Discover Hai Phong and Cat Ba in style, from elegant city stays and celebrated local cuisine to Lan Ha Bay cruises and island landscapes.

Why Visit

Hai Phong is too often treated only as a port, yet it has a confident personality of its own: broad colonial-era streets, flamboyant trees, seafood traditions and easy access to Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay. It offers a less rehearsed urban experience than Hanoi and a practical way to combine city dining with an island or cruise journey.

Who It Suits

Hai Phong suits returning visitors, food-focused travelers, architecture enthusiasts and guests who prefer less crowded gateways to the northern coast. It is a particularly useful for travelers flying domestically through Cat Bi Airport continuing to Lan Ha Bay.

At A Glance

Best time to go

October to April for the city
April to June and September to November for Cat Ba

Ideal stay

One city night plus two nights on Cat Ba or Lan Ha Bay

Best areas to stay

Central Hai Phong for architecture and dining
Do Son for a coastal escape
Cat Ba Town for convenience
The quieter bays and eastern side of Cat Ba for retreat-style stays

Luxury Hotels in Hai Phong

Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel - A polished contemporary hotel offering refined comfort in the heart of Hai Phong.

Hotel Nikko Hai Phong - A refined Japanese-inspired hotel renowned for understated elegance, spacious rooms and impeccable service.

Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort - A vibrant beachfront resort with extensive leisure facilities, panoramic sea views and direct beach access.

Signature Experiences

Explore the city’s French-era architecture with a knowledgable local, visit the Du Hang Pagoda and sample Hai Phong’s distinctive crab noodle soup. Continue to Cat Ba for a private boat through Lan Ha Bay, kayaking among limestone formations and stopping at quieter coves. Active travelers can add a guided walk in Cat Ba National Park; others may prefer a long lunch and spa afternoon overlooking the sea,

Cat-Ba-National-Park — **Trekking in Cat Ba National Park**

Where to Dine

Hai Phong is a city where local dishes matter more than formal fine dining. Seek out banh da cua, nem cua be and fresh seafood, ideally with a guide who can select clean, established kitchens and explain what to order. In a luxury hotel, reserve one evening for a calmer meal, then let the city’s flavors lead the rest of the vist.

Suggested Itinerary

Arrive for a late afternoon architecture walk and an early seafood dinner. The next morning, travel to Cat Ba and board a private or small-group Lan Ha Bay cruise. Spend the second island day between kayaking, national-park scenery and a leisurely hotel lunch. Return through Hai Phong for a flight, or continue by road to Hanoi or Ninh Binh.

Arrival and Onward Travel

Cat Bi International Airport serves domestic and selected regional routes. Hai Phong is about two hours from Hanoi by expressway and is connected to Cat Ba via the Tan Vu - Lach Huyen route and ferry or speedboat services, depending on the final destination. Transfers should be pre-arranged during weekends and summer holidays.

Local Etiquette

Hai Phong’s manner can feel direct but is generally warm. Order seafood by weight only after confirming the price, and ask permission before photographing market vendors. On Cat Ba, protect trails and marine areas, and avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.

Final Word

Often overlooked, Hai Phong rewards travelers with authentic local character, excellent cuisine and easy access to some of northern Vietnam’s finest coastal scenery. Look beyond its gateway reputation and enjoy the city’s understated charm at your own pace.

The Ultimate Luxury Guide to Hai Phong