Top 10 Most Famous Tourist Destinations in Hai Phong

The Nguyen Binh Khiem Memorial Site is dedicated to honoring the life and work of the renowned cultural figure, Nguyen Binh Khiem. Located in Trung Am Village, Ly Hoc Commune, Vinh Bao District, Hai Phong, this site commemorates the great scholar and honest official who served during the Mac dynasty. After retiring to his homeland, he wrote poetry, taught, and studied history. He was also a prominent philosopher in Vietnam and a master of numerology, revered as Vietnam's foremost 'prophet' by the people.

Within the Nguyen Binh Khiem Memorial Complex, visitors can find the tomb of Nguyen Binh Khiem's father, Nguyen Van Dinh, and the Kinh Thien Brush Tower, said to be built by his students to honor his exceptional intellect. The complex also includes Song Mai Pagoda, the temple of Minh Nguyet (his second wife), and Quán Trung Tân by the Han River. Notably, the site features several life-sized statues depicting moments from Nguyen Binh Khiem’s life and his teachings, creating an immersive and vivid atmosphere.

Every year on December 23rd, locals and visitors gather to pay respects at the temple, honoring the anniversary of his death. In addition to the ceremonial rituals, the festival includes traditional games like wrestling, tug-of-war, cock fighting, and human chess, offering a unique cultural experience that leaves lasting memories for both domestic and international tourists.

Location: Ly Hoc, Vinh Bao, Hai Phong

Voi Mountain is the highest mountain in Hai Phong, located next to the Lach Tray River, about 20 km from the city center. This stunning natural complex consists of both rocky and earth mountains, winding through three communes: Truong Thanh, An Tien, and An Thang in An Lao District. The mountain's name comes from the shape of the peak, which resembles a young elephant lying in the middle of the flat fields. This mountain is well known in local folklore, as seen in the traditional verse:

"Kien An has the Elephant Mountain
Along with the Van Uc River, and the Thiên Văn Hills".

Visitors to Voi Mountain can explore numerous beautiful caves, such as Elephant’s Throat Cave, Bell Cave, Carp Cave, and Tank Cave. To the south lies Nam Tao Cave, and to the north is the Bắc Đẩu Cave. Inside the caves, visitors will find many stalactites and stalagmites in the shapes of dragons, tigers, and elephants. At the summit, there is a flat area called the 'Fairy Chessboard.' Voi Mountain is also a rich archaeological site, with artifacts such as stone axes, stone tools, and bronze weapons—dating back over 3,000 years, confirming the presence of early human civilization. During the resistance against French colonialism, Voi Mountain also served as a base for Hai Phong’s revolutionary forces. The mountain has become legendary with the image of 'the girls of the militia hanging from the cliffs, watching planes fall from the sky.'

The Voi Mountain scenic complex is also famous for its ancient cultural architecture, including the Chi Lai Temple and the Cao Son Đại Vương Temple. The traditional Voi Mountain Festival in An Lao is a significant event, held annually on the 15th, 16th, and 17th days of the first lunar month, showcasing the unique customs of the coastal people.

Location: An Tien, An Lao, Hai Phong

Cao Linh Pagoda is located in Bac Son Commune, An Duong District, Hai Phong. It is considered one of the most beautiful and captivating pagodas in the region. The pagoda was originally constructed in 2001 on a 49,000 m2 site, featuring stunning, grand, and impressive architectural structures that are sure to amaze visitors. According to historical records, Cao Linh Pagoda was built by the Le Van family from Ha Lien village, though the exact year is unknown. However, the pagoda's stone inscription reveals that it was renovated during the Later Le Dynasty, about 300 years ago. Throughout history, the pagoda has served as a hiding place and refuge for Viet Minh soldiers and was severely damaged when the French burned down 20 of its buildings.

After enduring several generations of leadership and turmoil from the war, the pagoda fell into disrepair after the passing of Venerable Thich Thanh Su in 1980, with no monks to continue the Buddhist teachings. In 2001, with the support of the Buddhist community and local authorities, the pagoda was entrusted to Venerable Thich Thanh Giac, the Vice President of the Hai Phong Buddhist Association, who undertook its restoration. Under his leadership, with the help of the local government and community, a plan to rebuild the main hall was developed, relocating it from the west to the south as it stands today. In late 2006, Venerable Thich Giac Nghien, a disciple of Thich Thanh Giac, returned after completing his studies abroad and was appointed as the current abbot, continuing to promote the teachings of Buddhism. Today, Cao Linh Pagoda stands as a majestic and dignified structure, with unique architectural features that reflect the deep cultural heritage of Vietnamese Buddhism. It has become an important center for religious practices and a popular tourist destination in Hai Phong.

