When you think of Hai Phong, what comes to mind first are the blazing red flamboyant flowers of summer, the bustling ports, the sincere, sea-breeze-like local accent, and the unbelievably delicious food that’s surprisingly affordable. But Haiphong is more than that — it’s a destination that once visited, stays in your heart; and if you haven’t been yet, it’s time to grab your backpack and go!
Hai Phong – A youthful port city full of charm
Not flashy or glittering like Saigon or Hanoi, Haiphong has its own “special kind” of beauty — a mix of bold personality and gentle grace. The city combines the modern vibe of a big urban center with the timeless elegance of French colonial architecture like the Haiphong Opera House, Haiphong Railway Station, and the central post office.
Haiphong is also known as “The City of Scarlet Flamboyant Flowers” — and that’s no coincidence. Every summer, the flamboyant trees blaze bright red along the riverside streets of Tam Bac and around Tam Ky Lake, painting a scene that’s both romantic and fiercely passionate.
Where to Go in Hai Phong?
Cat Ba Island – The Azure Gem in the Heart of the Gulf of Tonkin
If Ha Long Bay is a love song famous worldwide, then Cat Ba is the gentle harmony that seasoned travelers often choose to fall in love with quietly. The island is both wild and romantic, as if nature designed it for those who savor beauty at their own pace.
At Cat Ba, you’ll witness the blend of:
- Crystal-clear blue sea
- Majestic limestone mountains
- Peaceful ancient fishing villages
- And especially Lan Ha Bay – often called the “mini Ha Long” that hasn’t been overrun by tourism
Here are must-try experiences on Cat Ba:
- Rent a boat to explore Lan Ha Bay – weaving through hundreds of tiny islands like a watery maze. For the active, kayaking into quiet caves where only the water’s whisper and your heartbeat exist is pure magic.
- Swim at Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, and 3 – three connected beaches linked by winding paths hugging the cliffs. Each beach has its own vibe, but all share jade-green water and sand soft as melting cream.
- Visit the Than Cong Fortress for sunset views – perched over 100 meters high, gaze across the bay as the sun paints the water crimson. No filter needed for a breathtaking moment.
- Feast on fresh seafood right at Cai Beo fishing village – watch fish swim beneath your feet and then, 15 minutes later, find them on your plate. Crabs, pen shells, steamed grouper, grilled squid roe – every dish is a slice of the ocean!
Do Son Beach – A Touch of Nostalgia, A Breath of Peace
Not as bustling as Vung Tau, nor as sparkling modern as Nha Trang, Do Son stays in people’s hearts for its unique charm: simple, nostalgic, like a lingering summer dream from childhood.
At Do Son, you’ll find:
- Coastal roads shaded by coconut palms, winding gently along the mountainside
- Rows of quaint, old-style guesthouses — like a miniature Dalat by the sea
- And especially Hon Dau area — home to a centuries-old lighthouse, standing through countless waves as a silent witness to time.
What can you do here?
- Stroll along the shore, listen to the waves, and let the sea breeze dry away your tiredness
- Visit King Bao Dai’s retreat — a quiet, elegant French colonial architectural gem once reserved for royalty
- Enjoy a gentle picnic under the pine trees, bringing some snacks, a book, and a few friends — a perfect afternoon like no other
- Wedding photos? Do Son offers romance in its own way, with sunsets gently casting light over the sea, and the wind lifting the flowing white ao dai — as cinematic as any movie, without a director.
Do Son doesn’t need to shout to stand out. It chooses to softly enter your heart — like a salty, cool breeze full of memories.
Cool Spots Right in the Heart of Hai Phong
No need to go far — right in Hai Phong’s city center, you can chill out, eat your heart out, and still soak up the city’s unique vibe.
- Hai Phong Opera House — a classic French colonial architectural icon standing quietly in the square like a graceful lady. Snap a photo here and you’re instantly classy, no filter needed!
- Tam Bac Street at Night — twinkling lights, cool river breeze, street music, couples riding tandem bikes along the riverbank, and a few snack stalls with irresistible aromas… The atmosphere is both romantic and down-to-earth — perfect for holding hands and strolling a few rounds with your special someone.
- Con Market and Luong Van Can Street — a true paradise for street food and local shopping. Join the bustling crowd, grab a cup of sweet dessert soup (chè), and a takeaway bag of crab rice noodles — that’s Hai Phong perfectly wrapped in your hands.
Hai Phong isn’t just about the sea and islands — it’s also about a city life that’s both free-spirited and close-knit, making it easy to fall for without even realizing it.
What to Eat in Hai Phong? — A Paradise for Your Hungry Belly
If you ask, “What’s delicious in Hai Phong?” — the honest answer is… everything! From morning till late night, the local specialties just never end.
- Bánh đa cua (Crab Rice Noodle Soup) — the very soul of this port city’s cuisine. Sweet, rich broth made from freshwater crabs, chewy reddish-brown rice noodles, topped with grilled betel leaf pork patties, shrimp, pork sausage, blanched water spinach… Each bite is a symphony of flavors.
- Spicy Baguette with Pâté — a “small but mighty” treat! Tiny crispy baguette filled with rich, fragrant pâté and a chili sauce that hits just right with a numbing spicy kick — one is never enough, ten is still too few.
- Crab Spring Rolls — golden, crispy, packed with crab meat, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, egg… all wrapped in a thin rice paper shell and deep-fried to perfection. One bite and you’ll taste the roaring sea right in your mouth.
- Crab Hotpot, Mantis Shrimp Hotpot, Grouper Hotpot — authentic sea flavors, fragrant and full-bodied. One pot keeps you full from afternoon till night, delicious and affordable. Eating this on a chilly evening? That’s warm heart, full belly, and instant love for Hai Phong!
- Hai Phong Snails — no need for long words. Step into Le Loi or Cat Dai snail streets and prepare to “burn your wallet.” Razor clams, grilled oysters, blood cockles, snails stir-fried with tamarind… every dish is insanely good.
Tip: When visiting Hai Phong, make sure to keep your stomach empty. Every corner, every small eatery could hide a delicious surprise that makes you want to buy a ticket and stay forever!
What to Buy as Souvenirs?
After a satisfying trip full of sightseeing and snapping endless “Instagram-worthy” shots, don’t forget to pick up some Hai Phong specialties to bring home. They’re delicious, meaningful, and easy to carry!
- Hai Phong Red Rice Paper (Bánh đa đỏ) — a specialty you’ll recognize at a glance. This reddish-brown rice paper is chewy and soft, just a quick dip in hot broth is enough. It goes perfectly with anything, from freshwater crab soup to beef hotpot.
- Sun-dried squid and dried shrimp from Cat Ba — top-quality seafood with a natural sweet flavor and super convenient for packing. Grab a few packs to gift your parents, aunts, and uncles — instant brownie points guaranteed!
- Nếp Cái Hoa Vàng sticky rice wine and Cat Hai fish sauce — if you love traditional flavors, this combo is a must. Rich, intense, and infused with the salty sea breeze. Every drop carries a bit of the port city’s soul.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling by train or bus, all these goodies are easy to pack. Just a suitcase or a cloth bag is enough to bring the full “flavor of Hai Phong” back home!
Little Tips for Your Hai Phong Trip
- Getting there from Hanoi is super easy: it’s only about 100 km. You can choose train, bus, or even a motorbike trip — all work great. The national highway is smooth and easy to drive, plus there’s a highway, so no worries about getting lost — only risk is getting distracted by the delicious smells from roadside eateries!
- Want to go to Cat Ba Island? Book your tickets early!
From the city center, you can reach the island via Binh Pier (speedboat) or Got Pier (ferry). But remember to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season — or you might end up with nothing but watching others board! - Hai Phong locals — aside from their “tough” vibe, they’re absolutely lovable!
Sure, their accent sounds a bit “sharp,” but don’t get it wrong — inside, they’ve got a heart of gold: kind, enthusiastic, and always ready to give directions and recommend the best local food spots better than Google Maps!
Hai Phong – A Place You’ll Remember for a Lifetime
It’s not flashy, not showy, but Hai Phong quietly wins your heart with its authenticity, bold flavors, and unmistakable charm. This is a city where people speak with unapologetic honesty but live with genuine warmth. Where even the simplest local dishes leave unforgettable impressions. Where the sea breeze and sunlit roads make you want to breathe deeper and let your worries go.
Traveling to Hai Phong means eating well, laughing hard, breathing easy. It’s a journey that reminds you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and reconnect with your true self.
And maybe — just maybe — in this sun-kissed port city, you’ll discover a calmer, more peaceful version of yourself.
Source: Compilation
—————
Contact Us
- Address: Number 449 – Hong Ha street | Phuc Tan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Hotline: +84 915 010 817
- Email: jameshanoimotorbikes@gmail.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/jameshanoimotorbikes
