Sightseeing Haiphong Map Planning Your Route
A sightseeing Haiphong map makes planning your days in the port city simple. Most of the main landmarks, from the Opera House to the old Post Office and the Cau Quay swing bridge, sit close together in the centre, while temples, pagodas and the coast are a short ride away. With a clear route, you spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the sights.
This guide from the Haiphong Adventure team shows how to group the city’s landmarks by area, suggests a walking route through the centre, gives half day and full day plans and shares tips for getting between sights. Opening hours and ticket rules change, so treat practical details as a reference (updated October 2026) and check locally before you go.
How To Read A Sightseeing Haiphong Map
Haiphong is a large city, but visitors mostly explore three zones:
- The colonial centre. Grand French era buildings, wide boulevards, the Opera House, the Post Office, the Museum and Tam Bac Lake.
- Riverside and old streets. The Cau Quay swing bridge area, mural streets and the Cam River promenade.
- Temples and villages. Historic communal houses and pagodas a short ride from the centre.
Day trips to Do Son beach and Cat Ba Island sit further out, so plan them as separate days. If you only have a short stay, our guide to the top must-visit spots in Haiphong helps you choose.
Key Landmarks On Your Haiphong Map
| Landmark | Zone | Why visit | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haiphong Opera House | Colonial centre | Elegant French era theatre and lively square | 20 to 30 minutes outside |
| Haiphong City Post Office | Colonial centre | Classic colonial facade, great for photos | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Haiphong Museum | Colonial centre | Local history in a historic building | About 1 hour |
| Le Chan statue square | Colonial centre | Monument to the heroine who founded the area | 15 minutes |
| Tam Bac Lake | Colonial centre | Relaxed lakeside walk, lovely at night | 30 minutes |
| Cau Quay swing bridge area | Riverside | Old railway tracks and murals | 30 minutes |
| Hang Kenh Communal House | Temples and villages | Traditional wooden architecture and carvings | 45 minutes |
| Du Hang Pagoda | Temples and villages | Peaceful historic Buddhist pagoda | 45 minutes |
Times are rough guides for a relaxed pace. Some sites close at lunchtime or on certain days, so check before you go.
A Walking Route Through The Colonial Centre
The colonial centre is compact enough to explore on foot in two to three hours. Here is a simple loop.
- Start at the Opera House. Admire the facade and the square in front.
- Walk to the Le Chan statue. Learn the story of the heroine General Le Chan.
- Visit the Haiphong Museum. Step inside to understand the city’s history.
- See the City Post Office. A short walk through tree-lined streets.
- Stroll around Tam Bac Lake. Take a break on a bench or at a nearby cafe.
- Finish near the Cau Quay swing bridge. Walk the old tracks and mural street.
Use your map to link the stops in the order that suits your hotel location. The route works in either direction.
>>> 5 Best Things to Do in Haiphong: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Riverside And Old Streets On Your Route
After the grand boulevards, the riverside shows a more local side of Haiphong.
Cau Quay swing bridge and mural street
This old bridge area with railway tracks and colourful murals is a favourite photo stop. Be careful of traffic around the tracks and follow any local signs.
Cam River promenade
A breezy riverside walk with views of bridges and boats. It is especially pleasant in the late afternoon.
Recommended tour
Taste of Old Haiphong
Follow a local guide by motorbike to the Post Office, Opera House, Nghe Temple, local markets and favourite snacks, without worrying about the map.
From $79 per person
Temples And Pagodas Beyond The Centre
Haiphong’s spiritual and village heritage is worth a short ride. Group these sights together on your map to save time.
- Hang Kenh Communal House. Known for its traditional wooden structure and detailed carvings.
- Du Hang Pagoda. A calm, historic pagoda with gardens and old architecture.
- Nghe Temple. A temple dedicated to General Le Chan in the city.
- Smaller pagodas. Many neighbourhoods have peaceful pagodas with bell towers and courtyards.
Dress modestly at religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered, and speak quietly inside. Our list of cultural things to do in Haiphong explains more about local customs.
Half Day And Full Day Sightseeing Plans
Half day: the essentials
- Opera House and Le Chan statue
- City Post Office
- Tam Bac Lake and a coffee break
- Cau Quay swing bridge area
For a ready-made version, see our half day Haiphong itinerary.
Full day: centre and heritage
- Morning: Opera House, Museum, Post Office and Le Chan statue.
- Lunch: Banh da cua near the centre.
- Afternoon: Hang Kenh Communal House and Du Hang Pagoda by taxi or Grab.
- Late afternoon: Cam River promenade or Tam Bac Lake.
- Evening: Street food and the lit-up Opera House.
>>> Guide To Choosing Best Haiphong Tours For Family Trip
Getting Between Sights In Haiphong
| Option | Best for | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | The colonial centre | Wear comfortable shoes and cross roads slowly and steadily |
| Grab or taxi | Temples and pagodas outside the centre | Check the pin on your map before booking |
| Cyclo | A slow, nostalgic ride through the centre | Agree the route and price before starting |
| Guided motorbike tour | Seeing many sights in a short time | Choose a licensed operator with helmets and insurance |
If you arrive by train, the railway station is close to the centre. Read about the train journey from Hanoi to Haiphong to plan your arrival.
Smart Tips For Planning Your Route
- Start early. Mornings are cooler and quieter for walking.
- Group nearby sights. Avoid crossing the city back and forth.
- Check opening days. Museums and temples can close at lunchtime or on certain days.
- Plan breaks. Sidewalk cafes are perfect rest stops between sights.
- Save offline maps. Download the city area before you set out.
- Leave evenings free. Many landmarks look beautiful when lit up at night.
Sightseeing With A Local Guide
A map shows you where things are, but a guide tells you why they matter: the stories behind the colonial buildings, the legends of General Le Chan and the best time to visit each temple. Many guests on our haiphong tours see more in a few hours with a guide than in a full day alone, and still have time for coffee and street food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sightseeing In Haiphong
Can I see Haiphong’s main sights in one day?
Yes. The colonial centre can be explored in a morning, leaving the afternoon for temples, pagodas or the riverside.
Is central Haiphong walkable?
Yes. The Opera House, Post Office, Museum, Le Chan statue and Tam Bac Lake are close together. Use a taxi or Grab for sights further out.
What is the best order to visit the sights?
Start at the Opera House in the morning, walk the colonial centre, then ride to temples in the afternoon and return for evening lights.
Do I need tickets for the landmarks?
Many outdoor landmarks are free to see from outside. Museums and some sites may charge a small fee, which can change.
When is the best time for sightseeing in Haiphong?
Autumn and spring are usually the most comfortable. In summer, plan walks for early morning and late afternoon.
Plan Your Perfect Haiphong Route
With a simple sightseeing Haiphong map, you can link grand colonial buildings, riverside streets and peaceful temples into one smooth day. Group nearby sights, start early and leave time for coffee and evening lights. If you would like a local guide to show you the city, the Haiphong Adventure team is happy to help plan your route.
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