Hai Phong
Airport Transfers · Tours & Packages · Local Guides · Day Trips
Vietnam's third-largest city and premier port, Hai Phong is a gateway to Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay with charming French colonial architecture, vibrant seafood markets, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November offer the best weather. March to May brings mild temperatures and low humidity. Avoid July to August (typhoon season) and January to February (cold and damp).
Average Temperature
Average 22–32°C. Hot and humid May–August. Cooler and misty November–February.
Getting Around
The city centre is compact and walkable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Grab) are widely available. Motorbike taxis (xe om) are cheap for short distances. Fast ferries depart from Binh Ferry Terminal to Cat Ba Island (45 min). Local buses connect to Do Son Beach. Car hire with a driver is recommended for day trips to Cat Ba and Halong Bay.
About Hai Phong
Hai Phong is Vietnam's most important industrial port city and the country's third largest urban centre. Nestled between the Red River Delta and the Gulf of Tonkin, it serves as the northern coast's main gateway city. Often overshadowed by nearby Hanoi and Halong Bay, Hai Phong rewards visitors who explore its leafy boulevards, well-preserved French colonial buildings, and lively seafood culture.
The city is the jumping-off point for Cat Ba Island — the largest island in Halong Bay — making it an essential stop for travellers wanting to explore Halong Bay from a different angle. The famous Cat Ba Archipelago, with its karst islands and emerald waters, is accessible by fast ferry in just 45 minutes from Hai Phong port.
Hai Phong's tree-lined streets, colourful bougainvillea, and old colonial villas give it a distinct charm unlike any other Vietnamese city. The city's status as a major port drives a thriving seafood economy — the local markets are among the freshest in northern Vietnam. Do Son Beach, a historic coastal resort 21km from the city, attracts local and regional visitors and offers a quieter alternative to Ha Long's busy tourist scene.
For travellers arriving by air into Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), Hai Phong is also a practical alternative entry point to the north, with expressway connections to Hanoi (2 hours) and direct ferry routes to Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island.
Top Attractions
Cat Ba Island
Largest island in Halong Bay archipelago, accessible by 45-min fast ferry from Hai Phong port. Dense jungle, pristine beaches, karst peaks.
Halong Bay (via Hai Phong)
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hai Phong port offers a less-touristy route into Halong Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.
Do Son Beach
Historic Vietnamese coastal resort 21km from city centre. Long sandy beach, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed local vibe.
Du Hang Pagoda
One of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in northern Vietnam, built in the 17th century with traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Hai Phong Museum
French colonial building housing exhibits on the city's history, the port, and regional culture.
Hang Kenh Communal House
Remarkable 18th-century communal house with over 500 carved wooden dragons — a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Night Market & Seafood Street
Bustling evening market and seafood restaurants along Bach Dang riverside — the best place to eat fresh crab, prawns, and clams.
Local Cuisine
Hai Phong's most famous dish — freshwater crab from local rivers, served steamed, grilled, or in soup.
The local baguette stuffed with pork pâté, pickled vegetables, and herbs — a French-Vietnamese classic with a Hai Phong twist.
Crab noodle soup with wide red rice noodles, fresh crab meat, morning glory, and crispy shallots — a Hai Phong specialty.
Freshly caught squid grilled or fried with chilli and lemongrass from the Do Son coast.
Rice vermicelli with fresh river shrimp, pork, and a fragrant shrimp paste broth.
Popular Transfer Routes
Most requested transfers and routes for Hai Phong. Book your last-minute transfer or plan ahead for best rates.
Private transfer from Cat Bi International Airport to Hai Phong city hotels. Meet & greet included.
Private transfer via Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway. Door-to-door service.
Transfer from Hai Phong to Halong City for cruise embarkation.
Transfer to Binh Ferry Terminal for Cat Ba Island fast ferry.
Airport Transfer Information
Airport
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
Distance to City Center
8km from city centre
Transfer Time
15–20 minutes
Available Transfer Options
- Private transfer
- Metered taxi
- Grab (ride-hailing)
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Services in Hai Phong
Airport taxis, private tours, sightseeing packages, and last-minute transfers. All services with professional guides and instant booking.
Hai Phong Airport Private Transfer
Popularairport transfer
Fixed-price private taxi from HPH airport to your hotel.
Cat Ba Island Day Trip from Hai Phong
Popularday trip
Full-day Cat Ba Island trip with ferry, national park, and lunch.
Hai Phong City Half-Day Tour
private tour
Private half-day city tour with local expert guide.
Hai Phong Airport Transfer — Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Visit Hai Phong?
- Gateway to Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay
- French colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards
- Vibrant seafood markets and fresh coastal cuisine
- Do Son Beach resort — a historic Vietnamese coastal escape
- Fast ferry access to Cat Ba Archipelago
- Less crowded than Hanoi with authentic local atmosphere
- Direct expressway to Hanoi (2 hours)
- Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) — practical northern entry point
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