The Ultimate Haiphong Tour: Top 10 Must-Visit Spots in 2025

If you are planning a Haiphong tour, the first thing to know is that this port city rewards curious travelers. It is not a checklist of famous monuments like Hanoi or Halong Bay. It is a living city of French colonial streets, busy sidewalk cafes, a working river port and some of the best street food in northern Vietnam, with islands and beaches only a short ride away. This guide walks you through the ten spots we think every first-time visitor should see, in an order that makes sense on the ground, and adds practical tips so you can turn the list into a real plan.

We are a local team, and every spot below is one we pass through with guests on our motorbike tours. We describe what each place feels like, why it matters and how to enjoy it without wasting time. Opening hours, ticket prices and ferry schedules change often, so treat anything time-related as a reference and confirm it before you go.

Cau Quay Swing Bridge, The City’s Most Photographed Corner

Cau Quay is the spot most travelers recognize from photos, and it is a good place to start because it shows you the city’s industrial and colonial side at once. The old swing bridge carries railway tracks over the river, and the streets around it are lined with murals that give the neighborhood a fresh, artistic feel. Walk the approach slowly, look at the painted walls and notice how local life continues around the bridge: scooters squeezing past, neighbors chatting in doorways, vendors setting up for the day.

Please be careful on and near the tracks. Photos are part of the fun, but the line is still a working part of the city’s infrastructure, so always listen to your guide and keep an eye out for any movement. Early morning gives you softer light and fewer people, while evening shows the bridge in a more atmospheric mood.

Haiphong Opera House And The French Colonial Quarter

The Opera House is the elegant heart of the colonial quarter. Built in the early twentieth century in a French style, it faces an open square that locals use for evening strolls, photos and people watching. During the day the pale facade looks calm and classical. At night the square fills up with families, couples and young people, and the lights make it one of the best places in the city to feel the atmosphere.

Spend at least thirty minutes here. Walk around the building, cross to the side streets and look at the old villas with their shutters and balconies. If you enjoy architecture, this is the area where a short walk gives you the biggest reward. For more ideas on temples, buildings and heritage, read our guide to cultural things to do in Haiphong.

>>> Free Things To Do In Haiphong For Budget Travel

The French Colonial City Post Office

A short walk from the center brings you to the old city post office, another fine example of French colonial design. It is not a big attraction with a ticket booth, and that is exactly why we like it. You can simply stand in the street, admire the facade and tall windows, and imagine the city a century ago when letters and telegrams arrived from across the sea.

The post office is a quick stop of ten or fifteen minutes, but it helps you understand how the port shaped the city. Haiphong grew because of trade, and these buildings were built to serve merchants, officials and sailors. Pair it with a coffee stop nearby and you have a relaxed morning.

Le Chan Statue Square

The golden statue of Le Chan stands in a square that is especially beautiful after dark. Le Chan is remembered as a female general from Vietnam’s early history, and she is a source of local pride. Many Haiphong residents see her as a symbol of the city’s strong, independent spirit, so this is a good place to ask your guide for stories.

Visit in the evening if you can. The square is lit, the air is cooler and you will see local families relaxing on the benches. It is an easy, free stop and a lovely place to take photos that show a calm side of city life.

Linh Quang Pagoda And Its Red-Roofed Bell Tower

For a quieter moment, visit Linh Quang Pagoda. Its red-roofed bell tower is the first thing you notice, and inside the grounds the pace slows down. Local people come here to light incense, pray and spend a few quiet minutes away from the traffic. As a visitor you are welcome, but please dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, speak softly and ask before photographing people who are praying.

Temples and pagodas are a big part of everyday life in Haiphong, and a short visit gives you a better feel for local beliefs than any guidebook. If you like this kind of stop, our article on unusual things to do in Haiphong has more ideas away from the main crowds.

Cam River Promenade And Hoang Van Thu Bridge

The Cam River is the water route that made Haiphong a port. Along the riverside promenade you get open sky, a breeze and a view of the Hoang Van Thu Bridge, which glows at night. It is a simple stop, but it explains the city better than almost any museum: ships, cranes and fishing boats are never far away.

Come in the late afternoon, when the heat eases, and walk a short stretch with a cold drink. You will notice local runners, couples and small groups of friends sitting by the water. Evening photos with the lit bridge are among the favorites we see from our guests.

