Hải Phòng / Việt Nam
Hải Phòng
Experience the Coastal Pulse of Hải Phòng
Hải Phòng, Vietnam's third largest city and principal northern port, is a dynamic municipality that blends industrial vigor with coastal charm. Located along the Red River Delta and facing the Gulf of Tonkin, Hải Phòng is famed for its broad boulevards shaded by flame trees, lively colonial-era architecture, and proximity to both pristine beaches and the mystical islands of Lan Hạ and Cát Bà. The city pulses with energy, from its bustling markets to the vibrant nightlife along Tam Bạc Lake. As a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay and the adventure-filled Cát Bà Island, Hải Phòng offers travelers a unique mix of urban culture, maritime history, and natural beauty. Its distinctive local cuisine, cultural festivals, and friendly residents make it a rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic slice of northern Vietnam beyond the capital.
Safety
Hải Phòng is generally safe for travelers, with low rates of violent crime. Standard precautions such as safeguarding valuables and being cautious with traffic are recommended.
Visas
Visa requirements for Hải Phòng follow Vietnamese national regulations. Most travelers need a visa or e-visa; check your eligibility before arrival.
Customs regulations
Respect local modesty by dressing conservatively, especially when visiting temples. Remove shoes before entering religious sites or private homes. Public displays of affection are uncommon and best avoided.
Prices
Hải Phòng is generally more affordable than Hanoi, with budget meals available for under $2 USD and mid-range hotels starting around $25–40 USD per night. Excursions to Cát Bà or Lan Hạ Bay may add to your costs, but local transport and attractions are budget-friendly.
People and nationalities
The population is predominantly ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), with a vibrant local culture influenced by centuries of trade and seafaring. Residents are known for their hospitality, straightforwardness, and pride in regional traditions, including unique festivals and folk songs.
Weather
Hải Phòng has a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers (May–September) and mild, dry winters (November–March). The best time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal. Typhoons may occur from July to September, so check forecasts if visiting during these months.
Health
Hải Phòng has several public and private hospitals and clinics as well as pharmacies in the city center. Bottled water is recommended, and travelers should ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Food
Bánh đa cua
A signature Hải Phòng noodle soup made with chewy red rice noodles, freshwater crab, fried tofu, fish cakes, and morning glory, served in a savory crab broth.
Nem cua bể
Crispy fried spring rolls filled with fresh crab meat, minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli, typically served with lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce.
Bún tôm
A delicate noodle soup featuring rice vermicelli, succulent local prawns, and a fragrant broth, often topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
Bánh mì que
A regional take on the classic bánh mì, these slim baguettes are filled with pork pate, chili sauce, and pickled vegetables for a spicy snack.
Sá sùng (peanut worms)
A unique coastal delicacy, dried peanut worms are stir-fried or grilled and enjoyed for their umami flavor, often served with beer.
Transport
City Bus Network
Hải Phòng's extensive bus system connects major districts, markets, and the ferry terminals at affordable prices.
Taxi and Ride-hailing Apps
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available and provide a convenient way to navigate the city's busy streets.
Ferry Services
Regular ferries and hydrofoils depart from Bến Bính and Đình Vũ ports to Cát Bà Island and other nearby destinations.
Motorbike Rental
Renting a motorbike is a popular option for exploring Hải Phòng and its coastal areas, but traffic can be hectic for inexperienced riders.
Railway Station
Hải Phòng Railway Station offers frequent trains to Hanoi and other northern cities, providing a scenic and comfortable travel option.
Regions
An Giang
Province
Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu
Province
Bắc Giang
Province
Bắc Kạn
Province
Bạc Liêu
Province
Bắc Ninh
Province
Bến Tre
Province
Bình Định
Province
Bình Dương
Province
Bình Phước
Province
Bình Thuận
Province
Cà Mau
Province
Cần Thơ
Municipality
Cao Bằng
Province
Đà Nẵng
Municipality
Đắk Lắk
Province
Đắk Nông
Province
Điện Biên
Province
Ðồng Nai
Province
Ðồng Tháp
Province
Gia Lai
Province
Hà Giang
Province
Hà Nam
Province
Hà Nội
Municipality
Hà Tĩnh
Province
Hải Dương
Province
Hải Phòng
Municipality
Hậu Giang
Province
Hồ Chí Minh
Municipality
Hòa Bình
Province
Hưng Yên
Province
Khánh Hòa
Province
Kiến Giang
Province
Kon Tum
Province
Lai Châu
Province
Lâm Ðồng
Province
Lạng Sơn
Province
Lào Cai
Province
Long An
Province
Nam Ðịnh
Province
Namyit Island
Nghệ An
Province
Ninh Bình
Province
Ninh Thuận
Province
Phú Thọ
Province
Phú Yên
Province
Quảng Bình
Province
Quảng Nam
Province
Quảng Ngãi
Province
Quảng Ninh
Province
Quảng Trị
Province
Sóc Trăng
Province
Sơn La
Province
Tây Ninh
Province
Thái Bình
Province
Thái Nguyên
Province
Thanh Hóa
Province
Thừa Thiên-Huế
Province
Tiền Giang
Province
Trà Vinh
Province
Tuyên Quang
Province
Vĩnh Long
Province
Vĩnh Phúc
Province
Yên Bái
Province
What to visit?
History
Hải Phòng emerges as a strategic port and trading post under the Mac and later Le dynasties, facilitating commerce between northern Vietnam and China.
The French formally establish Hải Phòng as a colonial port city, constructing wide boulevards, a modern harbor, and distinct colonial architecture.
The Battle of Hải Phòng marks a violent clash between French colonial forces and Vietnamese nationalists, igniting the First Indochina War.
During the Vietnam War, Hải Phòng's port and infrastructure are heavily bombed by U.S. forces, impacting the city's development.
With the reunification of Vietnam, Hải Phòng is rebuilt as a key industrial and maritime center in the north.
The opening of the Bến Bính and Đình Vũ ferry routes expands access to Cát Bà Island and boosts local tourism.
The launch of the Hải Phòng–Hạ Long Expressway further integrates the city into the northern economic corridor and improves regional connectivity.
Activities
Explore Cát Bà Island
Take a ferry to Cát Bà Island to hike in the national park, kayak in Lan Hạ Bay, or relax on pristine beaches.
Stroll the Flame Tree-lined Boulevards
Wander the city center to admire colonial-era buildings and the famous red flamboyant trees, especially striking in late spring.
Visit Đồ Sơn Beach
Enjoy swimming, seafood, and local festivals at this historic seaside resort, a favorite weekend getaway for locals.
Browse Hải Phòng’s Markets
Experience local life at the bustling Cát Bi or Sắt Markets, sampling street food and discovering regional specialties.
Tour the Hải Phòng Opera House
Attend a performance or simply admire the French colonial architecture of this city landmark, built in 1905.