Hai Phong

Hải Phòng

Vietnam's largest port city, Hai Phong serves as the gateway to Ha Long Bay and features colonial architecture, local seafood markets, and a vibrant waterfront. It offers authentic local culture with fewer tourists than Hanoi.

Things to do

• Du Hang Pagoda — An ancient Buddhist temple built into a hillside cave featuring carved Buddha statues and offering panoramic views of the city below.
• Hai Phong Opera House — A stunning French colonial building completed in 1912 that showcases Belle Époque architecture and occasionally hosts cultural performances.
• Ngo Quyen Street Waterfront — The city's atmospheric riverside promenade lined with colonial villas, local vendors, and views of the busy port and fishing boats.
• Hai Phong Museum — A compact museum displaying the city's maritime history, colonial period artifacts, and exhibits on the resistance war against French colonial rule.
• Cat Ba Island Day Trip — Take a ferry to nearby Cat Ba Island to explore limestone cliffs, hiking trails, and pristine beaches as a gateway to Ha Long Bay.
• Minh Chau Seafood Market — A bustling early-morning market where vendors sell fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and squid directly from fishing boats docked nearby.

Food to try

• Cua Hai Phong (Hai Phong Crab) — Sweet, tender crabs from local waters prepared steamed or in savory dishes, considered among Vietnam's finest crustaceans.
• Banh da cua (Crab paste cake) — A crispy flatbread sandwich filled with seasoned crab paste, egg, and fresh herbs that is a signature street food specialty.
• Com hen (Cockle rice) — A humble rice dish topped with small freshwater cockles, fried shallots, and a tangy dipping sauce found at street stalls throughout the city.
• Seafood at waterfront restaurants — Fresh grilled fish, prawns, and shellfish prepared simply with garlic and lime at casual dining establishments overlooking the harbor.
• Pho Hai Phong — The local version of beef pho featuring broth simmered with charred onions and served with fresh blood sausage and tripe.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect at temples and pagodas — Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces, dress modestly, and observe silence during prayer times or ceremonies you may encounter.
• Haggle at markets — Negotiating prices with vendors at seafood and street markets is expected and part of local shopping culture, especially for tourists.
• Port city work culture — Hai Phong's identity centers on maritime trade and fishing, so expect early mornings at markets and docks where locals conduct business before midday heat.
• French colonial heritage appreciation — The city retains French architectural influence throughout, and locals take pride in this history; showing interest in colonial buildings and history is appreciated.