5 Best Things to Do in Haiphong: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam’s Port City
When travelers think of Northern Vietnam, the chaotic charm of Hanoi or the limestone karsts of Halong Bay often dominate the conversation. However, sitting quietly between these two giants is a hidden gem that is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination: Haiphong.
Known as the “City of Red Flamboyant Flowers,” Haiphong offers a unique blend of colonial history, vibrant street life, and some of the best cuisines in the country. It is not just a transit point; it is a destination with a soul. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, the list of things to do in Haiphong is surprisingly extensive and incredibly rewarding.
Exploring this coastal city can be tricky for first-timers due to the language barrier and the hidden nature of its best spots. This is where a professional Haiphong Tour becomes essential. By booking a guided tour, you unlock the secrets of the city that guidebooks often miss.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 5 experiences in Haiphong and why taking a Haiphong Tour is the best way to enjoy them.
1. Embark on a Legendary Haiphong Food Tour
If there is one reason to visit Haiphong, it is the food. In recent years, Haiphong has gained a reputation as the culinary capital of the North, arguably rivaling Hanoi. The local cuisine is distinct—salty, spicy, fresh, and deeply influenced by the abundance of seafood from the port.
A DIY food trip is possible, but navigating the maze of alleyways (ngõ) to find the authentic vendors requires local knowledge. This is why a “Foodie” Haiphong Tour is the most popular activity for visitors.
The Must-Try Dishes
When looking for things to do in Haiphong, eating should be at the top of your list. Here is what you cannot miss:
Banh Da Cua (Red Noodle Soup with Crab)
This is the soul of Haiphong. Unlike the white rice noodles found elsewhere, Haiphong uses Banh Da—noodles that are reddish-brown, chewy, and robust. The broth is a rich, savory concoction made from field crabs, pork bone broth, and tomatoes, topped with Cha La Lot (pork wrapped in betel leaf) and fresh herbs.
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Insider Tip: The best places are often sidewalk stalls with low plastic stools. A guide can take you to the vendor who has been serving the same recipe for 30 years.
Banh Mi Que (Spicy Breadsticks)
Forget the massive Banh Mi sandwiches you see in Hoi An. Haiphong is famous for Banh Mi Que—tiny, finger-sized baguettes filled simply with pate and drizzled with Chi Chuong (Haiphong’s special chili sauce). They are crunchy, savory, and addictive. You don’t eat one; you eat ten.
Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Rolls)
These are not your average spring rolls. Shaped like a square, these deep-fried parcels are packed with sea crab meat, mushrooms, lean pork, and egg white. They are crispy on the outside and bursting with oceanic flavor on the inside.
Oc (Snails/Shellfish)
Haiphong’s “Oc” culture is legendary. It’s not just about boiled snails; it’s about the sauce. Stir-fried with tamarind, salted egg, coconut milk, or lemongrass and chili—the variety is endless.
Why Book a Food Tour?
While you can find many restaurants on Google Maps, navigating the hidden alleys to find the best version of a dish requires local expertise. That is exactly what we offer in our The Insider’s Haiphong Tour. We don’t just feed you; we take you on a curated culinary and cultural deep dive through the city’s heart.
With our expert local guide, you will:
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Ensure hygiene and safety at street stalls (we only pick the cleanest trusted vendors).
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Understand the story behind the ingredients and cultural significance of every bite.
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Customize the spice levels to your taste (Haiphong food can be spicy, but we’ve got you covered!).
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Access “locals-only” spots tucked away in small alleys that have no English menus.
Don’t leave your stomach to chance. Join us to eat, drink, and experience the city like a true local.
2. Explore the French Colonial Architecture & City Center
Haiphong is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Vietnam. Walking through the city center feels like stepping back in time to the early 20th century. Unlike the crowded streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Haiphong’s boulevards are wide, tree-lined, and peaceful, making a walking city tour one of the most relaxing things to do in Haiphong.
The Haiphong Opera House
Built by the French in 1904, the Opera House is an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the city. Its design mimics the opera houses of Paris, with vibrant yellow walls, high arches, and intricate details. It serves as the cultural hub of the city and the square in front of it is a gathering place for locals in the evening.
The Railway Station
Haiphong Railway Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in Indochina. It remains fully operational and serves as a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts. For those looking for things to do in Haiphong, the mix of French design and Vietnamese bustle here is a must-see experience.
General Le Chan Statue
Located near the Opera House is the statue of General Le Chan, the female general who founded Haiphong. A guided Haiphong Tour will provide you with the fascinating history of this warrior woman and how she established the city. Just a short walk away, you will find streets dedicated to flower sellers, adding a splash of color to the vintage architecture.
Museum of Haiphong
To truly understand the city, a visit to the museum is necessary. It houses artifacts from the resistance wars and the development of the port. While the signage is often only in Vietnamese, a tour guide can translate and narrate the heroic stories of the city’s past.
