Haiphong City
Major port city in northern Vietnam
Haiphong smells of salt and soy: a working port with French colonial blocks and busy seafood markets. Travelers use it as a gateway to Cat Ba and Halong, and to sample local crab dishes and street-side cha ca.
PlacesNeighbourhoods and where to base yourself
Neighbourhoods of Haiphong#
- Cat Ba: Island gateway to Lan Ha Bay for active travellers wanting kayaking and hiking.
Dining: Seafood Nightlife: Laid-back Shopping: Local Stays: Guesthouses- Cat Ba National Park: Rainforest park with trails and viewpoints for a quiet nature break.
- Ben Beo Harbour: Ferry terminal providing the easiest access onto the island.
- Hospital Cave: Wartime cave complex turned museum revealing surprising history.
- Cat Ba Town: Low-key town hub for boat tours, seafood and tour booking.
- Old Quarter: Compact riverside district ideal for first-time visitors wanting cafés, markets and ferries.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Calm Shopping: Markets Stays: Mid-Range- Bach Dang Wharf: Riverside promenade for evening walks and street snacks.
- Tam Bac Lake: Small green lake where locals stroll and photographers linger.
- Hai Phong Museum: Local history museum with quirky exhibits explaining the port’s past.
- Hai Phong Cathedral: Stately French-colonial church with a quiet plaza.
- Lê Chân: Practical, lived-in district for travellers needing transport access and local commerce.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: Local Bars Shopping: Malls Stays: Mixed- Lê Chân Market: Bustling market for fresh produce, snacks and cheap clothes.
- Cat Bi International Airport: The city airport, convenient for flights into Hải Phòng.
- AEON Mall Lê Chân: Modern mall with shops, cinemas and food courts.
- Đồ Sơn: Seaside weekend escape with beaches, resorts and seafood, best for short trips.
Dining: Seafood Nightlife: Seasonal Shopping: Souvenirs Stays: Resorts- Do Son Beach: Sandy beach popular for weekend swimming among locals.
- Do Son Resort Area: Older seaside hotels and promenades that become busy in summer.
- Local Seafood Stalls: Small near-shore restaurants serving simple, fresh seafood.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Currently it is the low season, with temperatures ranging from 24-31°C (75-88°F).
September
September in Haiphong is one of the wetter months, with sticky, low-season weather. Days feel warm and muggy and rain is common, so outdoor plans often get interrupted. That keeps crowds small and prices lower; good for cheaper rooms and quieter streets. Focus on covered markets, museums and sheltered waterfronts rather than long boat trips, and carry a light rain jacket.
Next 3 Months
October eases humidity and sees middling rain. November brings high season with drier, comfortable weather, and December stays cool and drier, with more visitors and firmer prices, so plan to book accommodation earlier.
Haiphong at a Glance#
Costs: Budget: $25-45 per day - local meals and transport are cheap; midrange hotels raise daily costs.
Safety: Generally safe, petty theft possible - low violent crime; watch pickpockets and bag-snatching in busy areas.
Best Time: Best months: March-April, September-November - mild weather, lower rainfall, best for beaches and island trips.
Haiphong is Vietnam’s major northeastern port city with gritty colonial architecture, bustling shipyards and a celebrated seafood culture. It’s a practical gateway to Cat Ba Island, Do Son beaches and nearby Ha Long Bay.
Getting around: Use Grab for car and motorbike rides, or traditional xe ôm from Ngo Quyen to Le Chan; minibuses link Haiphong to Cat Bi Airport and Cat Ba.
Infrastructure & convenience: Central districts like Ngo Quyen and Le Chan have cash machines, decent mobile signal and compact streets; ferries from Hai Phong port to Cat Ba run frequently.
Local tips: Remove shoes at pagodas like Du Hang Pagoda; wear helmets on motorbikes, haggle gently at Cho Tam market, and use Zalo to communicate with locals.
Dining: Don’t miss bánh đa cua (Hai Phong crab noodle) in Lach Tray area; seafood stalls at Do Son and market stalls in Cho Tam serve local flavors.
Why Visit Haiphong?#
An industrious port with a strong seafood culture, Haiphong offers coastal energy and easy access to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay. Sample the city’s signature bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup) at bustling street stalls and wander past French colonial landmarks like the Opera House and old railway quarters. Do Son’s beaches and local fishing markets reveal everyday maritime life, while compact neighborhoods invite atmospheric evening walks and a lively café scene.
