Hai Phong Travel

Best time to visit

Northern Vietnam has two seasons: hot-and-wet and cool-and-dry. While Vietnam is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, spring (March and April) and fall (September through December) in the north, where Hai Phong is located, offer the most equable temperatures and best chances of cooperative weather.

Check the below table for the general idea of Hai Phong weather throughout the year.

Hai Phong’s current weather and 7-day forecast

HAI PHONG WEATHER

Here are top things to do in Hai Phong:

Bao Dai Villa

Bao Dai Villa was the summer palace of Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last emperor. Located on top of Vung Hill, the villa was original built in 1928 by the French Governor-General of Indochina who later in 1949 offered it to Bao Dai. The emperor frequently used the villa when he visited this part of Vietnam, especially during summer time. Nowadays the villa is a hotel and guests can enjoy not only the same beautiful views of Do Son Peninsula as the last emperor but also admire the vintage royal family photos as well in their living quarters. One of its main attractions is Bao Dai’s throne. Don’t miss the chance to try on the royal-like costumes and pose for the camera as a special souvenir to bring home.

Opening Hours: All year round

Location: On Vung Hill in Do Son Zone II

Tel: +84 (0) 313 862303

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay and is home to plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars. Just about every tour company in Hanoi offers daily trips to the island, attracting travellers looking to enjoy a day of sightseeing during their holiday. Located off the coast of Hai Phong City, its beaches (named Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2) are great for sunbathing and swimming during the summer months. If you’re not a fan of crowds on the beach, you can charter a speedboat or rent a kayak to Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

Opening Hours: All year round.

Location: About 50km to the east of Hai Phong (around one hour to get to by hydrofoil).

Do Son Beach

Do Son Beach is a busy coastal town in Hai Phong Province. It has a sandbank that’s about 4 km in length, which was formed by the Rong Mountains. It was a popular resort town during French colonial times. It’s about two hours away from Hanoi by car. You can enjoy a day of sunbathing during your stay in the capital of Vietnam.

The beach houses plenty of hotels and resorts with views of the ocean. If you’re a foreign visitor, you can also visit the many casinos here. The main town is known for its annual ritual buffalo fights. Taking place in late-September or October, this local activity attracts travellers looking to experience the Vietnamese culture.

Opening Hours: All year round

Location: In Do Son District, 22km from Hai Phong City

Du Hang Pagoda

Du Hang Buddhist Temple was established in the 17th century under the Ly Dynasty and went through several reconstructions over the years. It features a pagoda, a bell tower, many sophisticated carvings of guardians, Buddha images, lovely gardens with an interesting bonsai collection and some important vintage objects. Bring along some bread if you want to feed the turtles and fishes in a small pond within the compound too. Basically, a ‘dress with respect’ attitude is best when entering any religious sites in Vietnam.

Opening Hours: All year round

Location: 121 Du Hang Street, Du Hang Kenh Ward, Le Chan District

Hang Kenh Communal House

Hang Kenh Communal House (also referred to as Nhan Tho Communal House) is a must-see landmark in Hai Phong and is located in Du Hang Kenh Ward, Le Chan District not far from Du Hang Pagoda. The long and narrow structure was built in 1717 as a communal house of the then Kenh Village and is used as a temple. It’s famous for its remarkable woodwork, including huge ironwood pillars that support the roof. The pavilion also houses many interesting items such as fantastic dragon images and statues (there more than 300 of them). Hang Kenh Communal House is also where many important festivals and religious ceremonies are held each year.

Opening Hours: All year round

Location: In Du Hang Kenh Ward, Le Chan District

Hai Phong Museum

Hai Phong Museum features Gothic-style architecture and was founded around 1900. The items displayed might not be huge in terms of variety but it offers enough inside knowledge about Hai Phong in general and explains the city’s role in ancient times, why it is an important seaport as well as its role in recent wars. Due to its unusual opening hours, the museum attracts fewer visitors than most.

