Hai Phong Travel Guide

Hai Phong is Vietnam’s third-largest city and the country’s most important northern port, sitting at the Red River Delta estuary about 120 kilometers east of Hanoi. Most international travelers know it primarily as the gateway to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Halong Bay archipelago, with its own national park, climbing scene, and beach resorts.

The city itself is more interesting than its reputation as a transit point suggests. The French colonial architecture in the Hai Phong city center: particularly the Opera House, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the streets between them, represents one of the most intact colonial-era streetscapes in northern Vietnam.

The food is genuinely good and distinct from Hanoi’s: “banh da cua” (red noodle crab soup) is a Hai Phong specialty that has not made it to international Vietnamese restaurants. And the city has a working industrial energy that distinguishes it from the more tourism-focused destinations elsewhere in the country.

Where Is Hai Phong Located?

• Status: One of five centrally administered municipalities in Vietnam; third-largest city
• Location: Red River Delta estuary, 120 km east of Hanoi
• Area: 3194.7 km²
• After 2025 provincial merger: Hai Phong city merged with Hai Duong province.
• Population: 4.664.124
• Population density: 1.153 person/km²
• Airport: Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), 7 km from the city center
• Known for: Cat Ba Island gateway, French colonial architecture, Lan Ha Bay, banh da cua, northern port industry
• Best for: Halong-Cat Ba access, colonial heritage, banh da cua, working Vietnamese city experience

One of three largest cities in Vietnam after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong is situated 120 km east of Hanoi and 20km from the sea. It was officially founded in 1888. The city lies on the bank of the Cam River and is a major international seaport of the North.

How to Get to Hai Phong

From Hanoi by expressway: About 120 km via the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway, 1.5 to 2 hours by private car. One of the most efficient road connections in northern Vietnam.

From Hanoi by train: Trains from Hanoi’s Long Bien station to Hai Phong station take about 2.5 hours. Cheaper than the bus and more comfortable.

From Hanoi by bus: Regular services from Gia Lam Bus Station take 2 to 2.5 hours.

By air: Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) receives direct domestic flights from HCMC (2 hours) and Da Nang, plus international flights from several Asian cities (including Bangkok, Seoul, and Chinese cities).

To Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong: Several routes operate: the Got-Cai Vieng ferry (the main route from the Got pier near Hai Phong, about 35 minutes), and speedboats from Ben Binh pier in central Hai Phong (about 45 minutes).

Best Time to Visit Hai Phong

October to April is the most comfortable period for the city itself: cool dry weather, manageable temperatures, and the best conditions for the Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay extensions.

May to September is the rainy season for northern Vietnam, with typhoon risk peaking in July to September. Cat Ba and the bay activities are affected by storms during this period.

November: The transition to winter coincides with the best clarity of the year and the lowest humidity. A consistently good month.

Top Things to Do in Hai Phong

1. Hai Phong Opera House and French Quarter

The Hai Phong Opera House, completed in 1904 in a similar style to its Hanoi and Saigon counterparts, anchors the colonial city center. The surrounding streets: Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoang Van Thu, and Tran Hung Dao, preserve a concentration of French colonial commercial buildings, government offices, and the Hai Phong Museum (housed in an early 20th-century French villa). A walking circuit through this district takes 1 to 2 hours.

2. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary (Hai Phong Cathedral)

Built between 1880 and 1885, the cathedral is one of the largest French-built churches in Vietnam, with a 35-meter bell tower and twin spires. The neo-Gothic exterior and the active Catholic congregation (Hai Phong has one of the largest Catholic communities in northern Vietnam) make this a more than touristic stop.

3. Du Hang Pagoda

About 2 km southwest of the city center, Du Hang is the oldest and most architecturally significant Buddhist pagoda in Hai Phong, founded in the 11th century with the current structure dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The interior contains a collection of Buddha statues and historical artifacts that give a useful introduction to northern Vietnamese Buddhist iconography. Less visited than equivalents in Hanoi.

4. Cat Ba Island

The main reason most travelers come to Hai Phong. Cat Ba is the largest island in the Halong Bay archipelago, with the Cat Ba National Park covering most of the island’s interior, the Lan Ha Bay karst seascape on its southern coast (often considered more beautiful and less crowded than Halong Bay proper), and the small Cat Ba Town as the main tourist hub.

The standard Cat Ba experience involves a day or overnight trip from Hai Phong with kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, visiting the floating fishing villages, and walking part of the Cat Ba National Park. For climbers, Cat Ba has become one of Southeast Asia’s most established rock climbing destinations, with limestone karst cliffs offering routes at every difficulty level.

5. Lan Ha Bay

The smaller bay south of Halong Bay, sharing the same geological character but with significantly fewer cruise boats and a more relaxed pace. About 300 islands in 7,000 hectares of protected sea. Most quality cruises now operate in Lan Ha Bay rather than Halong proper to avoid the crowds. Excellent for kayaking, swimming, and small-boat tours through the karst channels.

