Vietnam has emerged as a tourist favorite in recent years and while many prefer Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to other cities, Hai Phong is quintessentially Vietnam and deserves a place in your list. A popular tourist hub with many things to do in Hai Phong and ferry links to Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island and other islands make it a stellar destination. Add it to your list of places to visit in Vietnam in 2023. It won’t disappoint you for sure.
10 Best Things To Do In Hai Phong
Find below a list of the top 10 things to do in Hai Phong to help yourself plan this trip better and make it more enjoyable than it would have been!
- Cat Ba Island: Beach Hopping
- Hoi An Old Town: Go Cycling
- Hai Phong Museum: Peek Into Vietnam’s Past
- Municipal Theatre: Watch A Show
- Nghe Temple: Offer Prayers
- Hai Phong Restaurants: Enjoy Street Food
- Tam Bac Lake: Go Fishing
- Du Hang Pagoda: Seek Blessings
- Do Son Beach: Stay In A Seaside Resort
- Trang Kenh: Explore
1. Cat Ba Island: Beach Hopping
No tourist can ever visit Hai Phong without spending time at Cat Ba island which is pretty much the most famous attraction from Hai Phong! There are 367 islands in this stunning archipelago and Cat Ba stands out amongst all of them owing to its picturesque natural surroundings and calm weather which hovers around 25 degrees in summer. This is the perfect location if you want to go diving or swimming and there are three popular beaches for swimming that are frequented by many tourists because of the crystal clear water and seascape. Visiting this island is truly one of the most recommended things to do in Hai Phong Vietnam!
Location: Cat Ba Archipelago, Lan Ha Bay, Northern Vietnam
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2. Hoi An Old Town: Go Cycling
While we all agree that Hai Phong is not as loud and happening as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh or as ancient as Hoi An Old Town; there is something special about this place that makes it charming. The best way to discover these eccentricities is by hiring a cycle and going around “Tay City” or what is locally known as Pho Tay. Take the route from Hai Phong Opera House Theatre to Lac Long bridge and Tam Bac bank and click pictures when you reach the Ancient Village near Binh Ferry. Take a stop at the Cathedral and enjoy a cup of coffee as you watch the life of the locals unfold before your eyes. Lastly, enjoy the sunset on Tam Bac River to understand how slow and peaceful life can be in this city!
Price: INR 800 for half a day
3. Hai Phong Museum: Peek Into Vietnam’s Past
If you are wondering what to do in Hai Phong city, head to the Hai Phong Museum which was constructed way back in 1900 and features Gothic-style architecture. While the range of items displayed here is not exhaustive, it is very knowledgeable and gives one a deep look into what was the history of the city in ancient times. The timings of this museum are very different and hence the number of visitors flocking here will be fewer than other places, but it is a great museum to visit nonetheless!
Location: 11 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong 35000
Timings: 8 AM – 10:30 AM (Tuesday-Thursday) | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Wednesday-Sunday)
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4. Municipal Theatre: Watch A Show
One of the top things to do in Hai Phong is to watch a show at The Municipal Theatre or the Great Theatre which is located very conveniently, in the city center. This is a beautiful two-storied building which was built in 1904 and drew inspiration from French architecture with breathtaking interiors and a seating capacity of approximately 400 spectators. The entire feel of this place is very modern and features a big square, a pretty flower garden, water fountains and sparkling lights.
Location: 2 Hoàng Văn Thụ, Quang Trung, Hồng Bàng, Hải Phòng
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
5. Nghe Temple: Offer Prayers
One of the best things to do in Hai Phong is to visit the Nghe Temple which is much more than a religious site and has a strong history attached to it. It was built in devotion to the founder of Hai Phong City, Le Chan. She was a remarkable individual who fought the war against China and was declared a Vietnamese heroine, along with other female soldiers. What was a small shrine initially was later rebuilt and expanded and continues to be an important site for many local worshippers.