3. Gateway to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago
Technically, Haiphong is the gateway to one of the world’s natural wonders. While Halong Bay gets all the fame, Lan Ha Bay (which belongs to Haiphong province) is considered by many travelers to be the superior choice.
Including a trip to Lan Ha Bay is essential when listing things to do in Haiphong. It offers the same limestone karsts and emerald waters as Halong Bay but with fewer tourist boats, cleaner water, and a more serene atmosphere.
The Cat Ba Experience
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the archipelago and acts as the hub for exploration. From Haiphong city center, you can easily take a speed boat or a ferry to Cat Ba.
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Kayaking: Lan Ha Bay is a paradise for kayakers. You can paddle through sea caves and hidden lagoons that big cruise ships cannot reach.
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Floating Villages: Visit the Cai Beo floating fishing village, one of the oldest in prehistoric Vietnam. A Haiphong Tour that includes a boat trip here allows you to see the daily lives of fishermen who live on the water.
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Cat Ba National Park: For those who love trekking, the national park offers trails that lead to Ngu Lam peak, providing a panoramic view of the jungle and the ocean.
Day Tours vs. Overnight Cruises
Many travelers make the mistake of thinking they need to stay overnight on the island. However, if you are based in Haiphong City, you can easily book a comprehensive day trip. For those searching for things to do in Haiphong, a Haiphong tour package often includes:
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Pickup from your hotel in Haiphong.
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Speedboat transfer to Cat Ba.
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A private or small-group boat tour of Lan Ha Bay.
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Seafood lunch on the boat.
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Return to the city by evening.
This is the most efficient way to see the bay without the hassle of luggage and hotel changes.
4. Do Son Peninsula & Hon Dau Island
For those who want to see the ocean without a long boat ride, the Do Son Peninsula is a classic Vietnamese destination. Historically, this was a resort town for French officers and later for Vietnamese royalty (Bao Dai’s Villa is located here).
While the water at Do Son beach can be turbid due to the river sediment (it’s located near an estuary), the vibe and history make it one of the interesting things to do in Haiphong.
Visit the Bao Dai Villa
King Bao Dai was the last emperor of Vietnam. His summer palace in Do Son has been preserved and is open to tourists. It sits atop a hill with a stunning view of the ocean. Inside, you can see the royal living quarters and artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty.
Hon Dau Island
Just a short boat ride from the peninsula is Hon Dau Island, often called the “Eye of the Sea.” This tiny island is famous for its primeval forest, which has never been cut down due to spiritual beliefs.
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The Lighthouse: Build by the French in 1892, you can climb to the top for a 360-degree view of the Gulf of Tonkin.
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Nam Hai Than Vuong Temple: A sacred temple dedicated to a general of the Tran Dynasty. It is a spiritual site where locals come to pray for luck and safety at sea.
The Casino
Do Son is home to one of the few casinos in Vietnam legally allowed to operate for foreigners. If you are feeling lucky, it’s a unique stop on your itinerary.
A visit here is quite different from a standard beach trip; it is a cultural and historical journey along the coastline. To fully understand the stories behind the Last Emperor’s villa or the legends of Hon Dau Island without missing any highlights, check out our curated Do Son Tour. We designed this itinerary to give you a deep dive into the heritage of this coastal gem, far beyond just sand and sea.
5. Experience the Local Life: Markets and Coffee Culture
To truly feel the pulse of Haiphong and discover the best things to do in Haiphong, you must slow down and do as the locals do. The city has a relaxed pace of life compared to the frenetic energy of Hanoi or Saigon.
Luong Van Can Market & Co Dao Market
Markets are the lifeblood of Vietnamese cities.
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Luong Van Can Market: Located by the river, this market is a sensory overload of fruits, vegetables, and local goods. It’s a great place to take photos of daily life.
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Co Dao Sat: Once the busiest market in the North during the subsidy period, it remains a symbol of Haiphong’s trade history.
The Coffee Culture
Haiphong people love their coffee. The streets are lined with cafes ranging from modern, hip spaces to traditional sidewalk spots.
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Cafe Cot Dua (Coconut Coffee): This is a specialty of Haiphong. Strong Vietnamese coffee is mixed with coconut milk, condensed milk, and blended ice/jelly. It is refreshing and delicious.
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Minh Khai Street: This street is famous for its sidewalk cafes where people sit on small stools, sip coffee, and watch the world go by.
Nightlife
Haiphong at night is vibrant but not overwhelming. The area around Tam Bac Lake lights up, and the walking streets become pedestrian-only zones filled with music, street performers, and snack vendors.
A guided Haiphong Tour can organize a “City by Night” experience, combining a street food dinner with a tour of the night market and a stop at a hidden speakeasy or a traditional tea house.
Why Choose a “Haiphong Tour” Package?
