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Mytour.vn brings you a detailed travel guide to Hai Phong, offering valuable insights for your journey, including information on transportation, weather, attractions, food, and accommodation. We hope this guide will accompany you on your adventures in the 'City of Red Flamboyant Flowers.'
Overview of Hai Phong Travel
Hai Phong is a vital port city, a major industrial hub, and the largest seaport in northern Vietnam. Known as the 'City of Red Flamboyant Flowers,' it is located just 120 km from Hanoi, making it an ideal weekend getaway for residents of the capital. While it’s an industrial port city, Hai Phong also has immense tourism potential.
The city still preserves much of its architectural charm, including traditional structures such as ancient pagodas, temples, and communal houses, alongside beautiful French neoclassical buildings found in the old quarters. Notably, Hai Phong is home to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the Cat Ba Islands, along with stunning beaches and resorts in Do Son. When visiting Hai Phong, you have the opportunity to experience the distinctive local culture, especially through its cuisine and traditional festivals.
The best time to visit Hai Phong
You can visit Hai Phong at any time of the year. Each season and time offers a unique experience, giving you different perspectives on the beauty of the city.
From January to March: During this period, you'll find many famous festivals such as the Elephant Mountain Festival and the Trang Trinh Temple Festival, offering plenty of fun and entertainment for visitors.
From April to October is the ideal time to explore Hai Phong. The weather is dry, cool, and comfortable, making it perfect for discovering popular attractions and enjoying the refreshing waters of Do Son and Cat Ba beaches. In the summer, you can try the famous coconut ice cream at local cafes. This is also the season when the flamboyant flowers bloom along the main streets and the road to Do Son.
In winter, you can stroll around the bustling central streets of Hai Phong, taking photos at the city's famous spots without worrying about large crowds. You could also plan an exciting food tour around the city and don’t miss out on the hot street foods!
Getting Around
From Hanoi to Hai Phong:
Since Hai Phong is located about 120km from Hanoi, traveling between the two cities is quite easy and convenient. You can reach Hai Phong by several means of transportation:
Private Vehicles (car, motorbike): By road, cars can travel most conveniently via the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway, which takes about 1.5 hours. For motorbikes, you can follow National Highway 5B through Hai Duong and turn to Hai Phong, with the journey taking about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Train: This is a popular choice for many travelers, allowing you to relax while enjoying the scenic views along the way. Trains offer hard and soft seats, with or without air conditioning. Prices range from 100,000 to 130,000 VND. The journey takes around 2-3 hours with regular departures throughout the day.
Bus: Traveling by bus is quicker than taking the train, with the trip to Hai Phong taking just about 1 hour. Buses depart from various stations in Hanoi, such as Nuoc Ngam and Giap Bat. Here are some bus companies you might consider:
- Anh Huy Dat Cang Bus – Phone: 1900 996609 – Ticket price: 220,000 VND/Passenger.
- Hoang Long Bus – Phone: 1900.1876 or 1900 2999 15 – Ticket price: 250,000 VND/Passenger.
- Hai Au Bus – Phone: 1900 2032 – Ticket price: 180,000 VND/Passenger.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong
By Air: This is the fastest and most convenient mode of travel. You can fly with airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Alternatively, you can fly to Hanoi and continue your journey by road. Check flight prices HERE.
Getting Around in Hai Phong
Taxi
Taxis are ideal for families with elderly members or young children. They offer a faster, more comfortable way to get around, without being affected by the weather. Some reliable taxi companies in Hai Phong include:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 0225 3 833 833
- Hoang Anh Taxi: 0225 3 222 222
- Dat Cang Taxi: 0225 3 736 736 – 031 3567 567
Bus
Hai Phong has a well-developed public bus system with many routes that cover the entire city and connect key tourist destinations. You can easily travel from the city center to the suburbs and other famous attractions.
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Be are also available in Hai Phong, offering travelers the convenience of booking rides quickly and safely.
Renting a Motorbike or Car
If you want to explore Hai Phong at your own pace, this is a great option. Renting a vehicle gives you the freedom to manage your own schedule, discover new routes, and have a more personalized experience. In Hai Phong, you can choose from a variety of rental services, offering different types of vehicles. Car rentals range from 800,000 to 2,000,000 VND per day, depending on the type and rental duration. Motorbike rentals cost between 80,000 and 150,000 VND per day.