Opening Hours: Tue and Thu from 08:00 – 10:30 and Wed and Sun from 19:30 – 21:30

Location: Hai Phong City

Municipal Theatre and Municipal Theatre Square

The Municipal Theatre or the Great Theatre, is conveniently located in the city centre. The two-story building was constructed in 1904 with a French design. The interior is splendid and is able to seat 400 people while outside the building is more of a modern set up with a big square, a lovely flower garden, water fountains and twinkling lights. Many important events are regularly held here each year.

Opening Hours: The Municipal Theatre doesn’t announce its regular opening hours. It might be wise to ask your hotel tour desk to confirm the opening hours before visiting

Location: In the city centre

Museum of Military Region III

The Museum of Military Region III was founded in 1969, under the Political Bureau of Military Region III. Visitors will see many interesting war exhibitions (including collections of bombs and weapons) showing how throughout history the Vietnamese struggled to defend themselves against various intruders; for example their resistance against French colonialism between1945-1954 and American imperialism between1954-1975.

Opening Hours: 07:30 – 11:00 and 13:00 – 16:00, closed on Sat and Sun

Location: 254 Le Duan Street, Kien An District

Tel: +84 (0) 931 969388

Navy Museum

Hai Phong’s Navy Museum features a large ship adjacent to Rao Bridge on the main road that links Do Son Resort to downtown Hai Phong. This navy museum founded in 1975 displays many interesting articles from its war years.

Opening Hours: Tue, Thu and Sat from 08:00 – 11:00

Location: 353 Street, Anh Dung Commune, Kien Thuy District (opposite the Navy Hotel)

Tel: +84(0) 313 814788

Nghe Temple

Nghe Temple, located not far from the Municipal Theatre, is more than just a religious site. It has strong historical symbolism as it was devoted to Le Chan, the founder of Hai Phong City. Le Chan was a female general who fought the Chinese alongside Vietnamese national heroines, the Trung Sisters in the year 43 AD. The temple started as a small shrine but was later rebuilt and expanded and has long been an important religious site for many local worshipers. One of the most remarkable facets of this place are the stone works. They are outstanding.

Opening Hours: All year round

Location: In Me Linh Ward, Le Chan District (about 600m from the Municipal Theatre towards the southwest.)

Tam Bac Lake and Flower Market (Quán hoa)

Tam Bac Lake is located not far from the old colonial quarter and is a nice place to relax or even go fishing. The trees along the lake banks make the visit a pleasant walk. Visitors will see an interesting flower market or quán hoa at the eastern side of the lake. It was established around 1941 by the French as a small centre selling fresh flowers and is made up of five beautiful arched-roof kiosks. Also within easy walking distance not far from the lake area stands the Le Chan Woman General Statue, the founder of Hai Phong. The brass-cast statue weighs 19 tons – one of a heaviest statues in the country.

Opening Hours: All year round

Location: Tam Bac Lake is below the main market (or cho sat) and the flower kiosks are on the eastern side of the Lake

The Colonial Quarter

Hai Phong suffered during the Vietnam War but it has still managed to keep its own colonial charm as seen along Dien Bien Phu Street and Tran Hung Dao Street. The area is known as the Colonial Quarter and has interesting French-style architecture as well as broad avenues.

Opening Hours: All year

Location: Around Dien Bien Phu Street and Tran Hung Dao Street

Budget options

Punt Hotel 

Add: No 41, Lot 3C, Le Hong Phong street,, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Set in Hai Phong, 1.9 km from Vincom Plaza Ngo Quyen, Punt Hotel offers accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and currency exchange for guests.

All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also have a city view. At Punt Hotel, all rooms include a seating area.

A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation.

Punt Hotel offers a terrace.

Hoa Phuong Hotel 

Add: 44, Lot 3C, Le Hong Phong Street, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Located in Hai Phong, 1.9 km from Vincom Plaza Ngo Quyen, Hoa Phuong Hotel provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

Staff at the hotel are available to provide guidance at the 24-hour front desk.