Who's Haiphong For?#
Haiphong has quiet riverside promenades and a handful of intimate cafés in Ngo Quyen district - good for relaxed date nights. Couples often use it as a stepping stone to Cat Ba Island for secluded beaches and boat trips; romantic sunsets are easy to find.
Families find Haiphong practical rather than flashy: there are city parks like Cau Rao and Vincom Plaza with family-friendly shops and cinemas. The real family draw is proximity - ferries to Cat Ba and Halong Bay make day trips or overnight stays straightforward.
Backpackers will notice Haiphong’s low prices and basic guesthouses; the hostel scene is thin but cheap homestays exist in Ngo Quyen and Hong Bang districts. It’s mostly a transport hub - use it for budget ferries and buses to Cat Ba, Lan Ha and Ha Long.
Digital nomads get low living costs and plenty of cafés with Wi‑Fi in central Haiphong, but reliable high-speed internet and formal coworking spaces are limited. If you need consistent upload speeds or visas, it’s easier to base in Hanoi and commute when needed.
Food lovers adore Haiphong for bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup), fresh seafood markets and late-night street stalls around Le Chan Market. Local specialties like nem cua be and grilled squid are wallet-friendly - explore small alleys in Ngo Quyen for authentic tastes.
Adventure seekers use Haiphong as a launch point for Cat Ba’s rock-climbing, jungle hiking, and sea-kayaking in Lan Ha Bay. Within an hour you can be on boats, but arranging multi-day treks or climbing guides usually means heading to Cat Ba Island rather than staying in the city.
Party animals won’t find big club scenes in Haiphong - nightlife centers on casual bars, KTVs and late-night seafood joints in Le Chan and Ngo Quyen. For full-on clubbing or music festivals, most people jump to Hanoi or seasonal beach parties on Do Son.
Nature fans appreciate Haiphong for quick access to Cat Ba National Park, Lan Ha Bay, and Do Son beaches - biodiversity and limestone karsts are nearby. The city itself has parks like Hoang Van Thu, but the real nature comes after a short boat ride.
Plan Your Visit to Haiphong#
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Haiphong#
Haiphong Bucket List#
Tam Bac Lake - Tam Bac Lake: central waterfront with riverside promenades and evening city life.
Du Hang Pagoda - Du Hang Pagoda is a centuries-old Buddhist temple with intricate woodwork and rituals.
Hai Phong Opera House - Hai Phong Opera House, a French colonial theater hosting concerts and cultural performances.
Hai Phong Museum - Hai Phong Museum showcases local history, maritime artifacts, and archaeological finds.
Do Son Beach - Do Son Beach offers sandy shores, seafood stalls, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Bach Dang Wharf (Cong vien Bach Dang) - Bach Dang Wharf’s riverside park is perfect for evening strolls and local gatherings.
Lach Tray Street - Lach Tray Street’s cafés offer lively coffee culture and excellent people-watching away from tourist routes.
Hai Phong Night Market - Hai Phong Night Market sells seafood delicacies, grilled snacks, and local souvenirs late-night.
Hang Kenh Fishing Village (Lighthouses area) - Small fishing hamlets near Haiphong reveal everyday coastal life and fresh seafood markets.
Cat Ba Island and Cat Ba National Park - Cat Ba Island and its national park feature limestone karsts, jungle trails, and wildlife.
Ha Long Bay - Ha Long Bay’s karst islands are reachable from Haiphong within about two hours by road.
Do Son Peninsula - Do Son Peninsula combines beaches, hilltop temples, and weekend amusement activities for families.
Tuan Chau / Bai Chay (Ha Long area) - Tuan Chau and Bai Chay provide convenient boat departures to the main Ha Long attractions.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Haiphong#
Visit Haiphong between November and March when the weather is cool and mostly dry, ideal for exploring the port city and nearby Cat Ba Island. Avoid the intense monsoon rains in summer unless you don’t mind heat and frequent heavy showers.
November - March
12-22 °C (54-72 °F)
Crisp, mostly dry weather makes sightseeing and boat trips pleasant; occasional chilly mornings mean a light jacket, but crowds are low and travel feels easy.
April - May
25-35 °C (77-95 °F)
Hot, humid days before monsoon bring sweaty exploring and hazy skies; good for early-morning outings, but mid-afternoon walking around the port can feel oppressive.
June - October
24-32 °C (75-90 °F)
Heavy monsoon rains, short intense downpours and high humidity-boat schedules can be disrupted, but landscapes are lush and island ferries offer dramatic, moody scenery if you don’t mind wet weather.