Tourist Attractions in Hai Phong
Hai Phong Opera House
Located in the heart of Hai Phong at 28 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hong Bang District, this historic building was completed in 1912. Today, the Hai Phong Opera House serves as the city's cultural and political hub, hosting performances and awarding scholarships to outstanding students annually.
The building, designed by a French architect, is modeled after medieval French opera houses, with an emphasis on visual effectiveness and the harmony between reality and illusion, as well as light and shadow. The grand lobby features a large spiral staircase with cement pillars and railings, each adorned with a large flower pedestal, with lion heads on either side.
The architecture of the opera house impresses visitors with its intricate decorations combined with sweeping curves. The stage area is open from the podium to the ceiling, with a seamless transition. The area above the stage is equipped with lighting and air conditioning systems. The theater’s Roman-style doors lead to the backstage and various rooms for makeup, rest, and technical facilities.
Battle of Bach Dang River Historical Site
The Bach Dang River Historical Site spans 20 hectares, located within the Trang Kenh scenic area, which was recognized in 1962. The entrance to the site features a stone garden and a 5-meter tall stone pillar with inscriptions on all four sides. The main face displays the verse “Giang san vượng khí Bạch Đằng thâu,” while the other three sides honor the achievements of three historical figures from various naval battles.
The site also includes several other areas, such as the Bach Dang River Temple, dedicated to King Ngo Quyen, who established the famous wooden stake battle of Bach Dang, defeating the Southern Han army in 938, ending over a thousand years of Northern domination and ushering in the Đại Việt civilization.
Tam Bac Lake
Tam Bac Lake is a picturesque symbol of the 'City of Red Flamboyant Flowers.' Covering nearly 5 hectares and with a depth of about 3 meters, the lake is surrounded by a granite-paved promenade and shaded seating areas for visitors to rest while enjoying the view. Nearby, you'll find iconic landmarks like the Tam Ky Temple, the statue of the female general Le Chan, the Iron Market, pedestrian streets, Ngo Quyen School, and Trang Trinh Street.
Hai Phong Museum
Located in the heart of the city, the Hai Phong Museum sits on a 1-hectare plot along Dien Bien Phu Street. The building, designed in classic European Gothic architecture, features a distinctive pointed dome. The museum consists of two floors with 16 rooms, displaying a wealth of prehistoric archaeological artifacts discovered at excavation sites like Bai Ben, Cat Don, and Trang Kenh.
Bao Dai King's Palace in Do Son
The Bao Dai King's Palace in Do Son, also known as Bao Dai Pavilion, is located on Vung Hill, Van Huong Ward, Do Son District, Hai Phong City. This architectural masterpiece, marked by French influence, also holds historical significance as it preserves artifacts related to the last king of Vietnam's feudal dynasty.
The Bao Dai King's Palace in Do Son features French-style architecture, facing the sea, surrounded by a lush garden full of shady trees. The entire palace is situated on a plot of over 3,700 square meters, with the building itself covering an area of 1,000 square meters and located nearly 40 meters above sea level.
Nguyen Binh Khiem Scholar's Historic Site
The entire historical site includes 9 components: the Kinh Thien Pen Tower; the temple dedicated to Nguyen Binh Khiem, built in 1585, featuring a three-bay front hall, two rear sanctuaries, with two ponds in front, and an inscription reading ‘An Nam Ly Hoc’; an exhibition house displaying his life and career; the tomb of his father. Additionally, there is a 5.7-meter tall stone statue of Nguyen Binh Khiem, weighing 8.5 tons; a crescent-shaped pond around 1,000m²; Song Mai Pagoda; a statue of Minh Nguyet, the wife of Nguyen Binh Khiem, and the Trung Tan Hall, which reflects new interpretations of the concept of ‘Trung’ in line with ‘chí trung chí thiện’ (the spirit of loyalty and goodness).
Cát Bà National Park
Cát Bà National Park is located in Tran Chau Town, Cat Hai District, over 40km from Hai Phong City center. The park spans a vast area of more than 17,000 hectares, including 11,000 hectares of forest and over 6,500 hectares of marine waters, with a strictly protected area of 800 hectares of primary forest. With its advantageous geographical location, convenient transportation, and stunning landscapes, the park offers ample opportunities for eco-tourism development.