6. Do Son Beach

About 22 km from the city center, Do Son is Hai Phong’s main beach resort area. Less impressive than Vietnam’s southern beaches but a viable swimming and casino destination (the Do Son casino is one of the few legal gaming venues in Vietnam, restricted to foreign passport holders). The peninsula and the islands offshore have their own modest character.

Hai Phong Food

Banh Da Cua is Hai Phong’s defining dish, broad red rice noodles in a rich freshwater crab broth with field crab meat, sliced pork, fresh herbs, and chili. The red color of the noodles comes from a specific cooking and drying technique used only in the Hai Phong area; the noodle texture and the broth depth together make this a genuinely distinctive bowl. Find it at the morning market stalls and at Banh Da Cua Cay near the Cathedral.

Banh Mi Cay (small spicy banh mi) is the Hai Phong version of the Vietnamese baguette sandwich, significantly smaller than the standard “banh mi”, with a heavy emphasis on dried pork, chili, and the distinctive pâté preparation specific to the area. Sold at street stalls throughout the city, often eaten in multiples.

Nem Cua Be (square pork-and-crab spring rolls) is the Hai Phong-specific version of the Vietnamese spring roll, using crab meat from the Tonkin Gulf and shaped in a square rather than the usual cylinder.

The seafood at Cat Ba is fresh and good, order by weight from the floating restaurants and the Cat Ba Town beachfront restaurants.

Estimated Travel Costs in Hai Phong

Hai Phong is one of northern Vietnam’s most affordable cities for international travelers. Accommodation and food are priced below Hanoi; the main added costs come from Cat Ba Island access and the Lan Ha Bay cruise if included. The expressway from Hanoi has made the journey quick and private car costs very manageable.

Prices below are estimates for international travelers and may vary by season and booking time.

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation in Hai Phong (per night)	180,000 – 350,000 VND (~$7.09-$13.78)	450,000 – 1,200,000 VND (~$17.72-$47.24)	1,400,000 – 4,000,000 VND (~$55.12-$157.48)
Accommodation on Cat Ba (per night)	200,000 – 400,000 VND (~$7.87-$15.75)	600,000 – 1,800,000 VND (~$23.62-$70.87)	2,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND (~$78.74-$236.22)
Ferry Hai Phong-Cat Ba (return)	100,000 – 150,000 VND (~$3.94-$5.91)	150,000 – 250,000 VND (~$5.91-$9.84)	300,000 – 600,000 VND (~$11.81-$23.62)
Lan Ha Bay cruise (per person, day)	400,000 – 700,000 VND (~$15.75-$27.56)	800,000 – 1,800,000 VND (~$31.50-$70.87)	2,200,000 – 5,000,000 VND (~$86.61-$196.85)
Cat Ba National Park entry	60,000 VND (~$2.36)	60,000 VND (~$2.36)	60,000 VND (~$2.36)
Meal per person	25,000 – 60,000 VND (~$0.98-$2.36)	80,000 – 220,000 VND (~$3.15-$8.66)	300,000 – 800,000 VND (~$11.81-$31.50)
Grab / taxi Hanoi-Hai Phong (one way)	–	400,000 – 600,000 VND (~$15.75-$23.62)	700,000 – 1,200,000 VND (~$27.56-$47.24)
Rock climbing (half-day, Cat Ba)	–	500,000 – 900,000 VND (~$19.69-$35.43)	1,000,000 – 1,800,000 VND (~$39.37-$70.87)
Total 5-day trip	2,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND (~$79-$157)	6,500,000 – 14,000,000 VND (~$256-$551)	17,000,000 – 42,000,000 VND (~$669-$1,654)
Total 7-day trip	2,800,000 – 5,600,000 VND (~$110-$220)	9,100,000 – 19,600,000 VND (~$358-$772)	24,000,000 – 59,000,000 VND (~$945-$2,323)
Total 14-day trip	5,600,000 – 11,200,000 VND (~$220-$441)	18,200,000 – 39,200,000 VND (~$717-$1,543)	48,000,000 – 118,000,000 VND (~$1,890-$4,646)

Cat Ba Island accommodation costs significantly higher during Vietnamese summer holidays (June to August). Rock climbing gear rental and guide are additional. Always recheck costs at time of booking.

Hai Phong Travel Tips

• For Cat Ba Island access, the Got-Cai Vieng ferry is the practical route from Hai Phong city.
• The colonial-era city center is most pleasant in the early morning and evening; midday in summer is uncomfortable.
• Banh da cua is best in the morning; many vendors close by early afternoon.
• The Hai Phong-Hanoi Expressway has dramatically reduced travel times. The classic image of Hai Phong as a long detour from Hanoi no longer applies.
• For climbing, the Asia Outdoors operation in Cat Ba is the established expert resource for route guides and equipment.

Plan Your Hai Phong Trip with IDC Travel

We can include Hai Phong and Cat Ba as part of northern Vietnam itineraries with private transport and Lan Ha Bay cruise arrangements. Contact our team for options.