Haiphong's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1751 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 22 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| February | Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 39 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.4h |
| March | Very Good | 18° - 23° | 20° | 49 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 21° - 27° | 24° | 79 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.5h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 193 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 37° | 257 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 37° | 289 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.1h |
| August | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 35° | 371 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 32° | 287 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
| December | Very Good | 15° - 23° | 19° | 24 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.8h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
How to Get to Haiphong#
Haiphong is served directly by Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) and by rail at Haiphong Railway Station (Ga Hải Phòng); many international travellers transfer via Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and continue by bus or train. The city is a gateway to nearby islands (Cat Ba) and is well connected to Hanoi by frequent road and rail services.
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH): Cat Bi is the city’s airport, a short drive from the centre. The most practical options are metered taxis or Grab - expect about 120,000-200,000 VND and roughly 15-25 minutes to the central districts depending on traffic. There are also local airport shuttle/minibus services that take longer (20-40 minutes) for lower fares.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): Hanoi’s Noi Bai handles most international flights; from there you need to continue to Haiphong by road or rail. A taxi or airport shuttle to Hanoi city centre takes about 30-60 minutes (≈300,000-500,000 VND), then intercity buses to Haiphong take ~2-2.5 hours (typical fares 100,000-170,000 VND) or trains from Hanoi to Haiphong take around 2-3 hours (see train section for fares). Direct commercial airport-to-Haiphong scheduled transfers are uncommon-most travellers connect via Hanoi.
Train: Haiphong Railway Station (Ga Hải Phòng) is the city terminus for trains from Hanoi. Trains typically depart from Hanoi (usually Gia Lâm station for this route) and take about 2-3 hours to reach Haiphong; fares vary by class and service but are commonly in the range of ~80,000-180,000 VND for standard seats/berths.
Bus: Regular intercity buses run between Hanoi and Haiphong, departing from several Hanoi terminals (My Dinh and others) and arriving at Haiphong bus stations such as Cầu Rào. Journey time is roughly 2-3 hours depending on traffic; ticket prices are generally in the 100,000-170,000 VND range, with higher-priced ‘limousine’/VIP coaches available for more comfort.
How to Get Around Haiphong#
Haiphong’s centre is compact, so taxis or Grab are usually the most practical and comfortable way to get around quickly; motorbike taxis are the fastest option in heavy traffic. Use local buses for the cheapest travel, trains for reliable intercity trips to Hanoi, and ferries if you plan to visit Cat Ba or the nearby coast.
- Public bus (7,000-15,000 VND) - Haiphong has a network of local city buses connecting main districts and some suburban routes. Buses are very cheap and useful for longer intra-city trips, but they can be slow and schedules/routes are not always easy for visitors to navigate in English-ask at your hotel or use a local app for routes. Expect basic, no-frills service.
- Taxi & Grab (40,000-200,000 VND) - Metered taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun-style brands and local firms) and Grab (car) are the most convenient ways to get around quickly and reliably. Taxis are reasonably priced for short rides across the city - always ask to use the meter or confirm a price up front. Grab can be cheaper and easier for card/online payments and provides real-time price estimates.
- Motorbike taxi (Xe ôm / GrabBike) (20,000-80,000 VND) - Xe ôm (independent motorbike taxis) and GrabBike are the fastest way to weave through Haiphong’s traffic for short trips and are widely available. With GrabBike you get a quoted fare; with street xe ôm you should agree a price beforehand. Good option for single travellers or when you need to save time during rush hour.
- Train (regional & commuter) (80,000-180,000 VND) - Regional trains connect Haiphong with Hanoi and other points; Haiphong Railway Station is the main hub. Trains are comfortable for intercity travel and can be a relaxed alternative to buses, especially if you prefer a fixed schedule and table seats. Book in advance for weekends/holidays when services fill up.
- Ferry & boat to Cat Ba and the coast (80,000-200,000 VND) - Haiphong is the main mainland gateway for ferries and fast boats to Cat Ba Island and other coastal destinations. Services vary from conventional ferries to faster passenger boats; travel times are typically under 1.5 hours depending on the route and vessel. If you’re island-bound, check schedules in advance and allow time for transfers to the ferry terminals.
- Walking - Haiphong’s central districts are compact enough to explore on foot-good for short visits, riverside promenades and the main market and cathedral areas. Pavements can be uneven and traffic busy, so take care when crossing streets and keep valuables secure.
