Hai Phong

Many visitors consider Hai Phong to be the "real" Vietnam, reminding them of Hanoi, Vietnam's capital many years ago and only about two and a half hours away by bus. Hai Phong is also a tourist hub, with good hydrofoil and ferry connections to Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, and many popular islets nearby. It was once an important international seaport and is now the country's fastest-growing industrial city.

Best time to visit Hai Phong:

Hai Phong has different beauty in each season, so you can choose the most suitable time based on your plan. However, the city is crowded most in June and July when the weather is the best to chill and relax on the beach.

Hai Phong attraction:

• Cat Ba Island: Located just off the coast of Hai Phong City, its beaches (named Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2) are ideal for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. If you don't like crowds, charter a speedboat or rent a kayak to Monkey Island or Lan Ha Bay, where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.
• Du Hang pagoda: Du Hang Buddhist Temple was founded in the 17th century by the Ly Dynasty and has undergone several reconstructions since then. It has a pagoda, a bell tower, many sophisticated carvings of guardians and Buddha images, beautiful gardens with an interesting bonsai collection, and some significant vintage objects.
• Nghe Temple: located not far from the Municipal Theatre, is more than just a religious site. It bears strong historical significance because it was dedicated to Le Chan, the founder of Hai Phong City. In the year 43 AD, Le Chan fought alongside Vietnamese national heroines, the Trung Sisters, against the Chinese. The temple began as a small shrine, but it was later rebuilt and expanded, and it has long been a significant religious site for many local worshipers. The stone works are one of the most impressive aspects of this location. They are fantastic.
• 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 French-influenced Municipal Theatre: 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.
• The Colonial Quarter: Despite suffering during the Vietnam War, Hai Phong has managed to retain its colonial charm, as seen along Dien Bien Phu Street and Tran Hung Dao Street. The Colonial Quarter is known for its interesting French-style architecture and broad avenues.
• The well-known Do Son Beach casino is only about 20 kilometers from Hai Phong. It is used to be a popular resort area for the French, Hai Phong is now popular among the Vietnamese—especially sun seekers traveling from Hanoi. It will be great to take time on the white sand beaches, visit the remains of an ancient clay tower and Buddhist temple on Ngoc Son Mountain.