban routes, although many visitors prefer taxis or ride-hailing services for convenience.

Top Attractions

Natural Attractions

Cultural Attractions

City Attractions

Things To Do

Popular experiences include cruising through Lan Ha Bay, kayaking between limestone islands, hiking in Cat Ba National Park, and climbing Ngu Lam Peak for panoramic views.

History enthusiasts can spend several days exploring Kiep Bac Temple, Con Son Pagoda, Bach Dang Giang Historical Site, Mao Dien Temple of Literature, and Hang Kenh Communal House.

Food tours are another highlight. Travelers can sample Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup, Nem Cua Be, Banh My Cay, Bun Ca Hai Phong, and seasonal specialties across both urban and rural areas.

Local Food

Hai Phong's cuisine is among the most distinctive in northern Vietnam. Signature dishes include Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup, Bun Ca Hai Phong, Nem Cua Be, Banh My Cay, and various seafood specialties found in coastal districts.

The inland districts contribute famous products such as Thanh Ha Lychee, Hai Duong Mung Bean Cake, Banh Gai Ninh Giang, Cha Ruoi Tu Ky, and Manh Hoach Chicken. Many of these specialties are available in local markets, specialty stores, and roadside food establishments.

Travel Costs

Street food meals typically cost from 25,000 VND to 80,000 VND. Mid-range restaurants generally range from 150,000 VND to 400,000 VND per person.

Budget hotels commonly cost from 250,000 VND to 600,000 VND per night. Mid-range hotels range from 700,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND, while luxury resorts on Cat Ba Island can exceed 3,000,000 VND per night.

Motorbike rentals typically cost from 120,000 VND to 250,000 VND per day. Taxi rides within the city usually range from 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND.

Where To Stay

Luxury

Luxury travelers should focus on Cat Ba Island resorts, upscale coastal hotels in Do Son, and premium city hotels in central Hai Phong.

Mid-Range

Mid-range accommodations are widely available throughout Hai Phong City, Cat Ba Town, and major tourism districts.

Budget

Budget hotels and guesthouses can be found in nearly every district, especially around transportation hubs and tourist areas.

Homestays

Homestays are particularly popular on Cat Ba Island and in selected rural districts where visitors can experience local life and cuisine.

Travel Tips

Summer weather can be hot and humid, while occasional tropical storms may affect coastal travel between June and September. Always check weather forecasts before booking island excursions.

When visiting temples and pagodas, wear modest clothing and respect local customs. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for caves, mountains, and historical sites.

Seafood is generally excellent throughout the province, but travelers should confirm prices before ordering at some tourist-oriented restaurants. During peak holiday periods, accommodation on Cat Ba Island should be booked well in advance.

Nearby Destinations

Quang Ninh Province to the north offers Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Mong Cai. Bac Ninh to the west is famous for Quan Ho folk singing and historic pagodas. Hung Yen provides traditional villages and agricultural landscapes, while Hanoi remains Vietnam's cultural and political capital only a short distance away.

FAQ

How many days should I spend in Hai Phong Province?

Most visitors need at least three to five days to explore both the coastal and inland attractions.

Is Cat Ba Island part of Hai Phong Province?

Yes. Cat Ba Island is one of the province's most important tourism destinations.

What food is Hai Phong most famous for?

Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup, Nem Cua Be, Banh My Cay, and Bun Ca Hai Phong are among the best-known dishes.

When is the best season to visit?

October to April offers comfortable weather for sightseeing, while summer is best for beaches and island activities.

Can Hai Phong be visited as a day trip from Hanoi?

Yes, but staying several days allows visitors to experience Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and historical sites more fully.

What makes Hai Phong different from other northern provinces?

Its combination of islands, beaches, historical landmarks, educational heritage, craft villages, and distinctive cuisine makes it one of Vietnam's most diverse provinces.

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