Explore the top 10 most captivating tourist destinations in Hai Phong

Cat Ba Island is part of the Cat Ba archipelago, located in Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city – a renowned coastal city in Vietnam. Formerly part of Cat Ba district, it merged with Cat Hai district in 1977 to form the new Cat Hai district. Previously, the island belonged to Quang Yen province and later Hong Quang district, moving to Hai Phong city in 1956.

The Cat Ba archipelago comprises 367 islands, with Cat Ba Island situated south of Ha Long Bay, off the coast of Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh province. It is approximately 30 km from the city center of Hai Phong and 25 km from Ha Long city. Administratively, the archipelago is part of Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city. This area has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The infrastructure is well-developed with numerous hotels, guesthouses, resorts, temples, and notably, the entire island area has been equipped with WiFi stations by the Hai Phong city.

Cat Ba archipelago has coordinates 106°52′- 107°07′E, 20°42′- 20°54′N. It covers an area of nearly 300 km² with a population of 8,400 people (as of 1996). Other small islands include Cat Ong Island, Cat Duoi Island, May Island, Quai Xa Island, Tai Keo Island, and more. Cat Ba, also known as Ngoc Island, is the largest island among the 1,969 islands in Ha Long Bay. According to local legend, Cat Ba was originally pronounced as Cac Ba because, at one point, the women here took care of logistics for the men fighting the enemy on a nearby island called Cac Ong (Cat Ong) Island. So, Cat Ba is a mispronunciation of Cac Ba.

Cat Ba is a beautiful and poetic island, situated at an average elevation of 70m above sea level (fluctuating between 0–331 m). On the island, there is the town of Cat Ba to the southeast (overlooking Lan Ha Bay) and 6 communes: Gia Luan, Hien Hao, Phu Long, Tran Chau, Viet Hai, and Xuan Dam.

The Hòn Dấu Resort spans over 120 hectares with a landscape design that gracefully meanders along the contours of the mountain range, embracing both the sea and the hills. The tourist area includes the expanded sea area of Hòn Dấu Island covering approximately 54 hectares (Zone A) and the extended sea area of Đồ Sơn Peninsula with a usage area of over 60 hectares (Zone B).

The Hòn Dấu Resort, designed by renowned architects, features a fluid and harmonious spatial layout that blends seamlessly with the natural terrain, sea, and the vibrant spectrum of recreational activities. The seafront area is enveloped by two sturdy embankment layers. Zone B's first embankment layer is designed to ensure the permanence of structures, with the second embankment layer positioned 100 meters away from the first, encircling the project to ensure absolute safety against severe typhoons of level 15 – 16.

Visitors to The Hòn Dấu Resort will be mesmerized by the largest saltwater filtered wave pool in Asia. This pool, set amidst a space exuding a distinct Dalat style, has made Hòn Dấu seemingly one of the favored destinations in Hai Phong. It is an ideal destination for domestic and international tourists alike.

With the aim of becoming a modern, ecologically sustainable tourism and resort center of regional and global significance, meeting the principles of sustainable development and maximizing the tourism potential of Đồ Sơn – Hòn Dấu Island, it stands as an appealing and secure destination for all domestic and international travelers.

Experience the romantic natural scenery of a miniature Dalat at The Hòn Dấu Resort. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters that carry the tantalizing saltiness of the sea. Undoubtedly, this will be an interesting choice for your weekend, catering to the enjoyment of your entire family. Go ahead, and feel it for yourself!

Đồ Sơn Beach is undoubtedly the pride of the people of Hai Phong city. Đồ Sơn is likened to a dragon crawling towards the East Sea, intertwining mountains, hills, and sea. The dragon's body gracefully bends, creating a winding path through the forest, and as it protrudes towards the sea, it adds an extra allure. At every turn, a beach is formed.

Đồ Sơn Beach is divided into three main areas, with a smooth asphalt road running along the coastline connecting Zones 1, 2, and 3. The sea here may not be as clear as other beaches due to its location between two river mouths, but its moderate salinity helps prevent sunburn even when swimming in Đồ Sơn Beach at noon.

