Where to Stay in Haiphong City for Every Type of Traveler
If you are wondering where to stay in Haiphong city, the short answer is this: most first-time visitors are happiest in central Hong Bang district, close to the Opera House, Tam Bac Lake and the old French quarter. Food lovers and longer-stay travelers often prefer Ngo Quyen district around Lach Tray and Van Cao streets, while travelers with an early flight or a quick hop to Cat Ba Island may choose Hai An district near Cat Bi Airport.
This guide from the local Haiphong Adventure team explains each area in plain language, who it suits, what you can walk to and how it connects to the rest of your trip. Haiphong is still refreshingly untouristy, so picking the right neighborhood makes a big difference to how easily you can explore on foot, find good street food and join haiphong tours without long transfers.
Where To Stay In Haiphong City At A Glance
Haiphong is a large port city, but the parts most visitors care about are fairly compact. The table below gives a quick overview before we look at each area in detail.
| Area | Best for | Atmosphere | Walk to sights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Bang (city center) | First timers, culture, short stays | Historic, leafy, central | Excellent |
| Ngo Quyen (Lach Tray, Van Cao) | Food lovers, cafes, longer stays | Local, lively, modern | Good by short ride |
| Le Chan | Budget travelers, local life | Residential, markets, alleys | Fair to good |
| Hai An (near Cat Bi Airport) | Early flights, Cat Ba transfers | Newer, quieter, spread out | Limited |
| Do Son | Beach breaks, weekend escapes | Seaside resort town | Not for city sights |
Hotel standards range from simple guesthouses and homestays to large international-style hotels and serviced apartments. Prices change with season and holidays, so always compare current rates on your usual booking platform before you commit.
Hong Bang District: The Best Base For First Timers
Hong Bang is the historic heart of Haiphong and the easiest answer to where to stay in Haiphong city if you only have one to three nights. Many of the classic sights sit within a comfortable walk of each other here.
What you can walk to
- Haiphong Opera House and the flower-lined square in front of it
- Tam Bac Lake and its lakeside promenade
- The French colonial Haiphong City Post Office and Haiphong Museum
- Old streets around Dien Bien Phu and Hoang Van Thu, full of cafes and small eateries
- The Cam River promenade and Hoang Van Thu Bridge, beautiful at night
Who it suits
Hong Bang is ideal for culture lovers, photographers, couples and anyone who likes to step out of the hotel and start exploring straight away. It is also the most convenient pickup point for city tours and food tours. Expect a mix of mid-range hotels, a few upscale options and some smaller guesthouses tucked into side streets.
Things to keep in mind
Some central streets are busy with motorbikes from early morning, so light sleepers should ask for a room facing the back or on a higher floor. Parking can be tight if you are traveling by car, and a few older buildings have small lifts or none at all.
Want ideas for your first evening? Our guide to the best things to do in Haiphong on a weekend works perfectly from a Hong Bang base.
>>> My Haiphong Tours Itinerary For Weekend Getaway
Ngo Quyen District: Food, Cafes And Local Energy
Ngo Quyen sits just southeast of the old center and feels more like everyday modern Haiphong. Streets such as Lach Tray and Van Cao are lined with coffee shops, restaurants, seafood places and small bars, and the area is popular with young locals and long-term foreign residents.
Why food lovers like it
Breakfast here can mean a steaming bowl of banh da cua, the city’s famous crab noodle soup, followed by a strong iced coffee on a tiny plastic stool. In the evening, sidewalk eateries fill up with families and friends, and you can try grilled snacks, snails and seafood within a few blocks of your hotel.
Getting around from Ngo Quyen
The Opera House area is a short taxi or ride-hailing trip away, usually around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. The district is also handy for the road toward Hai An, Cat Bi Airport and the route to Cat Ba. Serviced apartments and business hotels make it a good choice if you plan to stay a week or longer.
Recommended tour
Just checked in and not sure where to start? Hop on the back of a motorbike with a local guide and see the landmarks, hidden alleys and favorite neighborhood spots of the city in one go.
From $79 per person
Le Chan District: Budget Stays And Real Local Life
Le Chan lies south and west of the center and is mostly residential, with busy markets, narrow alleys and plenty of neighborhood eateries. It is named after the female general Le Chan, whose golden statue stands in a large square near the city center.
This is where you are most likely to find good-value guesthouses and family-run homestays. You will hear morning markets, see children walking to school and eat where locals eat. It is less polished than Hong Bang, but many travelers love it for exactly that reason.
If a homestay sounds appealing, read our tips on finding quiet Haiphong homestay hidden gems before you book. Check recent reviews for cleanliness, hot water and air conditioning, and ask the host how to find the alley, as map pins are not always exact.
>>> Free Things To Do In Haiphong For Budget Travel
Hai An District: Close To Cat Bi Airport And Cat Ba Routes
Hai An is a newer, more spread-out district on the eastern side of the city, home to Cat Bi International Airport and several industrial and port areas. It is not the most charming place to sightsee, but it is very practical.
- Early flights: staying near the airport can save you a stressful pre-dawn transfer.
- Late arrivals: check in quickly and move to the center the next morning.
- Cat Ba trips: the road toward the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen sea bridge and the ferry to Cat Ba starts on this side of the city.
Hotels here tend to be newer and business focused, with larger rooms and easier parking. You will need a taxi or ride-hailing car to reach most restaurants and sights.
Heading to the island next? Our guide to the Haiphong to Cat Ba ferry and bus journey explains the main options step by step.