You might be asking, “Can I just do this on my own?” Of course, you can. However, Haiphong is not yet fully adapted to international mass tourism in the way Hoi An or Da Nang are. English is not widely spoken by street vendors, and the best spots are often undocumented online.
Here is why booking a professional Haiphong Tour is the smartest investment for your trip:
1. Access to Local Secrets
Google Maps can show you a restaurant, but it can’t tell you that the lady selling Banh Da Cua in the alleyway behind the theater has the best broth. Local guides grow up eating this food; they know exactly where to go.
2. Overcoming the Language Barrier
Haiphong locals are incredibly friendly, but communication can be a hurdle. A guide acts as your cultural bridge, helping you haggle at markets, order food without cilantro if you hate it, and engage in conversations with locals.
3. Optimized Logistics
Trying to figure out the ferry schedule to Cat Ba or the bus route to Do Son can be frustrating and time-consuming. A Haiphong Tour handles all transportation. You are picked up in a comfortable car or on a motorbike, whisked to the best locations, and dropped off safely.
4. Safety and Comfort
Whether it is navigating traffic on a motorbike tour or ensuring food safety on a culinary tour, a reputable tour operator prioritizes your well-being.
5. Storytelling
A building is just a building until you know its history. Haiphong is full of stories—from the days of French colonialism to the heavy bombings during the war, to its rise as a modern industrial powerhouse. A guide brings these stones to life.
Practical Travel Tips for Haiphong
To make the most of your Haiphong Tour, here are some practical logistics to keep in mind.
Best Time to Visit
Haiphong has four distinct seasons.
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Spring (February – April): Pleasant weather, drizzly rain, many festivals.
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Summer (May – August): Hot and humid. This is the season of the Red Flamboyant flowers (the city’s symbol). Perfect for Lan Ha Bay trips but can be stormy.
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Autumn (September – November): The best time to visit. Cool, dry, and sunny.
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Winter (December – January): Can be quite cold (down to 10°C). Good for food tours (hot soup tastes better!) but less ideal for swimming.
How to Get There
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By Plane: Cat Bi International Airport is just 15 minutes from the city center, with flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and some international hubs like Seoul and Bangkok.
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By Train: The train ride from Hanoi to Haiphong is an experience in itself. It takes about 2.5 hours and crosses the historic Long Bien bridge.
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By Bus: Limousine vans run every 30 minutes from Hanoi on the 5B highway, taking only 1.5 hours.
Accommodation
Haiphong offers a range of stays:
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Luxury: Sheraton Haiphong, Hotel Nikko, Pullman
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Boutique: Classic French-style villas in the city center.
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Budget: Numerous hostels and homestays are popping up as tourism grows.
- Motorbike Rental: Scooter Rental Haiphong
For regular tours, all cancellation or modification requests must be sent to us in writing (via email or chat apps) at least 72 hours before the tour starts, or within 30 minutes of making the booking. Please note that you can only modify your booking date one time, and the new date must be within 30 days of the original date. Each adult is allowed to bring 01 suitcase and 01 handbag. If you have extra luggage, please inform us in advance; otherwise, additional charges may apply if space is limited. Important: For motorbike tours, you are only allowed to carry one small bag. Haiphong Adventure cancels the tour before departure due to weather, natural disasters, or authority orders, you will receive a full refund or the option to change your departure date. If the trip is cancelled after it has already started, we will only charge for the services already used. We advise you to be ready at the meeting point on time. Our guide will wait for a maximum of 15 minutes. If you do not show up within this timeframe, it will be considered a "NO SHOW," and you will be fully charged for the tour. Note: Pickup times may vary by ±10 minutes in Haiphong and ±30 minutes in Hanoi. Yes, ticket prices are generally included based on the rates at the time of your booking. However, if ticket prices at the destination increase by the time of your tour, we will inform you, and you will be required to pay the difference. Absolutely. If you want authentic Vietnamese culture, incredible food, and access to Lan Ha Bay without the tourist crowds of Hanoi, Haiphong is a perfect destination. 2 days and 1 night is ideal. Spend Day 1 on a Haiphong Food Tour and city exploration. Spend Day 2 on a boat trip to Lan Ha Bay. Yes, Haiphong is very safe. The locals are hospitable. However, like any city, be mindful of your belongings in crowded markets. Yes! Many tour operators offer private motorbike tours or small group tours that are perfect for solo adventurers. It is a great way to meet people.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Polices
Local Guides
Conclusion
Haiphong is a city on the rise. It offers a perfect balance of history, nature, and gastronomy. It is gritty yet charming, traditional yet modern.
Whether you are slurping down a bowl of Banh Da Cua, kayaking through the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay, or admiring the yellow French colonial buildings, you will find that there are endless things to do in Haiphong.
Don’t just pass through this city. Stop, explore, and taste. And the best way to do that is to book a Haiphong Tour. Let the locals show you why they are so proud of their Port City.
Ready to explore? Contact us today to book your ultimate Haiphong Tour adventure!