Due to its unique terrain, geology, climate, and hydrology, Cát Bà National Park is home to various types of forests, such as evergreen forests on limestone mountains, highland wetlands, and coastal mangrove forests. Additionally, the area boasts marine ecosystems with coral reefs near the shore, cave systems, and valleys. In 2004, the Cát Bà Archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Long Chau Lighthouse
The Long Chau Archipelago is located 15 km southeast of Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. It is famous for the Long Chau Lighthouse, built in 1894. Standing at 109.5 meters above sea level, this lighthouse serves as a guiding light for ships navigating the seas. Its unique arch-shaped design features a central room with a set of flat lamps known as the 'lamp heart'. On clear days, the light from the lighthouse can be seen from up to 50 kilometers away.
This lighthouse was dubbed by the French as “Archipen des Fai Tsi long” or “Griffes du Dragon” (Dragon's Claw). Long Chau Lighthouse is also one of the three oldest lighthouses in Vietnam, along with the Hon Dau and Ke Ga lighthouses.
Do Son
When you visit the Red Flamboyant City, make sure not to miss Do Son – a beach known for its beautiful resorts and stunning landscapes, one of the finest in northern Vietnam. Do Son is a small peninsula surrounded by the Dragon Mountain Range, with dozens of hills ranging from 35m to 130m in height. The beach is located about 20 km southeast of the city center.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, often called the 'pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin', lies to the south of Ha Long Bay, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With crystal-clear beaches and an abundance of seafood, the island also hosts unique local festivals, offering a taste of the region’s rich cultural heritage, such as the Ba Temple Festival.
Hai Phong Railway Station
Hai Phong Railway Station is a popular spot for travelers, especially those arriving by train from Hanoi. The station reflects strong French architectural influence and is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations left by the French in Vietnam.
Hai Phong Cuisine
Bánh đa cua
Bánh đa cua là món ăn ngon đặc trưng và nổi tiếng của thành phố cảng Hải Phòng. Món ăn có phần nước lèo đậm đà, thơm ngon được chế biến theo công thức riêng của từng quán. Đó có thể là vị béo ngậy từ gạch cua và sợi bánh đa dẻo dai. Người dân địa phương thường thưởng thức bánh đa cua với đa dạng món ăn như: chả giò chiên giòn, thịt sườn hầm nhừ, riêu gạch cua, đậu phụ, chả lá lốt hay chân giò.
Địa chỉ bán:
Quán Kỳ Đồng: Số 26 Kỳ Đồng, phường Quang Trung, quận Hồng Bàng, thành phố Hải Phòng.
Quán Bà Cụ: Số 179 Cầu Đất, phường Cầu Đất, quận Ngô Quyền, thành phố Hải Phòng.
Chả chìa Hạ Lũng
Chả chìa Hạ Lũng is one of the most memorable dishes from Hai Phong, loved by many for its unique flavor and distinctive shape. This dish beautifully combines rich, fatty pork with crispy, chewy sun-dried squid, creating an exceptional taste. The small, palm-sized patties have a golden, crispy exterior that’s both crunchy and tender, making it irresistible to all who try it.
Where to find it:
Chả chìa Hạ Lũng Bác Hoạt: 130 Chợ Lũng, Đằng Hải Ward, Hải An District, Hải Phòng City.
Bánh mì que
When you visit Hai Phong, you must try the famous bánh mì que. Inside this small loaf of bread is a savory pâté filling. While it may seem simple, the flavor is rich and delightful. The combination of the crispy bread crust and the rich, aromatic pâté offers a unique culinary experience.
What’s more, bánh mì que not only meets the criteria of being 'delicious, nutritious, and affordable' but also offers a truly captivating flavor. Although you can find spicy versions of this bread in many places, the most authentic taste can only be found in Hai Phong.
Where to find it:
Bánh mì que Ông Cuông: 184 Hàng Kênh Street, Lê Chân District, Hải Phòng City.
Bánh mì que Bà Già: 57A Lê Lợi Street, Máy Tơ Ward, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Dừa dầm
Dừa dầm is a popular dish from Hai Phong that once made waves among the youth. During the hot summer days in Hải Phòng, don’t miss out on a refreshing glass of dừa dầm. The main ingredients of this dish include coconut milk, coconut jelly, agar-agar, and a splash of sweetened condensed milk to add richness and sweetness. Some places also add a variety of toppings. A cup of dừa dầm, filled with all the delightful flavors, is worth trying and comes at an affordable price.
