Haiphong Travel Guide for First Timers Who Want Real Vietnam
This Haiphong travel guide for first timers is for travelers who want to see everyday Vietnam without the crowds. Haiphong is the big port city of the north, about two hours from Hanoi, with French colonial streets, busy markets, excellent street food and easy access to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay. Few international tourists stay long, so you get real local life, friendly faces and fair prices.
Below, the Haiphong Adventure team covers how to get there, where to stay, getting around, what to see and eat, money and etiquette, and a simple plan for your first visit. Transport times and prices change, so treat details as a general guide, updated October 2026.
Why Visit Haiphong
- Authentic city life: morning markets, sidewalk coffee and neighborhood eateries, with very few tour groups.
- Food capital of the north: banh da cua crab noodle soup, banh mi que and fresh seafood.
- Colonial heritage: the Opera House, the old post office and leafy boulevards.
- Gateway to islands: Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay are close by, often with fewer boats than Halong Bay.
- Easy access: an international airport, expressway links to Hanoi and train connections.
Compared with Hanoi, Haiphong feels more spacious and less touristy. Our article on cultural insights from a Haiphong city tour shows what a typical day reveals.
How To Get To Haiphong
| From | Option | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Limousine van or bus | About 2 hours | Frequent departures, some offer hotel pickup |
| Hanoi | Train | About 2.5 hours | Scenic and relaxed, arrives near the center |
| Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport | Private car | About 1.5 to 2 hours or more | Most comfortable with luggage or kids |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and others | Domestic flight to Cat Bi Airport | Flight time varies | Airport is close to the city center |
| Cruise ship | Port transfer | Depends on the terminal | Plan transport in advance |
For a detailed comparison, read bus versus train from Hanoi to Haiphong.
>>> Experience Taking Train From Hanoi To Haiphong
Where To Stay As A First Timer
Stay central so you can walk to sights and food. These areas work well:
- Around the Opera House and Tam Bac Lake: the most convenient base, close to markets, cafes and evening squares.
- Near the Cam River: riverside walks and easy access to the old port area.
- Along main restaurant streets: modern hotels and serviced apartments, a short ride from the center.
- Homestays: for a local experience, choose a family run homestay in a quiet alley.
We share some favorites in quiet Haiphong homestay hidden gems.
Getting Around The City
- Walking: the center is compact. Cross roads slowly and steadily.
- Grab and taxis: cheap and easy for longer rides. Use the app or reputable taxi companies.
- Motorbike tour: the most fun way to see the city, riding as a passenger with an experienced local driver.
- Private car: best for day trips to Do Son, Cat Ba or the countryside.
Thinking about renting your own bike? First read about motorbike rental scams in Haiphong and check that your licence and insurance are valid in Vietnam.
Recommended tour
The perfect first day: ride with a local guide through landmarks, markets and hidden alleys, and get your bearings in the city in a few fun hours.
From $79 per person
Top Sights For Your First Visit
Haiphong Opera House
The elegant French era theater is the symbol of the city. Admire the facade, then relax in the surrounding squares, which come alive in the evening.
Old post office and colonial streets
Walk the tree lined streets around the old French quarter to see shuttered villas, the yellow post office and old commercial buildings.
Cau Quay swing bridge and Tam Bac Lake
The historic iron bridge, the murals nearby and the long city lake are perfect for a late afternoon stroll and photos.
Pagodas and temples
Du Hang Pagoda and Linh Quang Pagoda offer quiet courtyards, carved wood and a glimpse of spiritual life.
Local markets
Visit a traditional market in the morning to see seafood, herbs and daily trade at its busiest.
More ideas in cultural things to do in Haiphong.
>>> Unusual Things To Do In Haiphong Off Beaten Path
What To Eat In Haiphong
| Dish | Description | When to eat |
|---|---|---|
| Banh da cua | Red rice noodles in crab broth | Breakfast or lunch |
| Banh mi que | Thin crispy bread sticks with pate and chili | Snack any time |
| Nem cua be | Square crab spring rolls | Lunch or dinner |
| Oc | Snails and shellfish, stir fried or grilled | Evening with friends |
| Seafood | Fresh fish, squid, shrimp and crab | Dinner, especially near the coast |
| Ca phe | Strong Vietnamese coffee, hot or iced | Morning or afternoon |
>>> Top Dishes To Try On Your Haiphong Food Tour Day
Money, SIM Cards And Practical Basics
- Currency: Vietnamese dong. Carry small notes for street food and taxis. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants.
- ATMs: easy to find in the center. Bank QR transfers are common, but visitors usually rely on cash.
- SIM card: buy a tourist SIM or eSIM on arrival for maps, Grab and messaging.
- Language: English is limited outside hotels and cafes. A translation app helps a lot.
- Visa: check the latest Vietnam visa rules for your nationality before you travel.
Need budget numbers? See how to travel Haiphong on a budget.
Local Etiquette For First Timers
- Dress modestly at pagodas and temples, covering shoulders and knees.
- Take off your shoes when entering homes and some shrines.
- Use both hands or your right hand when giving or receiving items.
- Smile and stay calm. Raising your voice causes loss of face.
- Ask before photographing people, especially vendors and elders.
- Bargain politely at markets, but not for food with fixed prices.
A Simple First Visit Plan
Day 1: City highlights
- Morning: banh da cua breakfast, a market visit and coffee on the sidewalk.
- Afternoon: Opera House, colonial streets, the old post office and a pagoda.
- Evening: Cau Quay bridge, Tam Bac Lake and street food in the center.
Day 2: Islands or coast
- Option A: day trip to Cat Ba with a boat ride in Lan Ha Bay.
- Option B: Do Son peninsula for sea views and a seafood lunch.
- Option C: countryside villages and pagodas by motorbike or car.
>>> Haiphong To Cat Ba Journey Ferry And Bus Tips
Safety Tips
- Haiphong is generally safe. Watch for bag snatching from motorbikes and keep phones away from the road side.
- Use reputable taxis or Grab, especially at night.
- Wear a helmet on every motorbike ride.
- Check weather warnings before boat trips in storm season.
- Drink bottled water and choose busy food stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haiphong worth visiting for first timers?
Yes, especially if you want authentic local life, great food and easy access to Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay with fewer tourists.
How many days do I need in Haiphong?
Two to three days lets you see the city and take one island or coastal day trip.
How do I get from Hanoi to Haiphong?
By limousine van, bus, train or private car. The trip usually takes around two hours by road.
Do people speak English in Haiphong?
Some do in hotels and cafes, but English is limited elsewhere. A translation app and a local guide make things easier.
What is Haiphong famous for?
Its port, red flamboyant flowers, French colonial buildings and food such as banh da cua and banh mi que.
Start Your First Haiphong Adventure
Haiphong rewards curious travelers with real everyday Vietnam: steaming noodle shops, colonial streets, friendly locals and islands on the doorstep. Use this guide to plan your first visit, then let the city surprise you.
Want a local friend to show you around? Haiphong Adventure offers motorbike rides, food experiences and haiphong tours designed for first time visitors:
- WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
- KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure
Welcome to Haiphong.
