Hai Phong

Vietnamese people are likely to call Hai Phong City “Port City” due to its coastal position. Not only that, it has another nickname “City of Red Phoenix Flowers”. You may guess it right, these flowers cover the streets of Hai Phong in red every summer. We can see that Hai Phong is an important seaport with natural beauty.

Hai Phong Port ranks as the largest seaport in Northern Vietnam and the second busiest in the country. Photo: Haiphongport

Founded less than 150 years ago, Hai Phong has rapidly developed into the country's third-largest city. As one of only two centrally-governed cities in Northern Vietnam alongside Hanoi, what's the secret behind its remarkable growth and appeal? Join Asia King Travel as we delve into the story behind Hai Phong's success.

History

Following Hai Ba Trung uprising, General Le Chan came to this land to establish a base against the enemy. Today one of the city's districts is named after her. Additionally, as the homeland of the Mac dynasty in the 16th century, King Mac Thai To established Duong Kinh here as a second capital, rivaling Thang Long (Hanoi) in importance.

From then until 1888, Hai Phong was an important commercial port in the north. After the French completely colonized Vietnam, French President Sadi Carnot signed a decree establishing Hai Phong City on July 19, 1888. The French continued to improve the port city’s facilities. The city became the first in Indochina to have electricity in 1894.

Bustling Hai Phong in the French colonial period. Photo: 36hn

During the Vietnam War, the US military heavily bombed Hai Phong to blockade the North Vietnamese army's sea supply lines. Despite the intense bombing, the city's militia inflicted significant damage on the US forces, destroying 317 aircraft and 28 warships. After the country's reunification, Hai Phong became one of the first three centrally governed cities.

Bach Dang River is famous for three victories against foreign invaders. In 938 against the Southern Han, 981 against the Song, and 1288 against the Mongols, Vietnamese armies used a brilliant strategy: luring enemy ships into a riverbed filled with stakes, causing them to get stuck and sink.

Bach Dang Giang historical site honors three great victories on the very same river. Photo: Kinh te nong thon

Location

Hai Phong is a part of the Red River Delta. It faces the sea to the east and is flanked by the coastal provinces of Quang Ninh and Thai Binh to the north and south. It borders Hai Duong Province to the west.

Hai Phong City in the red of phoenix flowers. Photo: Hai Phong news

Spanning 1,520 square kilometers, the city is divided into 7 urban districts, 6 mainland districts, and 2 island districts. The city has over 2 million people, distributed evenly between urban and rural areas. Hai Phong is well-connected with Cat Bi International Airport (IATA: HPH) and multiple ferry terminals.

How to get there

By plane

Visitors from other provinces in Vietnam can easily find flights landing at Cat Bi airport to reach Hai Phong. For international flights, the airport currently has direct flights from Southeast Asia and East Asia. Additionally, there are direct flights from Germany, Switzerland, and Turkiye.

By train

Currently, Hai Phong station connects the city to other provinces with a nationwide railway system. The station was built in 1901 and is located in Ngo Quyen District. There are currently 4 round passenger trips between Hai Phong and Hanoi every day.

Hai Phong Station bears a strong French architectural influence. Photo: VinWonders

By road

Hai Phong is conveniently located just 110 kilometers east of Hanoi, and can be reached by car in less than 2 hours via National Highway 5 or 5B. Tourists in Ha Long City can enjoy the scenic coastal views of Vietnam on the 50-kilometer-long Expressway 6.

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Weather

Northern Vietnamese weather affects Hai Phong’s climate with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. As a coastal city, it also experiences the moderating influence of sea breezes but is also susceptible to typhoons.

Do Son Beach is a popular seaside just a short distance from the capital. Photo: Suc khoe doi song

Summer is the best time to travel to Hai Phong. Tourists can admire the "City of Red Phoenix Flowers" on every street and enjoy local specialties. Beach and island tourism is the city's strength, with Do Son Beach and offshore islands.

Accommodations

A wide variety of accommodation options complement attractions in Hai Phong. Visitors can choose their accommodation based on their budget or preferences. High-end hotels are often located in the city center, Do Son Beach and Cat Ba Island.

In the city center, you can consider luxurious hotels like Hotel Nikko, Mercure Hai Phong, and Vinpearl Hotel Imperia conveniently located for exploring the city. Room rates range from VND 1.2 million to 2.5 million. For more budget-friendly options, homestays or budget guesthouses start from VND 250,000 per night.

Flamingo Cat Ba Resort have an ideal position. Photo: Sunset Holiday

Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort, Hôtel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba - MGallery, Nam Cat Island Resort CatbaBay, and Monkey Island Resort are among the luxury resorts in Cat Ba, with prices starting at least VND 1.5 million for a night. In Do Son Beach, hotels near the beach are well-equipped and very affordable, with prices around VND 600,000 per night.

What to buy in Hai Phong

Cat Hai Fish Sauce

Hai Phong’s famous Cat Hai fish sauce is no less delicious than Phu Quoc. Cat Hai fish sauce is one of the meaningful gifts you can buy as a souvenir for your family. The rich flavor of the fish sauce will stimulate your taste buds, especially when paired with seafood dishes.

Cat Hai fish sauce will bring a new taste sensation to foreign tourists' dining tables. Photo: Tiki

Cat Ba Wild Honey

The primary forest in Cat Ba National Park provides high-quality wild honey. Cat Ba wild honey is deep yellow, thick, and has a delicious, nutritious flavor. Honey offers many health benefits. If you have trouble sleeping, this precious gift from nature can help you relax.

Cat Ba wild honey is not easy to harvest. Photo: Vietnam Destinations

Banh Mi Que

Banh mi que is a popular street food in Hai Phong. This small loaf is filled with pate and traditionally served with "chi chương," a unique chili sauce. A well-made banh mi que is freshly baked, with a crispy yet soft crust, and a pate filling not too rich. It pairs perfectly with the tangy and spicy chi chương creating a delicious flavor.

You'll find it hard to stop after just one bite. Photo: Sao Style

Tien Lang Tobacco

If you have Vietnamese friends and want to experience a bit of street style, they would probably suggest you try Tien Lang tobacco. The tobacco grown in Tien Lang District is cultivated using strict farming methods. Even before being lit, the leaves have a strong, smooth aroma. However, you should consider the health risks when smoking, and it can be overwhelming for first-timers.

Tien Lang tobacco is cultivated and produced under a planned system. Photo: Thuoc lao Thanh Hoa

Conclusion

On the Vietnam tourism map, Hai Phong leaves a lasting impression with its unique specialties and the beautiful scenery of a port city. The local people here will also give you unforgettable memories. Contact Asia King Travel to plan your visit!

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