Location: Bac Son, An Duong, Hai Phong

Hon Dau Tourist Complex is located in Area 3, Van Hung Ward, Do Son District, Hai Phong. This resort is part of the Do Son tourist area and offers an open natural landscape with a combination of a lake, lush greenery, and the stunning blend of mountains and sea. All of these create an idyllic and romantic getaway. Hon Dau Resort is easily accessible, just about 5 km from the Pham Van Dong Highway interchange and only an hour’s drive from Hanoi. With its spacious atmosphere and fresh, cool climate, it is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend retreat.

Spanning over 120 hectares, the complex includes around 54 hectares of land (Area A) and an additional 60 hectares of reclaimed sea area (Area B). The design harmonizes with the natural terrain and coastline, creating a winding landscape that embraces both the sea and mountains, making visitors feel as if they’ve entered a magical world. Hon Dau is truly a paradise resort with breathtaking scenery that few places can offer. The area experiences four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, each season offering its unique charm and beauty for visitors to enjoy.

Visitors to Hon Dau Tourist Complex will be captivated by its peaceful environment, surrounded by lush pine trees and serene villas, offering a truly tranquil experience. The resort is divided into two main sections: the natural beach area and the man-made beach with entertainment facilities, as well as a high-class accommodation zone. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and beautiful waves while also experiencing the clean air of the nearby hills, making it a small version of Da Lat right in the coastal city of Hai Phong. It’s an amazing destination you won’t want to miss!

Location: Van Hung, Do Son, Hai Phong

Tien Lang Hot Spring Eco-Tourism Complex is a natural treasure, featuring a 540°C geothermal hot spring that rises from 850 meters below the ground, rich in minerals beneficial to health. This is one of the five rare and unique mineral springs in Vietnam. Located in Phac Xuyen village, Bach Dang commune, Tien Lang district, it is a must-visit destination for cultural and eco-tourism enthusiasts in Hai Phong. The complex spans nearly 10 hectares of lush greenery, with modern architectural structures blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The hot spring, with a temperature of 54°C, is one of the most mineral-rich springs in Vietnam, known for its healing and rejuvenating properties.

Here, visitors can enjoy various services, including soaking in the pure hot spring water, both indoors and outdoors, using modern bathing systems integrated with nature. There's also mud bathing on the Tiên Hill surrounded by pine trees and scenic plants, a swimming pool with a hydraulic massage system for relaxation, and both dry and wet saunas with imported French equipment, which help relieve stress, burn excess calories, and improve body shape.

The resort also offers 3-star standard accommodations with rooms that feature large windows overlooking serene natural landscapes, such as lush gardens, fish ponds, and vast rice fields. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as satellite TV, ID phones, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, water heaters, mini-bars, and complimentary drinks. Apart from visiting the hot springs, guests can explore the Ly Hoc Temple, learn about the prophetic sayings of the famous seer Nguyen Binh Khiem, and during festival times, witness sky lantern releases, traditional dragon and lion dances, and explore a 17th-century pagoda filled with valuable antiques.

Location: Bach Dang, Tien Lang, Hai Phong

The Do Son tourism area in Hai Phong is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. However, few are aware that atop Long Son Mountain (Ngoc Xuyen Ward), the first of nine mountains that stretch along the Do Son Peninsula, lies a cultural and historical landmark over a thousand years old – the Tuong Long Tower. This ancient tower, also known as the Do Son Tower, was built during the reign of Ly Thanh Tong. The Buddhist architectural structure is situated on a 2,000 square meter plot in Van Son Ward, Do Son town. The four corners of the tower are tilted inward toward the center by 190 degrees.

The interior of the tower is hollow and houses a statue of Amitabha Buddha. Constructed from a mix of bricks and stones of varying sizes, the tower is adorned with beautifully crafted tiles and sculptures of lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, and citron flowers, representing the distinctive artistic style of the Ly Dynasty. From the tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, with fishing boats heading out to catch fresh seafood for tourists. The view also includes Do Son town, lush villages, and expansive rice fields. It's easy to understand why the ancient builders chose this remarkable location for the tower. A visit to the Tuong Long Tower in Do Son leaves an unforgettable impression of its majestic and dignified presence, often referred to as the 'Golden Dragon Tower.'

Location: Ngoc Xuyen, Do Son, Hai Phong

When visiting Hai Phong, tourists can explore a region that was once home to over 60 craft villages with 20 different types of industries. Through many historical upheavals, Hai Phong has managed to preserve more than 30 of these villages, with 12 of them officially recognized as meeting the standards of traditional craft villages. Despite the changes brought by modernization, many of these villages have revived, sustained, and thrived, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth and the preservation of cultural traditions, which continue to attract tourists.

Some famous traditional craft villages in Hai Phong include: the sculpture village, the chrysanthemum flower-growing village, the Kha Lam wooden furniture village, the Lạt Duong sedge mat village, and the Duong Dong pottery village. These traditional craft villages have enriched the lives of local residents, bringing new prosperity to the area. With products that are well-known not only domestically but also internationally, visiting these villages offers a deeper understanding and admiration for the people of Hai Phong and their cultural heritage.