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Where to Eat in Haiphong#
Haiphong’s food scene is built around the sea: crab-forward dishes and sharply seasoned fish soups rule the streets. The city’s signature, bánh đa cua, pops up in steaming bowls along Lạch Tray and around the markets; another must-try is nem cua bể, the deep-fried sea-crab spring roll that locals will argue is best eaten with a squeeze of lime and thin rice noodles. Bún cá (fish vermicelli) is another local staple - lighter but full of umami.
Markets and riverside neighborhoods are where the city eats: Chợ Sắt and the Cát Bi area are full of stalls serving breakfast to late-night crowds, while Tam Bạc’s riverfront hosts family-style seafood restaurants. If you’re coming from Hanoi, expect simpler, saltier flavors and an emphasis on fresh shellfish - and don’t be shy about hopping from stall to stall to try slightly different spins on the same classics.
Haiphong is a seafood-first city - think bracing bowls of bánh đa cua and crunchy nem cua bể. Hunt stalls along Lạch Tray and the markets for the most authentic, no-fuss versions.
- Bánh đa cua stalls on Lạch Tray - Hearty crab noodle soup, rich broth, local favorite
- Nem cua bể stalls at Chợ Sắt - Crispy sea-crab spring rolls, often eaten with rice
- Bún cá vendors at Cát Bi Market - Spicy fish vermicelli, tangy broth, fresh herbs
- Ốc stalls on Cầu Đất Street - Sautéed, grilled or steamed, chili-garlic sauces available
Beyond local seafood you’ll find international chains and a handful of riverside restaurants catering to tourists and families. Malls like Vincom gather Western and pan-Asian options when you want a break from hometown flavors.
- KFC (various outlets, e.g., Lạch Tray area) - Familiar fast-food option, quick and predictable meal
- Pizza Hut (mall outlets in Haiphong) - American-style pizza, good if craving Western flavors
- Highlands Coffee / The Coffee House (Vincom Plaza) - Coffee, sandwiches, air-conditioned spot for a break
- Tam Bạc riverside seafood restaurants - Seafood with river views, family-style platters common
Vegetarian eating in Haiphong leans practical - market chay stalls and mall food courts cover most needs. For a quieter, traditional experience, try the modest chay eateries near temples and pagodas.
- Vegetarian stalls in Chợ Sắt market - Budget-friendly chay dishes, tofu and vegetable specialties
- Food-court vegetarian options at Vincom Plaza - Multiple stalls offer vegetarian Vietnamese and international choices
- Simple chay eateries near Dư Hàng Pagoda - Buddhist-style meals: rice, soup, seasonal vegetables
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Haiphong’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
Shopping in Haiphong#
Haiphong is a working port with a pragmatic shopping culture: the market stalls and seafood shops are the heart of the city while a handful of modern malls handle brand-name and grocery shopping. The city is best known for its seafood-both fresh and dried-and for lively local markets where you can buy everything from kitchen staples to inexpensive clothing. Expect straightforward vendors who move quickly; this is not a place for leisurely window-shopping but for efficient purchases and good value.
Bargaining is normal at wet markets and independent stalls-start about 30-50% below the asking price, keep negotiations friendly, and be ready to walk away. Always carry small notes and coins, check scales and weights when buying produce or seafood, and inspect dried products for freshness and proper packaging before you buy. If you prefer fixed pricing and air-conditioning, head to AEON Mall or the city’s larger supermarkets; avoid haggling there. Practical tip: visit markets early in the morning for the best seafood, bring a reusable bag and a cooler if you plan to transport perishable goods, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Modern, air-conditioned malls are where locals go to escape the heat and find reliable brands; expect fixed prices and seasonal sales. Good for electronics, branded clothing and an easy food court meal.
- AEON Mall Hải Phòng Lê Chân - large Japanese mall with food court
- Big C Hải Phòng - discount supermarket for groceries and basics
- Vincom Plaza Hải Phòng - mall with mid-range Vietnamese brands
The markets are the real Haiphong shopping experience-noisy, efficient and full of seafood and produce. Go early for the best catches, bring small bills and expect to bargain at stalls.
- Chợ Tam Bạc (Tam Bac Market) - fresh seafood, produce and local snacks
- Chợ Hàng Kênh (Hang Kenh Market) - traditional market for clothes and household goods
- Chợ Cầu Rào (Cau Rao Market) - busy neighborhood market, cheap everyday items
- Chợ Cát Bi (Cat Bi Market) - near airport, good for travel essentials
Haiphong shops specialize in fresh and dried seafood-this city is about salt, smoke and strong flavours. Inspect packaging carefully, ask about origin, and pack items into sealed luggage when flying.
