City guide

    Hai Phong

    Explore Hai Phong, Vietnam

    Overview

    A major port city known for its colonial architecture, seafood, and easy access to Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay.
    At a glanceHai Phong · City guide
    Country
    Vietnam
    Region
    Northern Vietnam
    Recommended stay
    2-3 days
    Daily cost
    ≈ $45 / day
    Best time to visit
    Oct - Dec, May - Jun, Mar - Apr
    hai-phong · Guide
    Good to know

    Before you go to Hai Phong

    When to go

    Climate through the year

    Rainfall mm/inchesTemperature °C/°F0/0.010/50100/3.916/61200/7.922/72300/11.828/82400/15.734/93500/19.740/104JFMAMJJASOND
    Monthly temperature and rainfall
    MonthMin °CMax °CRainfall mm
    J141925
    F152035
    M182350
    A212890
    M2532170
    J2734220
    J2835260
    A2734300
    S2532220
    O2229120
    N192555
    D162130

    Spring (Feb-Apr)

    Mild and increasingly warm weather (about 18-26 °C), light drizzle is common, and the city is lively after Tet with flower markets and local temple visits.

    Comfortable for walking around the city center, good for food tours and short day trips, and a festive atmosphere around Lunar New Year.
    Can be humid with occasional rain, and some services may still be slower right after Tet holidays.

    Ideal for: City sightseeing, local markets, pagoda visits, and ferry/boat day trips to nearby islands.

    Pack: 18-26 °C, light jacket, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes.

    Summer (May-Aug)

    Hot, humid, and rainy (roughly 28-35 °C), with frequent afternoon showers and the strongest beach/island season for nearby Cat Ba and Do Son.

    Lower hotel prices on weekdays, lush scenery, and good value for solo travelers who can stay flexible.
    Heat, humidity, heavy rain bursts, and occasional storm disruptions in the Gulf of Tonkin.

    Ideal for: Indoor museums, cafes, seafood dining, and beach/island trips when weather is clear.

    Pack: 28-35 °C, breathable clothes, raincoat, quick-dry footwear, waterproof bag.

    Autumn (Sep-Nov)

    One of the best times to visit, with cooler, drier weather (about 22-30 °C) and clearer skies after the peak rainy period.

    Best overall weather for exploring the city, better visibility for day trips, and comfortable conditions for solo walking.
    Can be busier on weekends and around holidays, with slightly higher room rates than the wet season.

    Ideal for: Lakeside strolls, street food, photography, and day trips to Cat Ba or Lan Ha Bay.

    Pack: 22-30 °C, light layers, comfy shoes, sun protection.

    Winter (Dec-Jan)

    Cool, damp, and sometimes foggy (about 14-22 °C), with fewer tourists and a quieter city feel.

    Lower prices, less crowding, and a good season for relaxed food-focused travel.
    Can feel chilly and overcast, especially in the evenings, with occasional drizzle.

    Ideal for: Street food, cafes, museums, and slow-paced city exploration.

    Pack: 14-22 °C, jacket, scarf, closed shoes.

    Daily budget

    Low season / day
    20-35 USD (wet season, excluding accommodation)
    Peak season / day
    30-55 USD (dry season, excluding accommodation)
    Cash
    Carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND (~20-40 USD) in small bills for street food, taxis, and local shops.
    Exchange
    1 USD ~ 25,000 VND (approx. 2025 rate); use banks, licensed exchange counters, or reputable jewelry shops for better rates.
    ATMs
    Widely available in central Hải Phòng; expect about 20,000-50,000 VND (~0.80-2 USD) per withdrawal depending on your bank and card.
    Cards
    Moderate - accepted in hotels, malls, chain cafes, and larger restaurants; cash is preferred for street vendors, local eateries, and small transport.

    Events & festivals

    • Tet (Lunar New Year)Late January or February (varies by lunar calendar)

      Flower markets, family gatherings, temple visits, and festive decorations across the city.

