Haiphong

Haiphong is Vietnam's third largest city and the largest city at the Red River delta, historically significant as a population center and ancient port. The city served as an opium trading hub from upriver warlords in Yunnan and general shipping port during French colonial rule. It functions as a practical transit hub between Hanoi and northern coastal destinations like Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay, offering a more relaxed alternative to the capital without the tourist crowds.

Cat Bi International Airport south of the city serves domestic flights and some international routes from Bangkok and Seoul via Jetstar, VietJetAir, and Vietnam Airlines. The Hai Phong railway station at 75 Lương Khánh Thiện connects to Long Bien station in Hanoi with four trains daily; the 2.5+ hour journey costs around 150,000 dong for an air-conditioned soft seat. Ferries depart from Ben Binh St port to Cat Ba Island (up to 100,000 dong).

Local buses depart from Lạch Tray St to Đồ Sơn Beach (17,000 dong), located about 20 km southeast. Taxis are available but can be unreliable in some districts. Motorbike rental is common for independent exploration.

The climate chart shows peak rainfall from July to October (238-353 mm monthly), with the driest months being December through February (22-43 mm). The coolest period is January-February with temperatures around 14-15°C, while the hottest months are June-August at 32°C. December-February offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, though it's the coolest time of year.

Local specialties include bánh đa cua (noodle soup with crab), bánh bèo (rice cakes with meat and special sauce), bún tôm (shrimp noodle soup), and chè bưởi (sweetened grapefruit porridge with beans and coconut). Street stalls offer the full array of Vietnamese cuisine. For budget eats, try bánh mì que or bánh mì cay—ultra-thin mini-baguettes with pork pâté dipped in chilli-tomato sauce. Lẩu (hotpot) and nướng (BBQ) restaurants are popular. Haiphong Brewery on 16 Lach Tray serves fresh bia hoi at 4,000 dong for a regular glass or 10,000 dong for a tall 500ml glass, considered among the best beer in Vietnam. The nearby Amber bar upstairs serves amber beer at 25,000-60,000 dong.

The Classic Hoang Long Hotel at 25 Tran Quang Khai St occupies the tallest building in Haiphong, with a 17th-floor bar/restaurant offering panoramic city views; standard rates are USD70-135 but introductory specials can reduce prices by 45%. The Imperial Boat Hotel at 48 Điện Biên Phủ is a new centrally located luxury option. The Somerset Central TD offers apartment-style units with gym, pool, and children's playroom.

The Hai Phong City Museum at the corner of Điện Biên Phủ and Đinh Tiên Hoàng streets offers insights into local history. The Military Zone III Museum at 254 Lê Duẩn (5 km southwest in Kien An District) and the Naval Museum in Kien Thuy District cater to history enthusiasts. Elephant Mountain (Núi Voi) in An Lao district, 20 km from the city center, resembles a reclining elephant. Numerous pagodas including Thai Mieu, Kiep Bac Temple, Chua Lan Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and Con Son Pagoda offer spiritual and cultural experiences. The Aeon Mall provides international shopping and dining options.

Haiphong has a known reputation for gang activity and transnational organized crime, historically linked to French networks supplying the American mafia. Studies indicate around 4,000-10,000 injectable drug users in the city. Taxi reliability varies by district. Crime rates may be lower overall, but attackers can be persistent and confident. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and exercise caution with unlicensed taxis.

Cat Ba Island offers superior water quality for swimming compared to local beaches, accessible by ferry from Ben Binh St (up to 100,000 dong). Do Son Beach resort, 20-23 km from Haiphong, provides a peaceful escape with low-end hotels and restaurants, though water quality is affected by silt. The Do Son Resort Hotel houses one of Vietnam's few casinos. Do Son has a reputation as a centre for prostitution. For beach lovers, Cat Ba Island is strongly recommended over Do Son.

Cat Ba Island lies accessible by ferry for trekking, kayaking, and beach activities. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular destination. Hanoi is approximately 100 km away, reachable in 2-3 hours by train or road.