Is Haiphong Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide for First Timers

Yes, Haiphong is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy food, local life and places that are not yet shaped by mass tourism. It is not a postcard city like Hoi An, and it does not have the endless sights of Hanoi. What it offers instead is an authentic port city with French colonial streets, some of the best street food in northern Vietnam and easy access to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.

So, is Haiphong worth visiting for you? This honest guide from the Haiphong Adventure team explains what the city does well, where it falls short, who will love it, who might not and how to fit it into your Vietnam route. No hype, just the information first timers need to decide.

If you already know you are coming, our list of the best things to do in Haiphong will help you plan.

The Short Answer

You will probably love Haiphong if you…	You may want to skip it if you…
Travel for food and local culture	Want a checklist of famous landmarks
Prefer fewer tourists and real daily life	Need lots of English signage and tourist services
Are heading to Cat Ba or Lan Ha Bay anyway	Have only a few days in Vietnam in total
Enjoy colonial architecture and slow city walks	Are looking for beach resorts in the city itself
Like motorbike tours and off the beaten path trips	Dislike busy traffic and noise

Why Haiphong Is Worth Visiting

Authentic city life

Haiphong is Vietnam’s third-largest city by many measures and a major port, yet it sees far fewer foreign visitors than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Life here is lived for locals, not for tourists. Sidewalk cafes, markets and noodle shops feel genuine, and people are often curious and friendly toward visitors.

Outstanding street food

Many Vietnamese travelers come to Haiphong just to eat. The city’s signature dish is banh da cua, a crab noodle soup with flat brown rice noodles. Other favorites include banh mi cay, tiny spicy baguettes, nem cua be, square crab spring rolls, and fresh seafood from the coast.

French colonial charm

The center has an elegant Opera House, the City Post Office and many shuttered colonial buildings on tree-lined streets. It is a pleasant place for slow walks with coffee breaks.

A gateway to Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay

Haiphong is the natural starting point for Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay, a quieter neighbor of Halong Bay with limestone karsts, lagoons and beaches. Adding a day in the city before or after the islands costs little extra time.

>>> Unusual Things To Do In Haiphong Off Beaten Path

The Honest Downsides

Every destination has trade-offs. Here is what first timers should know before deciding whether Haiphong is worth visiting.

• Few big-name sights. There is no single world-famous landmark. The appeal is in the atmosphere, food and day trips.
• Busy traffic. Like most Vietnamese cities, motorbike traffic is heavy and crossing the street takes practice.
• Limited English. Outside hotels and some cafes, English is less common than in Hanoi. A translation app helps.
• Weather extremes. Summers are hot and humid, with a rainy and stormy season, while winters can be cool and grey.
• Less tourist infrastructure. Fewer tour desks and signs mean you need to plan a little more or travel with a local guide.

What To See And Do In Haiphong

Even without famous landmarks, there is plenty to fill one or two days.

Experience	Why it is worth it
Old center walk	Opera House, City Post Office and colonial streets
Cau Quay swing bridge	Historic bridge, river views and a mural street
Tam Bac Lake	Relaxed walks and local evening life
Pagodas and temples	Peaceful places like Du Hang and Linh Quang pagodas
Street food crawl	Banh da cua, banh mi cay and seafood
Motorbike or countryside tour	Villages, rice fields and coastal landmarks
Do Son peninsula	Seaside promenade, hills and seafood

On a tight budget? Many of these are free. See our guide to free things to do in Haiphong.

Is Haiphong Worth Visiting For Food Lovers?

Absolutely. For many travelers, food alone makes Haiphong worth visiting. The city has its own versions of northern classics and several specialties you will not find done the same way elsewhere.

• Banh da cua: crab noodle soup, best at breakfast.
• Banh mi cay: crispy mini baguettes with pate and chili sauce.
• Nem cua be: crab spring rolls, crispy and generous.
• Oc: snails and shellfish, a social evening dish.
• Seafood: fresh fish, squid and clams near the coast.

>>> Food Tour Haiphong: 16 Best Must-Try Dishes & Local Eateries

Haiphong As A Base For Cat Ba And Lan Ha Bay

If your main goal is the bays and islands, a stop in Haiphong makes the trip smoother. You can arrive by train, bus or plane, spend an evening eating in the city, then continue to Cat Ba by road and ferry or by boat the next morning.

• Cat Ba Island: national park hikes, beaches and viewpoints.
• Lan Ha Bay: kayaking, quiet lagoons and floating fishing villages.
• Halong Bay: reachable from Haiphong by road for day trips and cruises.

Transport options and times vary by season. See our tips for the Haiphong to Cat Ba ferry and bus journey before you book.

>>> Planning A Perfect Cat Ba Tour From Haiphong City

How Long Should You Stay?

Time	What you can do
Half a day	Old center walk, coffee and a street food stop
1 day	Colonial center, Cau Quay, Tam Bac Lake and a food crawl
2 days	Add a countryside or motorbike tour, Do Son or pagodas
3 days or more	Combine the city with Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay

For most first timers, one full day in the city plus two days on Cat Ba is a great balance.

Getting To Haiphong

• From Hanoi by train: a slow, scenic and budget-friendly option.
• From Hanoi by bus or limousine van: frequent departures and usually faster than the train.
• By air: Cat Bi International Airport has domestic flights from several Vietnamese cities.
• By cruise ship: some cruise lines call at ports in the Haiphong area.

Not sure which suits you? Compare the bus and train from Hanoi to Haiphong. Schedules and fares change, so check the latest information before travel.

Tips For First Timers

• Stay in or near the old center so you can walk to cafes, the Opera House and food streets.
• Download an offline map and a ride-hailing app for easy transport.
• Carry small cash notes for street food and markets.
• Cross the street slowly and steadily so riders can predict your path.
• Try breakfast like a local: banh da cua and an iced coffee.
• Consider a guided tour on your first day to get your bearings fast.

>>> Haiphong To Halong Bay Day Trip Itinerary Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Haiphong worth visiting for first timers in Vietnam?

Yes, if you enjoy food and local life or are heading to Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay. If you have very limited time and want the most famous sights, prioritize Hanoi and Halong Bay first.

Is Haiphong better than Hanoi?

They are different. Hanoi has more famous sights and tourist services. Haiphong is calmer for visitors, more local and a better base for Cat Ba Island.

Is Haiphong safe for tourists?

Haiphong is generally considered safe for travelers. Use normal precautions with valuables and take care in traffic.

How many days do you need in Haiphong?

One full day covers the city highlights. Two to three days lets you add the countryside, Do Son or Cat Ba Island.

Can I visit Haiphong as a day trip?

Yes. Many travelers visit from Hanoi or a cruise port for the day, though an overnight stay lets you enjoy the evening food scene.

Our Verdict

Haiphong is worth visiting for travelers who want something real: hearty crab noodles at a sidewalk table, colonial streets without crowds, friendly locals and easy access to some of northern Vietnam’s most beautiful islands. It rewards curiosity more than checklists.

Want help deciding how Haiphong fits your trip? Contact Haiphong Adventure for honest local advice and tours:

• WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
• KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure

We look forward to showing you our city.