      Tip: Book transport and accommodation early; many businesses close for several days, so stock up on cash and snacks before the holiday.

    • Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival9th day of the 8th lunar month (usually September or October)

      One of the region's most famous traditional festivals, featuring buffalo fights, rituals, and a strong local crowd.

      Tip: Arrive early for seating and expect heavy local attendance; keep valuables secure and use official transport back to the city.

    • Hai Phong Red Flamboyant Flower FestivalUsually May or June

      The city's signature festival celebrating the flamboyant flower, with parades, performances, and cultural events.

      Tip: Check the official city schedule before traveling, as dates can shift year to year.

    Getting there

    How to reach Hai Phong from abroad or within Vietnam.

    Arriving internationally

    • Hai Phong is served by Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), about 5-7 km from the city center.
    • Cat Bi has regional international connections, with flights commonly available to destinations such as Seoul, Bangkok, and other Asian hubs depending on season and airline schedules.
    • From Cat Bi Airport, use Grab, a metered taxi, or an airport shuttle to reach central Hai Phong in about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.

    From within the country

    • Hai Phong is well connected to Hanoi and northern Vietnam by road, rail, and bus.
    • Domestic flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other major Vietnamese cities are available via Cat Bi Airport, though frequency is lower than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
    • The train from Hanoi to Hai Phong is a popular budget option and usually takes about 2.5-3 hours.
    • Intercity buses and limousine vans connect Hai Phong with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and other northern destinations.
    • Driving or hiring a private car is convenient for day trips to Do Son, Cat Ba ferry terminals, and Ha Long Bay connections, but traffic can be busy near the port and city center.

    Booking & arrival tips

    • Book train, bus, or flight tickets early during weekends, holidays, and summer travel periods.
    • Use Grab, Be, or Xanh SM for short city rides and to avoid haggling with unmetered taxis.
    • If arriving late, pre-book a transfer or confirm your hotel can arrange pickup from Cat Bi Airport.
    • Keep small cash in Vietnamese dong for buses, local taxis, and ferry tickets.
    • For budget travel, the Hanoi-Hai Phong train is often cheaper and more comfortable than a private car.
    • If heading to Cat Ba or Ha Long Bay, compare combined bus-ferry packages from Hai Phong to save time and avoid separate ticket hassles.

    Getting around

    Grab / Be / Xanh SM

    1.5-5 USD/trip

    App-based motorbike/car for city rides and airport transfers.

    Taxi

    3-8 USD/trip

    Metered taxis from reputable brands like Mai Linh or Vinasun where available.

    City bus

    0.20-0.40 USD/trip

    Very cheap for longer local routes across the city.

    Motorbike taxi

    1-3 USD/trip

    Fast for short hops; best booked through apps for fair pricing.

    Good to know. Traffic is busiest around the port, main bridges, and rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). For solo travelers, app-based rides are usually the safest and easiest option. Walking works well in compact central areas, but use caution at intersections and around heavy scooter traffic.

    Handy apps

    GGoogle Maps

    Navigation and transit planning.

    Download offline maps for Hai Phong city center, Cat Bi Airport, and your ferry/bus transfer points.

    GGrab

    Transportation (motorbikes, cars) and food delivery.

    Use motorbike rides for faster movement in traffic and compare car vs bike prices before booking.

    XXanh SM

    Electric car and motorbike rides.

    Good for quieter, cleaner rides and airport transfers when available.

    BBe

    Transportation (motorbikes, cars).

    Sometimes cheaper than Grab on short urban trips; check both apps before booking.

    GGoogle Translate

    Language translation for taxis, menus, and local communication.

    Download Vietnamese offline language packs before arrival for better reliability.

    SShopeeFood

    Food delivery.

    Helpful for solo travelers who want cheap local meals delivered to the hotel.