Đồ Sơn Beach Zone 1 is close to the residential area at the beginning of Đồ Sơn district. Here, there are many food stalls, restaurants, and hotels. Although fewer people swim due to the large waves and the rocky terrain with sharp shells, there is a seawall running along the beach corridor, an ideal place to admire the picturesque sunrise. Particularly, the square project in Zone 1 Đồ Sơn covers an area of 2400m2, adorned with eye-catching flower landscapes, serving as a space for organizing large tourism events. This area is also near the historic site of Hang Coc Tu Pagoda, convenient for tourists to combine sightseeing.

Đồ Sơn Beach Zone 2 is the main bathing area, attracting the most visitors, with a long stretch of fine sand suitable for swimming, recreation, and water sports such as canoeing and parasailing. The highlight of Zone 2 Đồ Sơn is the Bao Dai Villa with majestic architecture, offering accommodation for tourists to experience the forbidden feeling of a bygone era in the bedrooms of kings, queens, princesses, and princes, creating an interesting impression in the system of hotels on Đồ Sơn Beach. This area also has the historical site of Leaning Pier and the Rainbow Market with many seafood specialties and souvenirs.

Đồ Sơn Beach Zone 3 is quieter, surrounded by hundreds of attractions in the Hon Dau International Tourism Area such as the wave pool, resorts, restaurants, shopping centers, children's play area, mini golf, fishing, and boat racing.

Not far away is the legendary Casino and the countless K15 mythical shipyard. Visiting Đồ Sơn Beach is also an opportunity for you to enjoy various delicious fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, fish, squid, oysters, jellyfish salad, clams, sun-dried tuna, and the famous local dish called 'gia be' (sea grapes), with a blend of flavors, deliciously sweet, spicy, and a slightly crispy texture.

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm (1491 – 1585), also known as Hanh Phu, with the courtesy name Bạch Vân cư sĩ, was born into an aristocratic family in Cổ Am village, Vĩnh Lại district, Hải Dương province (now Vĩnh Bảo district, Hai Phong City). In 1535, he passed the Trạng nguyên examination and served as an official under the Mạc dynasty, holding the position of Tả thị lang. In 1543, witnessing the abuse of power, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm dared to denounce 18 degenerate feudal lords, attempting rebellion but was not approved by the king. He reported to retirement in his hometown, established Bạch Vân temple, opened a school, composed poetry, and conducted historical research. Many of his students became famous generals, Trạng nguyên such as Phùng Khắc Khoan, Lương Hữu Khánh, Nguyễn Quyền, etc. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm was also a prominent philosopher in Vietnam. He was skilled in numerology, hailed by the people as the number one 'prophet' in Vietnam, with a series of prophecies for future generations known as the 'Thunder of Trạng Trình.'

To commemorate Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's contributions, descendants and villagers have built a historical site with various structures to worship and display artifacts related to his life and career.

Passing through the triple gate with the Han characters 'Trung Am từ' (Trung Am temple), there is the main temple dedicated to Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm. The temple was built after Trạng Trình's death (1585), covering an area of over 4 hectares. It consists of three sections built on the old foundation of Trạng Trình, where the statue and altar of Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm are located. The statue, made of wood, depicts Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm sitting on a throne, wearing the royal dragon robe, a conical hat, and holding a scroll as if lecturing poetry to his students. In front of the temple is the Thái Nhâm lake, approximately 1,000m², with a bridge crossing it. On the land between the lake and the temple, there is a stone stele erected in Vinh Huyu's year (1736), recording the process and names of those who contributed to the construction of the temple.

Behind the temple are three thatched-roof houses, simulating Bạch Vân temple, where Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm taught, composed poetry after his retirement. Near Bạch Vân temple is a 5.7m high statue of Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, weighing 8.5 tons, made of granite. The statue depicts him sitting, holding a pen and a book, dressed in Confucian attire, displaying simplicity. Additionally, there are two meticulously designed bas-reliefs, each about 5m high and 20m long. The first relief portrays Trạng Trình's life and career from childhood to old age, while the second depicts a historical period of the local area from the French colonial invasion to the present.