Do Son: A Seaside Stay Outside The City
Do Son is a beach town on a peninsula about 20 kilometers southeast of central Haiphong. It is a favorite weekend escape for Vietnamese families, with seafood restaurants, a long seafront and hilly headlands.
Staying in Do Son makes sense if you want sea air and a slower pace, or if you plan to see local festivals there. It is not a good base for city sightseeing, as you will spend time going back and forth. Summer weekends and public holidays can be very busy, while weekdays outside summer are much quieter.
Best Area To Stay By Traveler Type
Still not sure? Match your travel style with the best base below.
| Traveler type | Best area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor | Hong Bang | Walk to the main sights and easy tour pickups |
| Couple or honeymoon | Hong Bang | Romantic lakeside and riverside evenings |
| Food lover | Ngo Quyen or Hong Bang | Dense mix of street food, seafood and cafes |
| Backpacker on a budget | Le Chan or Hong Bang side streets | Good-value guesthouses and local eateries |
| Family with kids | Hong Bang or Ngo Quyen | Larger hotels, parks and easy taxis |
| Business or long stay | Ngo Quyen | Serviced apartments, cafes and modern amenities |
| Early flight or Cat Ba transfer | Hai An | Close to Cat Bi Airport and the Cat Ba road |
| Beach lover | Do Son | Seafront, seafood and a slower pace |
Families with children
Look for hotels with family rooms or connecting rooms, a breakfast buffet and a lift. Central areas make it easy to take short walks to Tam Bac Lake or the Opera House square in the cooler evenings, when local families come out to play.
Solo travelers
Hong Bang is the easiest choice for solo visitors. You can walk at night in well-lit areas, find cafes for working or reading, and join group or private tours to meet people. Haiphong generally feels relaxed and friendly, but use normal city common sense with your phone and bag.
>>> Secrets To Enjoying A Real Haiphong Food Tour
Types Of Accommodation In Haiphong
Hotels
Most visitors stay in hotels, from simple two-star options to larger upscale properties with pools, gyms and rooftop views. Mid-range hotels usually include breakfast, which may be a buffet or a choice of Vietnamese noodle soup, eggs and bread.
Homestays and guesthouses
Small family-run places offer the most personal experience. Hosts are often happy to recommend local breakfast spots or help you call a taxi. Rooms can be simple, and English levels vary, so translation apps are useful.
Serviced apartments
Popular with long-stay visitors and business travelers, these come with a kitchenette, laundry and more space. They are mostly found in Ngo Quyen and newer parts of Hong Bang and Hai An.
Hostels
Haiphong has far fewer hostels than Hanoi, so backpackers often choose budget guesthouses instead. Book ahead if you specifically want a dorm bed with a social atmosphere.
Practical Tips Before You Book
- Check the exact location: a hotel listed as central may still be a long walk from the Opera House. Drop the pin into your map app.
- Read recent reviews: focus on noise, cleanliness, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
- Book early for holidays: Lunar New Year, national holidays and summer weekends fill up fast, especially in Do Son and on Cat Ba.
- Ask about airport transfers: some hotels can arrange a car from Cat Bi Airport for a set price.
- Carry the address in Vietnamese: it helps taxi drivers and motorbike taxi riders find you quickly.
- Passport check-in: hotels in Vietnam usually ask to see or register your passport at check-in.
Arriving from the capital? Compare the bus and train options from Hanoi to Haiphong to see which station or drop-off point is closest to your hotel.
>>> Planning A Perfect Cat Ba Tour From Haiphong City
Sample Plans Based On Where You Stay
One night in Hong Bang
Arrive in the afternoon, walk around Tam Bac Lake and the Opera House square, then join an evening street food tour. The next morning, enjoy banh da cua and coffee before visiting the post office, the museum and the Cam River promenade.
Two nights split between the city and Hai An
Spend your first night in the center for sightseeing and food, then move closer to Hai An or head directly toward Cat Ba on day two. This works well if you want to see the city and the islands without backtracking.
A slow week in Ngo Quyen
Use a serviced apartment as your base, explore a different neighborhood each day, take a countryside motorbike tour, and add a day trip to Lan Ha Bay or Do Son. Local haiphong tours can pick you up from most central addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Haiphong for first-time visitors?
Hong Bang district is the best choice for most first-time visitors because the Opera House, Tam Bac Lake, the old French quarter and many restaurants are within walking distance.
Is it better to stay in Haiphong or Cat Ba?
Stay in Haiphong if you want city culture and street food, and on Cat Ba if your focus is Lan Ha Bay, beaches and hiking. Many travelers spend one night in each.
How far is Cat Bi Airport from the city center?
Cat Bi Airport is roughly 5 to 6 kilometers from central Haiphong. By car the trip usually takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Is Haiphong safe for tourists at night?
Central areas such as the Opera House square, Tam Bac Lake and busy food streets are generally lively and safe in the evening. Keep valuables secure and take a registered taxi or ride-hailing car late at night.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
For most of the year you can find rooms easily, but book ahead for Lunar New Year, national holidays and summer weekends, especially at the beach.
Find Your Perfect Base With Haiphong Adventure
Choosing where to stay in Haiphong city comes down to your travel style. Pick Hong Bang for history and walkability, Ngo Quyen for food and cafes, Le Chan for budget local life, Hai An for flights and Cat Ba transfers, and Do Son for the sea. Wherever you stay, Haiphong rewards curious travelers who step outside and explore.
Need help choosing an area or planning your days? The local team at Haiphong Adventure is happy to suggest a base that fits your haiphong tours, food plans and island trips:
- WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
- KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure
We look forward to showing you our city.