Banh Da Cua And The Street Food Of Haiphong

No Haiphong tour is complete without food, and banh da cua is the dish that most travelers remember. It is a bowl of crab noodle soup made with flat, brownish noodles, served in a rich broth with crab and toppings. Locals eat it at small shops and sidewalk stalls, often for breakfast or lunch. Alongside it you should try banh beo, soft steamed rice cakes with savory toppings, and the spicy banh mi cay that the city is famous for.

Eating on small plastic stools is part of the experience. Choose busy stalls with a quick turnover, watch how the food is prepared and ask your guide to help you order. If you want a deeper food plan, read our story of a Haiphong street food adventure for a full list of dishes.

>>> My Haiphong Street Food Adventure Local Taste

Do Son Beach And The Coastal Landmarks

A short ride from the city center, Do Son is the traditional seaside escape for Haiphong people. The peninsula has beaches, pine-covered hills and old villas, including a mansion linked to the last Vietnamese emperor, Bao Dai. It is more relaxed than the city, and it adds a coastal chapter to your trip.

Do Son is best in the warmer months, when swimming and beach walks are most pleasant. In winter it is quieter, windier and good for a slow stroll and seafood lunch. Combine it with rural lanes and temples on a countryside ride if you have a full day, because the road between the city and the coast passes through villages that most visitors never see.

Cat Ba Island, Nature Just Beyond The City

Cat Ba is the largest island in the archipelago south of Halong Bay, and many travelers leave Haiphong specifically to reach it. The island has a national park, forest trails, viewpoints, beaches and a lively small town. It is possible as a long day trip, but two days give you time to hike, relax and enjoy the sea.

The trip from the city usually combines road and ferry or boat, so allow extra time for transfers. Check our practical article on Haiphong to Cat Ba travel time and schedule before you book, because timetables change with season and weather.

Lan Ha Bay, The Quieter Alternative To Halong

Lan Ha Bay sits next to the better-known Halong Bay and shares the same limestone scenery, with fewer boats and more space. Travelers come to cruise between karst islands, kayak in calm water, swim and watch the light change at sunset. If you prefer peaceful scenery to crowds, this is the place we recommend.

Weather matters here. Calm, clear days are best, and sea conditions can change quickly, so listen to the boat crew and your guide. For a more detailed picture of what a cruise day feels like, see our Lan Ha Bay tour experience.

>>> Lan Ha Bay Tour Experience Cruising The Unknown

How To Plan Your Haiphong Tour In One Or Two Days

The city sights above fit nicely into a single day if you start early. A simple plan is Cau Quay in the morning, the Opera House and post office before lunch, banh da cua for lunch, the river promenade in the afternoon and Le Chan Square with dinner in the evening. If you have a second day, spend it on Do Son, Cat Ba or Lan Ha Bay.

Travelers who prefer a ready-made route can join a guided motorbike tour, which saves you from navigating traffic and lets you reach hidden alleys more easily. Browse all options on our tours page, or ask us to tailor a route to your interests. Our team can also advise whether a day or two days fits your schedule better.

Practical Tips For A Smooth Trip

The best months for comfortable sightseeing are generally spring and autumn, when the heat is milder, though always check the forecast before a boat trip. Wear light clothes, comfortable shoes and a layer for evenings, and carry sunscreen and water. In temples, cover your shoulders and knees.

Getting here is easy from the capital. You can read our comparison of the bus and train from Hanoi to Haiphong to choose the best option. Keep small cash for street food, agree prices before you start a ride and treat all costs in this guide as a reference only, since prices change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for a Haiphong tour?

One full day covers the main city spots. Two days let you add Do Son, Cat Ba Island or Lan Ha Bay at a relaxed pace.

Is Haiphong safe for foreign travelers?

Haiphong is generally friendly and welcoming. As in any city, watch your belongings, be careful with traffic and take care near the railway tracks at Cau Quay.

What food should I try first?

Start with banh da cua, then try banh beo and banh mi cay. Ask your guide to help you choose stalls and order.

Can I do the tour by motorbike with a guide?

Yes. A guided motorbike tour is a popular way to see the city, because the guide handles traffic and navigation while you enjoy the sights.

When is the best time to go?

Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons. Summer suits the beach, while winter is cooler and quieter. Always check the weather forecast before booking boat trips.

Plan Your Trip With Haiphong Adventure

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