Not far from Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's temple are the grave of Mr. Nguyễn Văn Định, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's biological father; the Bút Kình Thiên tower, said to be built by students to praise Trạng Trình's talent; Song Mai Pagoda; the temple of Mrs. Minh Nguyệt (Trạng Trình's second wife); the historical site of Quán Trung Tân, and more. Particularly, within the historical site's compound is a statue garden depicting Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's life and the scenes of ancient teaching, creating a familiar and lively atmosphere.

Today, the Trạng Trình Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm historical site is splendidly built, hosting large festivals to commemorate the birth (10/4 lunar calendar) and death (28/11 lunar calendar) anniversaries of the cultural celebrity Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors to offer incense and pay tribute.

Cao Linh Pagoda has long been a renowned tourist attraction in Hải Phòng, drawing visitors from near and far with its majestic and unique architecture. Every year, it welcomes thousands of tourists for sightseeing and worship.

According to historical records, the pagoda may have been built by the Lê Văn family in Hà Liên village, with stone steles inside the pagoda recording renovations during the Later Lê dynasty over 300 years ago. Cao Linh Pagoda covers an area of about 49,000 m2, strategically located at the western gateway of Hải Phòng, approximately 12 km from the city center.

The pagoda is situated on National Highway 10, the main route connecting provinces such as Thái Bình, Nam Định, Quảng Ninh, with National Highway 5 linking Hải Phòng to Hà Nội at its rear. In front of the pagoda is the Thiên Văn mountain range in Kiến An, and behind it is the Hà Liên River.

Initially, the pagoda was built with three front halls, two rear halls, five ancestral halls, and three four-roof kitchens, primarily to accommodate traveling pilgrims. During the resistance against the French, the pagoda actively participated in anti-French activities alongside the communist forces. The pagoda suffered a fire set by the French, destroying 20 halls. Only in 2001, thanks to the grace of the Buddha, the leadership of the Buddhist Church, and the approval of the local authorities, the pagoda was entrusted to Most Venerable Thích Thanh Giác, deputy head of the Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee of Hải Phòng Buddhist Church and abbot of Phổ Chiếu Pagoda in Hải Phòng City. With the leadership of Most Venerable Thích Giác Nghiên, plans were made for renovation and repair, restoring the pagoda to its present appearance.

Today, under the guidance of the Venerable Thích Giác Nghiên, Cao Linh Pagoda has a more complete design with the Great Hung Palace - Five Gate Gate - Garden Tower - Arhat Hall - Pilgrimage Road - Meditation Hall - Buddha Meditation Road, and other facilities. With its unique architectural style deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition, the pagoda is the focal point of religious activities and hosts various cultural events, summer camps, and meditation retreats for both Buddhists and the general public.

Hon Dau Island is one of Hải Phòng's famous tourist destinations, known for its breathtaking scenery reminiscent of a heavenly landscape. The serene atmosphere allows visitors to connect with nature, surrounded by lush greenery on both sides of the central road, creating a mystical forest-like ambiance. Undoubtedly, this trip will leave an unforgettable impression on every traveler.

The climate on Hon Dau Island is distinctly divided into four seasons, each offering its unique beauty. Generally, you can visit Hon Dau at any time of the year, but according to travel experiences to Hon Dau, it is recommended to visit from April to July each year. This period corresponds to the summer season, with warm weather ideal for beach activities and exploring the pristine forests of Hon Dau.

Key attractions to explore:

• Nam Hai Thanh Vuong Temple: A must-visit spot when traveling to Hon Dau is the Nam Hai Thanh Vuong Temple. This temple was built to honor a talented general from the Trần dynasty, who valiantly sacrificed himself in the fight against the Mongol invaders.
• Hon Dau Lighthouse: The Hon Dau Lighthouse is considered a magnificent architectural structure built in 1892 by a French architect. It consists of a display building and a lighthouse tower. Visitors can not only admire the beautiful architecture but also have the opportunity to climb the spiral staircase of 125 steps. From the top of this lighthouse, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Đồ Sơn beach.