- Đồ Sơn market (Do Son Market) - coastal market known for freshly caught seafood
- Tam Bac dried-seafood stalls - rows of dried squid, shrimp and anchovies
- Local seafood wholesalers on Lạch Tray - bulk seafood for restaurants and families
If you want tailored clothing or locally styled pieces, go to the tailor shops and small boutiques rather than chain stores. Bring photos, be clear about fabrics, and allow time for fittings.
- Lạch Tray street boutiques - mid-range boutiques and local designer shops
- Ngô Quyền tailors and áo dài shops - made-to-measure áo dài and tailoring services
- Small boutiques around Lê Chân district - independent shops, accessories and shoes
Living & WorkingExpat life, digital nomads and long stays
Living in Haiphong#
Haiphong is an industrial port city where long-term living options include renting furnished apartments, working under an employer-sponsored permit, or obtaining longer-stay business/temporary residence documentation. Short stays use Vietnam e-visa (single-entry, up to 30 days, fee US$25) or visa-on-arrival with a pre-approval letter; for multi-month to multi-year residence you’ll typically need a business (DN) visa, a work permit issued by a Vietnamese employer, or a temporary residence card tied to employment, investment, or family ties.
Accommodation is affordable: central studios and one-bedrooms commonly rent for about $200-400 (≈4.5-9 million VND) per month; two-bedrooms go higher. Expect to pay a 1-2 month deposit and sign 6-12 month leases for best rates. Healthcare options include public hospitals like Viet Tiep and private international clinics such as Vinmec Hai Phong; for specialized care many expats travel to Hanoi. Basic monthly living costs (rent, utilities, groceries) for a modest single-person lifestyle typically fall in the $400-700 range depending on comfort level.
- Ngo Quyen - City center, markets, 1BR $200-350/mo
- Le Chan - Busy commercial district, budget rentals, good transport
- Do Son - Seaside district, seasonal rentals, villas available
- Hong Bang - Administrative area, quieter streets, mid-range apartments
- An Duong - Suburban feel, cheaper rents, more motorbike use
- Viet Tiep Hospital (Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Tiệp) - Major public hospital, broad specialist services
- Vinmec Hai Phong - Private international-standard care, English-friendly staff
- Hai Phong Obstetrics & Pediatrics services - Local maternal and child health services
- Do Son Beach - Outdoor running, cycling routes, seaside access
- Local private clinics - Walk-in clinics, lower cost, limited English
- Rent - Studio/1BR $200-400 (4.5-9M VND)/mo
- Utilities - Electricity+water $30-80/mo, AC raises bills
- Internet - Fiber 50-100 Mbps, 200k-400k VND/month
- Eating out - Street meal $1.5-3, midrange dinner $6-12
- Transport - Motorbike purchase 10-25M VND, taxis affordable
Digital Nomads in Haiphong#
Haiphong works for nomads who prefer lower costs and quieter port-city life while still having decent internet and café culture. Dedicated coworking facilities are fewer than in Vietnam’s largest cities, so remote workers commonly use chain cafés, mall cafés or hotel business centers. Typical fiber plans in the city offer 50-150 Mbps at roughly 200k-400k VND per month, and mobile 4G/4G+ from Viettel, VNPT or Mobifone is a reliable fallback.
Expect daily work setups in cafés (coffee ~25k-50k VND) or short-term hotel stays; day passes at formal coworking spaces (when available) usually cost around $3-7, with monthly memberships in Vietnam commonly ranging $50-100 where offered.
- Highlands Coffee (multiple branches) - Chain cafés, reliable Wi‑Fi, plenty of outlets
- The Coffee House - Popular chain, large tables, steady internet
- Vincom Plaza cafés - Mall cafés, AC, power outlets, central location
- Hotel lobbies & business centers - Stable Wi‑Fi, comfortable seating, day pass option
- Local independent cafés - Friendly spots for remote work, vary in speed
- Viettel - Major ISP, fiber widely available, good support
- VNPT - Stable fiber plans, common in apartments
- Mobifone - Mobile data, wide coverage, 4G/4G+ speeds
- Local fiber packages - 50-100 Mbps typical, 200k-400k VND/month
- Mobile 4G/4G+ - Useful backup, speeds vary 20-50 Mbps
- Hai Phong Expats (Facebook group) - Local expat info, housing and meetup posts
- Vietnam Digital Nomads (Facebook) - Regional community, remote-work tips and events
- Local cafes meetups - Informal gatherings, check Facebook group posts
- English-language centers - Good for networking, local teaching opportunities
- Weekend trips to Hanoi - Bigger meetup scenes, networking events nearby
Demographics