Where to find it:
Dừa dầm Hiền Béo: 124 Lạch Tray, Lạch Tray Ward, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Dừa dầm Cô Tuyến – Coconut Cafe Hải Phòng: 53 Lạch Tray, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Giá bể
Giá bể offers a unique taste that captures the hearts of many who enjoy the delicious seafood of Hai Phong. Also known as 'sea price,' it’s a type of mollusk that burrows under the sand in the ocean. The soft, sweet meat of the giá bể is flavorful and tender. It’s typically prepared in dishes like salads and stir-fries, often paired with a bowl of savory dipping sauce that enhances the overall taste.
Where to find it:
Giá bể Chợ Chu Văn An: 55 Chu Văn An, Lê Lợi Ward, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Sủi dìn
At first glance, sủi dìn may resemble chè trôi nước, a popular dessert. However, once you taste it, you’ll discover its unique flavor. The small sủi dìn balls are made from a mixture of sticky rice flour and regular rice. Inside, you’ll find a filling of black sesame and peanuts, served with a ginger-infused sugar syrup and a touch of cinnamon. Some vendors even get creative with the filling, offering variations such as mung beans, lotus seeds, mango, fruit preserves, or even strawberries.
Where to find it:
Sủi dìn Cô Út: 163 Cầu Đất, Cầu Đất Ward, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Sủi dìn Kỳ Đồng: 34 Kỳ Đồng, Quang Trung Ward, Hồng Bàng District, Hải Phòng City.
Cá mòi kho
Cá mòi kho is a beloved dish from Hai Phong that originates in the Kiến Thụy region. It's commonly served at family meals. The sardines are marinated in a variety of spices, with the most notable being sugar cane, ginger, banana, and chili. For the perfect cá mòi kho, the dish must be cooked in a clay pot over charcoal for 12 to 14 hours. When done, the fish takes on a golden, glossy color, with tender bones and firm, flavorful meat. It’s best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of white rice.
Where to find it:
Cá mòi kho Thái Tín: Kiến Quốc, Kiến Thụy, Hải Phòng.
Cháo khoái
Cháo khoái is made with ground rice instead of whole grains. The dish is simple, using light ingredients and is easy to prepare. Its thick consistency and vibrant green color, derived from pandan or spinach leaves, make it both visually appealing and delicious. When served, it has a subtle sweetness and a naturally fragrant aroma. Some places also add fried shallots, mung beans, and meat to the dish. This street food has a long history in Hai Phong and remains a cherished part of the local cuisine.
Where to find it:
Cháo khoái Chợ Cột Đèn: 18/115 Dư Hàng, Dư Hàng Ward, Lê Chân District, Hải Phòng City.
Cháo khoái Chợ Con: 63 Chợ Con, Lê Chân District, Hải Phòng City.
Nem cua bể
Nem cua bể is not only a famous dish in Hải Phòng but also in many northern provinces of Vietnam. The spring rolls are wrapped in square shapes, with a crispy golden exterior made from rice paper. Inside, the filling consists of crab meat, shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, lean pork, and ground pig's back fat, all seasoned with rich spices. Nem cua bể is typically served with fresh vermicelli, raw vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce.
Where to find it:
Nem cua bể Thuận Yến: 88 Trần Nhật Duật, Cầu Đất Ward, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Nem cua bể Nga Quán: 92 Trần Nhật Duật, Cầu Đất Ward, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng City.
Nem chua An Thọ
Nem chua is a famous specialty from An Thọ Commune, An Lão District, Hải Phòng. What makes the nem chua here so special is its unique taste that cannot be found anywhere else. The dish is made from fresh, high-quality pork meat and skin, sliced thinly and mixed with spices. It is then left to ferment naturally until it reaches the perfect level of sourness and turns a beautiful pink color. To enjoy the full flavor of nem chua, it is often served with a variety of pickled vegetables like salted figs and cucumbers, along with herbs such as dill, arrowroot leaves, and Vietnamese coriander. The dish is traditionally dipped in a mixture of fish sauce, lime, garlic, and chili.
Where to find it:
Nem chua An Thọ: Tôn Đức Thắng, Cốc Tràng, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng.
Nem chua Thanh Thuỷ: 311 Phủ Thượng Đoạn Street, Đông Hải 1, Hải An, Hải Phòng.
