My Haiphong Tours Itinerary For Weekend Getaway

Unlocking the Port City: The Ultimate 48-Hour Guide

Vietnam is a country of hidden gems, but few are as overlooked and underrated as Hai Phong. Often seen merely as a transit point to Halong Bay, this vibrant port city possesses a soulful charm that rivals Hanoi, yet without the overwhelming chaos. For travelers seeking an authentic slice of Northern Vietnamese life, a weekend here is not just a stopover; it is a destination in itself. Whether you are a foodie chasing the perfect bowl of noodles or an explorer looking to ride the coastal roads, haiphong tours offer a blend of colonial history, gritty industrial vibes, and breathtaking nature.

This guide is designed for the traveler who wants to dig deeper. It is for the rider who wants to feel the wind in their face on a motorbike tour. It is for the curious soul ready to join a haiphong adventure that goes beyond the guidebooks. Over the next 48 hours, we will take you through the red flamboyant lined streets, into the heart of the culinary scene, and out to the limestone karsts that guard the coast. Welcome to Hai Phong.

Why Hai Phong Should Be Your Next Weekend Escape

Before we dive into the itinerary, it is essential to understand why this city is worth your time. Unlike the tourist-heavy streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hai Phong retains a laid-back, working-class authenticity. The sidewalks are wider, the traffic is manageable, and the locals are famously straightforward yet incredibly hospitable.

The architecture here is a photographer’s dream. The French colonial influence is stark and well-preserved, with yellow villas and grand civic buildings dotting the central district. But the real draw? The food. Hai Phong is widely considered the culinary capital of the North by those in the know. From the spicy breadsticks to the complex crab broth of Banh Da Cua, the flavors here are bolder and distinct from their Hanoian counterparts.

Furthermore, accessibility is a breeze. Located just 1.5 to 2 hours from Hanoi via the new highway, it is the perfect distance for a weekend retreat. And for those looking to explore, the terrain is flat and scenic, making it ideal for a motorbike adventure.

Day 1: Immersion in Heritage and Gastronomy

Your first day is all about understanding the rhythm of the city. We will focus on the central districts, diving into history and, most importantly, eating your way through the local specialties. The best way to execute this itinerary is on two wheels, allowing you to zip between locations with ease.

Morning: The Colonial Core and Coffee Culture

08:00 AM: Arrival and Breakfast
Start your morning like a true local. Head straight to a local eatery for a bowl of Banh Da Cua. Unlike the white rice noodles found elsewhere, Hai Phong uses a distinct brown noodle that has a chewy texture and a smoky flavor derived from caramelizing the rice powder. The broth is rich with field crabs, pork bone stock, and topped with betel leaf wrapped pork (cha la lot).

09:30 AM: The Opera House & Central Strip
After breakfast, make your way to the Hai Phong Opera House. Built by the French in 1904, it is a neoclassical masterpiece that anchors the city center. While you often cannot enter the main hall without a ticket for a performance, the exterior and the surrounding square are perfect for photos. This area is the heart of the city, flanked by wide boulevards and old flamboyant trees that bloom brilliant red in the summer.

10:30 AM: Coffee at “No. 1986” or Traditional Cafes
Hai Phong has a booming cafe culture. You can choose between ultra-modern architecture at places like No. 1986 Coffee (famous for its unique design) or sit on a low stool at a sidewalk cafe near Tam Bac Lake. Order a “Ca Phe Cot Dua” (Coconut Coffee), a creamy, frozen blend that beats the tropical heat perfectly.

Afternoon: The Haiphong Adventure Motorbike Tour

01:30 PM: Pick up your Bike
This is where the real fun begins. To truly see Hai Phong, you need mobility. Booking a motorbike tour with haiphong adventure ensures you have a reliable bike and, if requested, a guide who knows the backstreets. If you are riding yourself, ensure you have an International Driving Permit. If you prefer a pillion experience, our drivers are ready.

02:00 PM: Du Hang Pagoda
Ride about 15 minutes south of the center to Du Hang Pagoda. This is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the region, dating back several centuries. The architecture is a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese wood carving, with elaborate dragons and phoenixes adorning the roofs. It is a peaceful respite from the engine noise and offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the port city.

03:30 PM: Hang Kenh Communal House
Continue your ride to Hang Kenh Communal House. This structure is famous for its incredible wooden sculptures—over 300 dragons are carved into the framework of the building. It is not just a tourist site; it is a living community center where festivals are held to honor the founder of the local tapestry tradition.