Thiên An Hotel 

Add: Lot 102 Dong Khe Expanded Urban Area, Dong Khe, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong, Thien An Hotel, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Situated in Hai Phong, within 3.1 km of Vincom Plaza Ngo Quyen and 4 km of Hai Phong Opera House, Thiên An Hotel offers accommodation with a terrace and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 2-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

At the hotel, each room is fitted with a wardrobe. At Thiên An Hotel the rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Mid-range options

Menrva Hotel 

Add: No. 4 Tran Hung Dao - Hong Bang - Hai Phong, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Set in Hai Phong, 700 m from Hai Phong Opera House, Menrva Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service.

The hotel has a garden and features a terrace.

Continental and buffet breakfast options are available every morning at the hotel.

K-Zone The Star Hotel 

Add: 185 Văn Cao Ngô Quyền, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Featuring a fitness centre, bar and views of city, K-Zone The Star Hotel is located in Hai Phong, 5 km from Hai Phong Opera House. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The hotel has newspapers and an ATM machine that guests can use.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. All guest rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.

Buffet and American breakfast options are available daily at the hotel.

K-Zone The Star Hotel offers a terrace.

Novatel Hotel & Apartment 

Add: Hoàng Thế Thiện 135, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Set 3.3 km from Vincom Plaza Ngo Quyen, Novatel Hotel & Apartment offers accommodation with a shared lounge, a garden and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience. The aparthotel features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

Every unit has a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge.

A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Novatel Hotel & Apartment.

A terrace is available for guests at the accommodation to use.

Paloma Hotel & Apartment 

Add: Lot A3, Le Hong Phong Resettlement Area, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Set in Hai Phong, within 2.6 km of Vincom Plaza Ngo Quyen and 2.9 km of Hai Phong Opera House, Paloma Hotel & Apartment offers accommodation with a garden and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. All units feature a wardrobe.

Deluxe options

Manoir Des Arts Hotel 

Add: 64 Dien Bien Phu street, Hong Bang district, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Manoir Des Arts Hotel has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in Hai Phong. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.

All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel the rooms come with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Buffet and à la carte breakfast options are available every morning at Manoir Des Arts Hotel.

The accommodation also provides a business centre and guests can use the fax machine and photocopier at Manoir Des Arts Hotel.

Nam Cuong Hai Phong Hotel 

Add: 47 Lach Tray Street, Ngo Quyen Distict, Hai Phong, Vietnam

A 20-minute drive from Cat Bi International Airport, Nam Cuong Hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool. A spa and steam bath facilities are also available. Rooms offer free Wi-Fi.

Nam Cuong Hai Phong Hotel is 5 minutes’ on foot from the historical Quan Ngua Lake and Green Park.

Modern rooms are fitted with flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. A minibar and hairdryer are provided.

Guests can relax in the hot tub or get a pampering massage at the spa. A fitness centre is available for work out sessions. Car rental and currency exchange services are also offered.

Local Vietnamese delights and international cuisine can be enjoyed at Shinshin Restaurant and Lighthouse Café. Drinks are available in the bar.

Viet 4 Seasons Hotel 

Add: 275 Lach Tray, Ngo Quyen , Hai Phong, Vietnam

Set in Hai Phong, 4 km from Hai Phong Opera House, Viet 4 Seasons Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the various facilities of this property are a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel all rooms have a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

A continental breakfast is available every morning at Viet 4 Seasons Hotel.

The accommodation offers a sauna. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at Viet 4 Seasons Hotel.

The hotel also provides a business centre and guests can check the newspapers, use the fax machine and photocopier or use the on-site ATM machine at Viet 4 Seasons Hotel.

Because Hai Phong is a harbor city, fresh seafood is widely available for some of the most delicious dishes you have ever tasted. The most famous of the traditional Hai Phong foods rely on the daily catch for their main ingredients.

Banh Da Cua (Brown Noodles with Crab)

Chewy brown rice noodles and two types of crab meat cakes, pork balls, and beef simmer in a luscious broth cooked with greens. The soup is usually served with a plate of shredded lettuce and perilla leaves. Depending on the restaurant or street vendor, you might also get chilis and nuts added to your bowl. This is comfort food Hai Phong style, a light and delicious meal that will make your taste buds tingle.

Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Roll)

These square spring rolls are packed with a stuffing of ground crab meat, ground crab tile, lean pork, kohlrabi, carrot, ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, rice paper, vermicelli, and seasonings. The rolls are often served alongside rice vermicelli, lettuce, and chopped cucumber as well as a sweet-spicy-salty-sour dipping sauce. For fans of traditional cylindrical Vietnamese spring rolls (nem ran), nem cua be will not disappoint.

Cool Red Jellyfish Salad

Cool red jellyfish salad is the perfect antidote to the hot, sweltering days of Hai Phong’s summers. Red jellyfish is flavored with lemons, kumquats, and other seasonings before being sliced into bite-size chunks with a bamboo knife. The slices are served with grilled tofu, young coconut, mint, perilla, and shrimp paste.

Fish Noodle

The fish noodle in Hai Phong combines flavors of the sea with flavors of the countryside. Both saltwater and freshwater fish are used in this soup, including parts of the fish that Westerners usually don’t consider edible: the bladders, stomachs, and heads—all of which impart a unique and delicate flavor to the soup. Vegetables and noodles are added to the broth, making this a satisfying meal in a bowl.

Lau Cua Dong (Freshwater Crab Hotpot)

Nothing beats a bowl of hot soup in the winter, and lau cua dong is Hai Phong’s remedy for chilly weather. An aromatic bone broth is packed with freshwater crab meat, beef, fried fish, tofu, vegetables and mushrooms before being ladled into large bowls.

Siu Din

Cakes of pounded rice, sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut are boiled before being placed in a bowl and drenched in a sweet-salty sauce. This popular street food was brought to Hai Phong by Chinese immigrants living in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Travel distance from Hanoi to Hai Phong is about 120–130 km by land. There are 3 ways how you can get to Hai Phong from Hanoi - by bus, train or private taxi. The most cheapest way is to travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong by train (about $3–4, 2nd class hard or seat). Travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2.5 hours. Another popular and probably the best option is to travel by bus. Travel time by bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong is about 1,5–2 hours and the bus tickets are cheap, tickets start at $4–5/pp. You can also travel by private taxi/car to Hai Phong, taxi costs about $70–80 (vehicle) and it is the fastest and most comfortable way of traveling. There are no flights from Hanoi to Hai Phong. From Hai Phong you can travel also travel by bus to Ha Long City, Ha Long is about 45 km. There are also some boats from Hai Phong (Pha Binh port) to Cat Ba Island.

1. BUS from Hanoi to Hai Phong

• There are various buses from Hanoi to Hai Phong every day
• Comfortable and fast way of transport to Hai Phong City
• Travel by bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 1,5–2 hours
• one-way bus ticket from Hanoi to Hai Phong costs about $4–5/pp
• Bus companies from Hanoi to Hai Phong: Hai Au, Hoang Long…
• You will receive your bus e-ticket to Hai Phong by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus in Hanoi, read carefully the information before you book your bus tickets

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

2. TRAIN from Hanoi to Hai Phong

• Travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2,5 hours
• There are about 4 trains every day of Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Hai Phong
• one-way train ticket to Hai Phong costs about $3–6/pp, hard or soft seats
• Railway station in Hai Phong City - Hai Phong Railway Station (75 Lương Khánh Thiện)
• Railway station in Hanoi - Gia Lam Railway Station (481 Ngọc Lâm) or Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan)
• You will receive your train e-ticket to Hai Phong by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone present when boarding the train in Hanoi Railway Station

3. PRIVATE TAXI / Car from Hanoi to Hai Phong

• You can also travel by private taxi from Hanoi to Hai Phong
• Travel by private taxi from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 1,5–2 hours
• Private taxi from Hanoi to Hai Phong costs about $70–80, new comfortable vehicles and cars
• Private taxi company from Hanoi to Hai Phong: Dichung Taxi

Contact us to get more information