Nem chua An Thọ – Nhà bác Lan, An Thọ, An Lão, Hải Phòng.
Red Jellyfish Salad (Nộm sứa đỏ)
Red jellyfish salad is a popular dish during spring and summer in Hải Phòng, typically available from April to June. While it may be simpler to prepare compared to the white jellyfish salad, its flavor is equally irresistible. Freshly caught red jellyfish is boiled with roots, mangrove bark, and aromatic leaves until the jellyfish meat turns a translucent pink, soft, and jelly-like. The jellyfish is then sliced into thin strands. It’s served with herbs like Vietnamese mint, perilla, basil, coconut pulp, and pineapple. A spicy shrimp paste dipping sauce is a must. You can find red jellyfish salad at almost every local eatery or market in Hải Phòng.
Where to find it:
Nộm sứa Bà Thủy: 123 Lạch Tray, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng.
Nộm sứa Chị Mai: 45 Lê Lợi, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng.
Accommodation in Hải Phòng
Flamingo Premium Cát Bà Beach Resort
Flamingo Premium Cát Bà Beach Resort is nestled within the famous scenic area of Cát Bà Island, often referred to as the 'Emerald Island' of Northern Vietnam. The resort boasts a private beach with an incredible view of Lan Hạ Bay, considered the most beautiful in Vietnam. It's a 'paradise' where art and architecture converge, featuring the impressive Skywalk walking path high above.
The resort features villa-style architecture nestled in the sky and is the only place in Cát Bà to have won multiple prestigious international awards. With world-class facilities, it offers guests 3 restaurants for all meals, 4 bars, 2 swimming pools, an electronic entertainment center, karaoke, a cinema, souvenir shops, and a Korean-style Jjimjilbang sauna and Onsen.
Dream Dragon Resort Hải Phòng
Dream Dragon Resort Hải Phòng is perfectly situated amid natural beauty, making it an impressive feature of the international tourist complex at Đồi Rồng. Designed by Australian architects GSA Architects, the resort spans 83,000 square meters and includes 11 floors above ground, one basement level, and 303 guest rooms. Its luxurious, modern interior design is tailored to offer a sophisticated atmosphere in line with current trends.
Flamingo Grand Cát Bà is situated with the mountains at its back and facing the bay with the most beautiful private beach. With an exceptional and diverse entertainment complex, the resort promises to offer guests a stay filled with top-notch amenities and a focus on professionalism.
The resort boasts a 17-story building with 256 hotel rooms, 60 sky villas, and 1 presidential villa. All rooms are equipped with essential amenities, including a TV, cable and satellite channels, telephone, desk, safe, refrigerator, electric kettle, tea and coffee-making facilities, and bathrooms with shower heads and hairdryers.
Pullman Hotel Hải Phòng
Pullman Hotel Hải Phòng is managed and operated by the French hospitality group, Accor. The hotel features 320 luxury rooms and one underground floor. In addition to the 320 rooms, it has a conference center that can accommodate up to 1,500 people. The hotel offers a full range of high-end amenities, catering to relaxation, entertainment, and wellness needs, all to 5-star standards.
The hotel is known for its high-quality services, attracting both domestic and international tourists as well as business professionals. The design blends heritage-inspired elements with modern luxury. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is immersed in the charm of a historical metropolis.
Things to keep in mind when traveling to Hải Phòng
Hải Phòng is one of Vietnam's largest and most vibrant port cities, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich history, and unique cultural landmarks. Below are some essential tips to help ensure your trip to Hải Phòng is smooth and full of exciting experiences.
Best Time to Visit
It’s recommended to check the weather forecast before planning your trip to Hải Phòng. The ideal period to explore the city is from April to October.
Clothing
Prepare clothing that is appropriate for the season:
Summer: light, breathable clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Winter: warm coats, scarves, hats, and gloves.
Shoes and sandals: choose pairs that are comfortable and easy to walk in.
Essential Items
It’s important to carry medication and a basic first aid kit with you.
Respect Local Culture
Polite attire: When visiting historical sites and temples, it’s best to dress modestly and respectfully.
Polite behavior: Respect the local culture and customs.
Environmental Protection
Maintain cleanliness: Do not litter, protect the marine environment and other tourist spots.
Use eco-friendly products: Bring reusable cloth bags and water bottles instead of single-use plastic items.
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnAugust 2, 2024
