Hai Phong,Vietnam

• Cat Ba Island and Cat Ba National Park
• Lan Ha Bay (adjacent to Ha Long Bay)
• Do Son Beach and coastal promenade
• Hai Phong Opera House and French colonial buildings
• Bach Dang River embankment and historic riverfront
• Hai Phong Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon) and local pagodas
• Hai Phong Museum and local markets (e.g., Dong Khe market)

• Large, active commercial seaport with maritime activity
• Well-preserved French colonial architecture in parts of the city
• Karst islands and limestone scenery around Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay
• Lively seafood markets and strong coastal fishing culture
• Mangrove forests and biodiverse areas on Cat Ba Island

• Boat cruises and island-hopping to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba
• Hiking and wildlife spotting in Cat Ba National Park
• Beach activities and water sports at Do Son and Cat Ba
• Cycling and walking tours of Hai Phong’s colonial streets
• Sampling seafood at markets and waterfront restaurants
• Day trips to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and historical sites

• Local Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations and spring festivals
• Seasonal sea-related festivals in coastal districts (e.g., Do Son) and island communities
• City tourism and maritime events held throughout the year
• Traditional village festivals and religious observances tied to local temples and pagodas

Best times: September–November and March–May for pleasant weather and clearer seas. Beach season: May–August (warmer but more humid and rainy).

Hai Phong has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with significant rainfall (May–August) and cooler, drier winters (December–February). Typhoons can affect the region in late summer and early autumn.

Hai Phong is served by Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) with domestic and limited international flights. It is about 100–140 km from Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) and is reachable by road and rail. Regular ferries and hydrofoils connect Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay. The city is a major seaport with good road links to the Red River Delta.

2–4 days for the city and nearby attractions; add 2–3 days if including Cat Ba/Lan Ha Bay for a relaxed island experience.

Light, breathable clothing for summer, a rain jacket for the wet season, a light sweater for cool winters, comfortable walking shoes for city and hiking, swimwear for beaches and boat trips.

Try local specialties such as bánh đa cua (Hai Phong crab noodle soup), nem cua bể (crab spring rolls), and fresh seafood. Good souvenirs include dried seafood, local sauces, and small handicrafts from coastal villages.