04:30 PM: Tam Bac Lake and Flower Market
Circle back towards the city center along the banks of Tam Bac Lake. The late afternoon light hitting the water is beautiful. Nearby is the Cho Do (Red Market) or the flower village areas. Riding through these bustling markets gives you a sensory overload of colors and scents that you simply cannot get from a car window.

Evening: The Street Food Crawl

07:00 PM: The Food Tour Begins
Park the bike and get ready to walk, or keep riding from stall to stall. Hai Phong’s street food scene comes alive at night. Your checklist must include:

• Banh Mi Cay (Spicy Breadstick): Tiny, crispy baguettes filled with pate and drizzled with “chi chuong” (a special local chili sauce). You will likely eat five or ten in one sitting.
• Oc (Snails): Head to the local “Oc” streets. From stir-fried snails with tamarind to steamed clams with lemongrass, this is the classic Vietnamese social dining experience.
• Gia Be: A unique local shellfish dish that is stir-fried and challenging to eat but delicious.

Day 2: Adventure Beyond the Asphalt

On your second day, we expand the radius. haiphong tours are not limited to the city limits. We have two options for you depending on your vibe: The Sea or The Mountains.

Option A: Lan Ha Bay Day Trip (The Water Route)

07:00 AM: Departure to Got Pier
Ride your motorbike or take a transfer to the ferry terminal. We are heading to Cat Ba Island’s gateway. While Cat Ba deserves its own weekend, a day trip to Lan Ha Bay is entirely possible and highly recommended.

09:00 AM: Boat Cruise
Board a smaller day boat. Lan Ha Bay is the geological twin of Halong Bay but receives a fraction of the tourists. You can kayak through dark caves, swim in secluded lagoons, and marvel at the limestone towers jutting out of the emerald water. This is the “haiphong adventure” at its peak natural beauty.

04:00 PM: Return to Mainland
Catch the ferry back, enjoying the sunset over the harbor cranes—a reminder of the city’s industrial might contrasting with natural beauty.

Option B: Countryside & Do Son (The Land Route)

08:00 AM: Ride to Elephant Mountain (Nui Voi)
Located in An Lao district, about 20km from the city, Elephant Mountain is a cluster of limestone mountains that look like a lying elephant. This is a great spot for light trekking and exploring caves that were used as revolutionary bases during wars. The ride out here takes you through rice paddies and rural villages, offering a serene look at the Red River Delta.

12:00 PM: Seafood Lunch at Do Son
Ride towards the coast to Do Son peninsula. While the beaches here are darker due to river sediment (and thus less popular for swimming than the islands), the seafood is incredibly fresh and affordable. Sit by the sea breeze and enjoy steamed crab, prawns, and oysters.

02:30 PM: The No-Number Pier (Ben Tau Khong So)
Visit the historical site of the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail. It is a quiet, reflective spot with a monument dedicated to the unnumbered ships that transported weapons during the war. It offers a panoramic view of the ocean.

Practical Tips for Your Haiphong Trip

Getting There

Most travelers arrive from Hanoi. You can take the train (which arrives at the beautiful French-built Hai Phong Railway Station) or a limousine bus. However, if you are booking a full tour with us, we can arrange private transfers or guide you on a motorbike route from Hanoi if you are an experienced rider.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for haiphong tours is from September to November (Autumn) or March to May (Spring). The weather is cool and pleasant for motorbike riding. Summer (June-August) can be hot and rainy, while winter can get quite chilly, requiring a warm jacket.

Riding in Hai Phong

Traffic in Hai Phong is generally calmer than Hanoi, but it is still Vietnam. Always wear a helmet. If you are renting from haiphongadventure.com, our bikes are well-maintained, but always do a brake and light check before setting off. Be aware of container trucks on the highway loops outside the city; stay in the motorbike lanes and be patient.

Why Choose Motorbike Tours?

You might ask, why not just take a taxi? A car isolates you from the environment. A motorbike immerses you in it. When you ride through the flower villages or smell the salty air near the port, you are connecting with the destination. Our tours are designed to give you that sense of freedom with the safety net of local knowledge.

We specialize in tailoring the experience. Whether you want a rugged ride through the countryside or a gentle cruise from cafe to cafe, we have the itinerary for you.

Contact Us for Your Adventure

Ready to explore the Port City? Whether you need a bike rental, a guided food tour, or a multi-day northern loop starting from Hai Phong, we are here to help. We cater specifically to English-speaking guests who want a hassle-free, authentic experience.

Contact us via:
WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
Kakaotalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure
Website: haiphongadventure.com

Don’t just pass through Hai Phong. Stop, ride, eat, and discover the soul of the North with us.