Location: Me Linh Ward, Le Chan District
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6. Hai Phong Restaurants: Enjoy Street Food
Being a coastal city, Hai Phong is known for another thing i.e. the lovely seafood here! Of all the popular dishes to try here, a few that you should definitely taste during your time there include Banh Da Cua which is basically a clear noodle soup with spinach, crab, onions and some other veggies. Other tourist favorites are Bun Ca, Nem Hai San etc. If you don’t have deep pockets and a tight budget for the trip, forego the fancy and luxurious restaurants and settle for the many street vendors and find a seat to gorge on the lip smacking food here!
7. Tam Bac Lake: Go Fishing
If you are thinking what to do at Hai Phong, head to the Tam Bac Lake which is located close to the old colonial quarter and enjoy a relaxing time there. In fact, it is a great destination in Vietnam to go fishing as well, for both beginners and experienced ones. The trees are perfectly lined along the banks of the lake and make it a perfect place to go for a walk.
Location: Ho tam Bac, Hai Phong
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8. Du Hang Pagoda: Seek Blessings
This popular Buddhist temple was established way back in the 17th century by the Ly Dynasty and has gone through many renovations over the years. Today as it stands, it features a pagoda, a bell tower, carvings of guardians, Buddha images, lovely gardens featuring a bonsai collection and some vintage articles. Visiting the Du Hang Pagoda is one of the most recommended things to do in Hai Phong city.
Location: 121 du Hang Street, Le Chan District, Hai Phong 35000
9. Do Son Beach: Stay In A Seaside Resort
If you are contemplating what to do in Hai Phong, head to Do Son which is a bustling coastal town in Hai Phong Province. This was once a well-known resort town during French colonial times and has many ocean-facing resorts and hotels today that make for a delightful stay. We suggest you to make bookings in advance because the resorts are mostly packed. You can also exchange your money at these resorts.
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10. Trang Kenh: Explore
Last but not the least, visit Trang Kenh which is a beautiful landscape owing to the many historical as well as archaeological factors that have contributed to it. This place features limestone caves, rivers, hills and water with poetic natural scenery and hence, makes for the perfect location to get your camera and click postcard-worthy pictures!
Location: Haiphong
Further Read: 10 Hotels In Hanoi That Offer True Vietnamese Hospitality
We know that after reading about these amazing things to do in Hai Phong, all you want to do is pack your luggage and head to Vietnam with your friends and family! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your 2023 holiday to Vietnam already.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Hai Phong
Is Hai Phong safe?
Yes, the city is safe for visitors, however, you should avoid going out during late hours. Avoid interacting with strangers and going to secluded areas at night.
Which is the capital of Vietnam?
Hanoi, also called as Ha Noi is the capital city of Vietnam. Located in northern Vietnam, the place features centuries-old architecural marvels and exclusive culture.
Is it safe to visit Hai Phong during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory safety guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Remain masked while stepping out and maintain social distance. Avoid visiting crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces.
What are the best places to visit in Hai Phong?
The following are the best places to visit in Hai Phong: 1. Cat Ba National Park - Natural Reserve 2. Lan Ha Bay - Natural Escape 3. Hai Phong Museum - Museum 4. ELephant Mountain - Natural Escape 5. Dao Vu Yen - Club 6. Tam Bac Lake - Lake
How do I get from Hanoi to Hai Phong?
One can either take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Hai Phong from Hanoi. The distance between the two cities is around 120 km.
How do you get from Haiphong to Halong Bay?
One can travel to Halong Bay from Haiphong via road and it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to reach.
How far is Hanoi from Haiphong?
Hanoi and Haiphong are around 120 km apart. The place can be reached by road and you can hire a cab or taxi, or board a bus to reach Hanoi.
How far is Halong Bay from Hai Phong?
Halong Bay is at a distance of around 62 km from Hai Phong. The place can be reached by road and you can hire a cab or taxi, or board a bus to reach Halong Bay.
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