    Backup. Keep your hotel address written in Vietnamese and save screenshots of key destinations in case mobile data is weak.

    Where to stay

    Nightly rates: 8-20 USD/night for hostels and basic guesthouses, 20-45 USD for mid-range hotels, 60+ USD for upscale stays

    Tam Bac Lake

    First-time visitorsSightseeingSolo travelers

    Central, walkable area near the city's historic core, local eateries, and easy access to the Opera House, Tam Bac walking street, and the riverfront.

    Le Chan District

    Budget travelersLong staysConvenience seekers

    Practical urban area with many mid-range hotels, local food spots, and good access to shopping streets and transport links.

    Ngo Quyen District

    Business travelersShort staysCity explorers

    One of the most central districts, close to the train station, museums, and major commercial streets.

    Cat Bi Airport area

    Transit travelersEarly flightsConvenience seekers

    Best for early flights or late arrivals, with airport hotels and quick access to the terminal.

    Do Son

    Beach loversRelaxationFamilies

    Coastal resort area south of the city with beach hotels and a slower pace; better for a weekend break than for city sightseeing.

    Cat Ba gateway / ferry access area

    Island hoppersNature travelersEfficient connections

    Useful if you are connecting to Cat Ba Island or Lan Ha Bay; stay near transport points for smoother onward travel.

    Booking tip: For solo travelers, book a central hotel near Tam Bac Lake or Ngo Quyen to save on taxis; for Cat Ba or Do Son trips, stay one night near the departure point to avoid early-morning transport stress.

    Health & safety

    Emergency numbers

    ambulance
    115
    fire
    114
    police
    113

    Medical facilities

    • Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Tiệp (Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital)0225 382 1118

      1 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong

      Major public hospital in Hải Phòng; emergency-capable, best-known city hospital.

    • Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Hải Phòng0225 730 9888

      Số 1, đường Hà Nội, Vĩnh Niệm, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng

      International-standard private hospital; useful for faster service and some English support.

    • Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Hải Phòng0225 395 4888

      124 Nguyễn Đức Cảnh, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng

      Private hospital with outpatient and emergency services; good option for travelers.

    Staying safe

    General safety
    Beware of pickpockets and phone snatching in crowded areas like markets, bus stations, and tourist spots. Keep valuables zipped and use a crossbody bag worn in front.
    Notes
    Avoid tap water (use bottled or boiled water). Watch traffic carefully when crossing streets, especially around busy roads and motorbikes in central Hải Phòng, near markets, and around the port area.
    What to carry
    Comfy shoes, water bottle, basic meds (painkillers, antidiarrheal, mosquito repellent).
    Lost items
    Nearest local police station (Công an phường or district police)
    • Carry hand sanitizer for street food and public restrooms.
    • Use sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing in hot, humid weather.
    • Rest in shade or air-conditioning if feeling overwhelmed by heat, humidity, or crowds.
    • Carry your passport, travel insurance details, and any prescription list for faster registration.
    • Call ahead for emergencies when possible to save time and confirm service availability.
    • If you lose a passport or phone, report it quickly to local police and your embassy/consulate if needed.
    • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas like markets, bus stations, and tourist spots.

    Local customs

    Etiquette & local habits

    • Use a polite greeting and speak softly in shops, hotels, and family-run eateries.
    • At temples, pagodas, and memorial sites, cover shoulders and knees and avoid loud behavior.
    • When eating solo, small local noodle shops and seafood places are normal and welcoming.
    • Bargain gently at markets and with informal transport, but not in fixed-price restaurants.
    • Cross streets steadily and predictably; scooters usually flow around you if you do not stop suddenly.
    • For seafood, ask the price before ordering by weight to avoid surprises.
    • Carry cash in small denominations; many local places prefer cash for low-cost meals, taxis, and market purchases.

    When the city is open

    Many museums and attractions close around 5-6 PM; local eateries stay open later, while nightlife and beer streets can run until late.