When planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, travelers often find themselves scrolling through hundreds of reviews on TripAdvisor, looking for that one authentic experience that stands out from the crowd. Haiphong, once overshadowed by its famous neighbor Halong Bay, has recently surged in popularity among the international community.

Why? Because Haiphong offers something that is becoming increasingly rare: authenticity.

Travelers are no longer just looking for sightseeing; they are looking for connection. They want to sit on plastic stools eating noodles with locals, they want to feel the wind in their hair on a motorbike, and they want to explore hidden corners that aren’t listed in the guidebooks.

Based on the glowing reviews and high ratings from foreign travelers on TripAdvisor in 2024 and heading into 2025, we have compiled the definitive list of the Top 5 Best Haiphong Tours. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, this list will help you craft the perfect haiphong adventure.

# 1. The “Street Food Master” Motorbike Tour

Ranking consistently at the top of TripAdvisor lists is the classic Haiphong Street Food Tour. For many foreigners, Vietnamese cuisine is the main reason for visiting, and Haiphong is widely regarded by locals as the true “Kitchen of the North.”

Why TripAdvisor Users Love It:
Reviews frequently mention that this tour feels less like a paid service and more like “hanging out with a local friend.” The barrier to entry for Haiphong food is high—menus are in Vietnamese, and the best spots are hidden in alleys. This tour breaks down those barriers.

What You Will Experience:
On this haiphong tour, you hop on the back of a motorbike driven by a local guide. The mobility of the bike is key, allowing you to zip between 5 to 7 different food stops in a single evening.

• The Brown Noodles (Banh Da Cua): You will learn why the noodles are brown and taste the rich crab broth that defines the city.

• Spicy Breadsticks (Banh Mi Cay): You will visit the tiny bakeries that churn out thousands of these crispy sticks daily, learning the art of dipping them into “Chi Chuong” (local chili sauce).

• Sea Snails (Oc): This is the highlight for adventurous eaters. Sitting on the sidewalk, sucking spicy sauce off seashells, and drinking local beer is the quintessential Haiphong experience.

Who is this for?
This is for the traveler who believes that culture is best understood through the stomach. It is rated highly for its immersive nature and the incredible value for money.

# 2. The “Hidden History” City Tour

While food is a major draw, the history of Haiphong is fascinating and turbulent. The “Hidden History” City Tour ranks second because it provides context to the beautiful architecture travelers see but don’t understand.

Why TripAdvisor Users Love It:
Foreigners often appreciate the honesty of local guides. Reviews praise the storytelling aspect—learning about the French colonial era, the impact of the Vietnam War on the port, and the city’s resilience. It transforms a walk around the block into a history lesson.

Key Stops:

• The Opera House & Square: The heart of the city, perfect for understanding the French influence.
• Du Hang Pagoda: A peaceful, ancient structure that offers a glimpse into Vietnamese Buddhism and traditional wood carving.
• The Flower Market: A sensory explosion that photographers particularly love.
• The Railway Station: One of the most beautiful colonial train stations in Vietnam, still fully operational.

The Motorbike Advantage:
While some companies offer walking tours, the motorbike version offered by Haiphong Adventure is preferred. Haiphong is spacious, and walking between these sites in the tropical heat can be exhausting. The motorbike breeze makes the journey pleasant and allows you to cover more ground, including the famous bridges on the outskirts.

# 3. The Lan Ha Bay Day Escape (From Haiphong)

Technically, Lan Ha Bay is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, but the most convenient jumping-off point is actually Haiphong. This tour is a top-rated alternative for those who want to avoid the chaotic tourist crowds of Halong Bay.

Why TripAdvisor Users Love It:
“Peaceful,” “Pristine,” and “Uncrowded” are the words most used in reviews. Travelers love that they can leave Haiphong in the morning, spend a full day cruising, kayaking, and swimming in emerald waters, and be back in the city for dinner.

The Itinerary:

• Transfer: A quick drive from Haiphong city center to the ferry terminal.
• The Cruise: Unlike the massive steel ships of Halong, Lan Ha Bay tours often use smaller, boutique wooden boats that can navigate closer to the limestone karsts.
• Activities: Kayaking through caves (Dark & Bright Cave) and visiting floating fishing villages where you can see how locals live on the water.