Cat Ba is a highly popular tourist destination, loved by visitors for its stunning natural landscapes, welcoming people, and pleasant climate. Known as the 'Pearl Island' or 'Ngoc Island,' it is often referred to as the jewel of the Gulf of Tonkin. Located just 30 kilometers from Hai Phong city center, Cat Ba is easily accessible for travelers looking to explore its beauty. The island offers a picturesque setting with lush mountains, a rare biosphere reserve, endangered species like the red-headed monkeys and langurs, and pristine beaches.

Cat Ba is a vast green paradise, filled with captivating mysteries. It rightfully holds the title of Vietnam's third biosphere reserve. The reserve spans over 26,000 hectares, with strict conservation zones, buffer areas for limited economic activities, and transition zones for development. It encompasses a rich variety of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests on limestone islands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and an exceptional cave system. Cat Ba is also home to the Cai Beo archaeological site, a part of the Halong culture, with evidence of human settlement dating back 6,475 to 4,200 years ago.

Visitors to Cat Ba can also enjoy other attractions such as the Cat Ba National Park, the Nguy Lam Peak, Quân Y Cave, Trung Trang Cave, and the fishing village of Viet Hai. The island offers a wide range of activities including mountain climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, cycling, and hiking. In December 2014, Cat Ba was honored by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, recognized for its diverse climates, ecosystems, and geological features.

Location: Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai, Hai Phong

It would be a mistake to talk about Hai Phong tourism without mentioning Do Son Beach. The locals take great pride in this beach, which is closely associated with the history of their land. In the past, Do Son Beach was a royal retreat for kings and officials. Today, it remains one of the most popular beaches and resorts in northern Vietnam, attracting numerous visitors. Do Son has excellent infrastructure, with high-quality hotels, restaurants, and roads to meet the needs of travelers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, which they can purchase as souvenirs for friends and family.

According to travel tips, you can visit Do Son at any time of the year. However, two of the best times to visit are early in the year and during the summer. In early spring, the weather is cool and pleasant, and many locals come to Do Son to participate in the local festivals and learn about the culture of the region. During the Lunar New Year, people from all over flock to the Bà Đế Temple to pray for good fortune, peaceful homes, and favorable weather.

In addition, Do Son celebrates the Dấu Island Festival at the beginning of the year. On this day, people from Do Son and surrounding areas travel by boat to the island to offer prayers and incense for a prosperous year of trade and good health. However, the sea is quite cold during this season, so it’s not ideal for water activities, and many services are less developed at this time. During the summer, visitors flock to Do Son to enjoy the clear, cool waters. After a long period of hard work, there’s nothing better than relaxing by the beach with family and friends.

Location: Do Son Tourist Area, Van Huong, Do Son, Hai Phong

The Trang Kenh Historic Site, located in Trang Kenh village, Minh Duc town, Thuy Nguyen district, Hai Phong city, has a history spanning over 4,000 years. This site is rich in both cultural history and natural beauty, formed by the limestone mountains and rivers surrounding the area. Due to its immense historical significance, it was officially recognized as a cultural and historical relic by the state in 1962. Many people believe that no visit to Thuy Nguyen is complete without a trip to Trang Kenh.

Trang Kenh is a historical region steeped in heritage, with both ancient and new landmarks that continue to captivate visitors. Among these, the Trang Kenh Temple Complex stands out, consisting of three temples and a Buddhist pagoda from the Truc Lam Tam To sect, situated in a vast area at the foot of Trang Kenh mountain and overlooking the historical Bach Dang River.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by four intricately carved stone pillars, made of green stone from the region. Following that, there is a large stone pillar inscribed with the phrase “Giang sang vượng khi Bach Dang thâu,” meaning that the spirits of the river and mountains converge here at Bach Dang River. Along both sides of the path are bonsai trees and commemorative plants from various party leaders and state officials who have visited the site. The first temple that visitors see and pay respects at is the Le Dai Hanh Temple, dedicated to the King and his generals who defeated the Chinese invaders at Bach Dang River in 981.

The temple is constructed from lim wood and designed in a “Dinh” shape. At the center is a golden-coated bronze statue of King Le Dai Hanh, with one side dedicated to Queen Duong Van Nga and the other to the royal consort. It also honors military officers and generals. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which includes commemorative trees planted by national leaders and a garden displaying 18 statues of arhats. The heart of the Trang Kenh historical site is the Tran Hung Dao Temple, dedicated to the revered military leader and national hero who led the Vietnamese people in defeating the Mongol invasions. To honor his great contribution, the people of Thuy Nguyen and Trang Kenh built this temple in his memory.

Location: Minh Duc, Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong