Vibrant, fast-moving, and full of contrast, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic center and the main gateway to the south. Formerly known as Saigon, the city brings together old and new in a way that feels immediate and unmistakable. Historic landmarks, colonial-era architecture, traditional markets, and long-established neighborhoods sit alongside modern towers, stylish cafés, and a constantly evolving urban scene. The traffic is intense, the energy is constant, and the pace rarely slows.

Top Things To Do in Hai Phong

See the top landmarks

Hai Phong’s city centre is one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial urban planning in Vietnam. The 1904 Opera House, built in elegant neoclassical style, anchors the central square where locals gather in the evenings for coffee and street food. Nearby, the old Post Office and the mustard-yellow Hai Phong Museum add to a streetscape that rewards slow, unhurried walking.

Visit Du Hang Pagoda

One of the oldest and most beautiful religious sites in the city, Du Hang Pagoda dates back to the 17th century and sits within a remarkably peaceful garden compound. Its intricate wood carvings, layered rooflines, and quiet courtyards offer a genuine contrast to the bustle of the streets outside. A worthwhile stop for anyone with an interest in traditional Vietnamese religious architecture.

Explore Cat Ba Island

The largest island in the Ha Long Bay archipelago, Cat Ba sits just 45 minutes from Hai Phong by ferry and offers a wilder, less crowded alternative to the main bay. Dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and a vast national park with jungle trekking trails make it a destination in its own right. The island also serves as an excellent base for kayaking into Lan Ha Bay, a quieter and equally beautiful neighbour to Ha Long.

Relax at Do Son Beach

About 20 km southeast of the city, Do Son is a string of beaches that has been a popular seaside retreat since the French colonial era. Once the summer escape of King Bao Dai, it still draws visitors looking for sand, fresh seafood, and a slower pace. The surrounding hills hide a Buddhist temple and the remains of an old clay tower, and the area is also home to Vietnam’s only beachside casino.

Discover the Le Chan Temple

Founded by the female general Le Chan, who is credited with establishing Hai Phong as a city in 42 AD, this temple is both a historical landmark and an active place of worship. The interior is notable for its carved stone musical instruments and a bed carved entirely from stone, alongside intricate dragon motifs that run throughout the structure. The Le Chan Festival, held each spring, draws large crowds from across the region.

Eat Your Way Through the Local Food Scene

Hai Phong has a food culture that locals are fiercely proud of, and rightly so. Banh da cua, a rich crab noodle soup made with thick red rice noodles, is the city’s signature dish and unlike anything else in Vietnam. Nem cua be (fried sea crab spring rolls) and banh duc tau (a savoury rice cake with Chinese roots) round out a street food scene that is every bit as compelling as Hanoi’s, but with far fewer tourists.

Hai Phong Weather

Hai Phong has two main seasons: a cool, dry period from November to April and a hot, humid monsoon season from May to October. Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the city and its surrounding islands. May is a particularly festive time, when the flame trees are in full bloom across the city. Summer is warm and lively but comes with regular downpours, so pack accordingly.

Hai Phong Transport

From Hanoi, Hai Phong is most easily reached by bus or express train, both taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Luxury limousine buses offer direct city centre pick-up and drop-off. The train is a comfortable and scenic option with several daily departures.

Within the city, taxis and the Grab app are the most practical ways to get around. Motorbike rentals are widely available for those who prefer to explore independently. Ferries to Cat Ba Island depart regularly from Ben Binh port, with the crossing taking around 45 minutes.