This haiphong adventure is perfect for those on a tight schedule who want to see the UNESCO scenery without committing to an overnight boat trip.

# 4. The Countryside & Elephant Mountain Trek

For travelers looking to escape the concrete jungle, the Elephant Mountain (Nui Voi) tour is a rising star on TripAdvisor. It offers a completely different vibe: green, rugged, and quiet.

Why TripAdvisor Users Love It:
It is an “off-the-beaten-path” experience. Reviews often mention that they didn’t see a single other tourist during the entire trip. It feels like a genuine exploration of rural Vietnam.

What to Expect:

• The Ride: The journey to An Lao district takes you through rice paddies and small villages, offering a look at agricultural life.
• The Hike: Elephant Mountain is not just a hike; it is a historical site. It served as a shelter for revolutionary soldiers during the wars. You will explore impressive caves tucked inside the mountain and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the delta.
• The Culture: Visits often include stops at local clan houses or ancient communal temples that date back centuries.

This tour is highly recommended for active travelers who want to stretch their legs and breathe fresh air.

# 5. The “Northern Loop” Kickstart (Haiphong to Ha Giang)

This is not just a day tour; it is the beginning of a lifetime adventure. Many motorbike enthusiasts on TripAdvisor rate Haiphong as the best starting point for the great Northern Loop, heading towards Cao Bang or Ha Giang.

Why TripAdvisor Users Love It:
Starting from Haiphong allows travelers to skip the chaotic traffic of Hanoi. Riders can head East towards Quang Ninh, then curve North through Lang Son, creating a massive, scenic loop.

Haiphong Adventure’s Role:

• We are not just a tour operator for the city; we are a logistics hub for long-distance riders. We provide:
• High-quality motorbike rentals: Honda XR, Win, or semi-automatics maintained to Western standards.
• Route Planning: We help you map out a 5-10 day itinerary that hits Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be Lake, and the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
• Support: Providing racks, bungees, and 24/7 remote support.

Reviewers love the peace of mind that comes with renting from a reputable agency in Haiphong before tackling the mountains.

# Why “Motorbike” is the Keyword for Success

You might notice a common theme in the top 5 tours: The Motorbike.
In Vietnam, the motorbike is not just a vehicle; it is the pulse of the nation. TripAdvisor reviews overwhelmingly favor motorbike tours over bus or car tours for several reasons:

1. Sensory Immersion: You smell the food cooking, you feel the temperature change as you enter a shaded alley, and you hear the sounds of life. You are part of the scene, not watching it through glass.
2. Access: A car cannot enter a 2-meter wide alley where the best pho is served. A motorbike can. A bus cannot stop on a narrow bridge for a photo. A motorbike can.
3.  The “Local” Feeling: Sitting on the back of a bike driven by a local guide breaks down the tourist-guide barrier. It feels like a road trip with a friend.

At Haiphong Adventure, we specialize in this mode of travel. Our drivers are licensed, experienced, and trained to drive safely and smoothly, ensuring even the most nervous passenger feels comfortable.

# How to Choose the Right Tour for You

With so many 5-star options, how do you choose? Here is a quick guide based on traveler types:

• The Short Stay (Layover): If you only have 4-5 hours before a flight or ferry, take the “Street Food Tour”. It maximizes culture per minute.
• The Nature Lover: Choose the Lan Ha Bay Day Trip or Elephant Mountain.
• The Photographer The City Tour offers the best architectural shots, especially during the “Golden Hour” near sunset.
• The Adrenaline Junkie: Rent a bike from us and start your Northern Loop.

# Booking Your Haiphong Adventure

The popularity of Haiphong is growing, and our private tours often book out in advance, especially during the high season (October to April). To ensure you get the best guides and the best bikes, we recommend booking directly with us.

We are a team of passionate locals who speak English and understand what international travelers are looking for. We don’t do “cookie-cutter” tours; we customize the experience to your vibe.

Ready to see why we are rated 5 stars?
Don’t just read the reviews—come write your own. Contact us today to plan your trip.

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CONTACT HAIPHONG ADVENTURE:

We are available 24/7 to answer your questions about itineraries, bike rentals, and weather conditions.

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

See you on the road!