1. What's attractive about Hai Phong coastal tourism?
1.1. Geographical location and reasons to choose Hai Phong
Located in the Northern coastal region, Hai Phong coastal tourism benefits from a favorable position, only about 120 km from Hanoi. Traveling here is very flexible: you can take the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, which takes about 90 minutes, or choose other means of transport such as trains, buses, or even a direct flight to Cat Bi Airport. Thanks to the easy transportation connections, tourists can optimize their time for exploration and relaxation.
The climate in Hai Phong is a tropical monsoon type with a long summer from May to October, suitable for sea activities. The weather is sunny, the sea waves are gentle, and the rainfall is not heavy, creating ideal conditions for swimming and outdoor games. The tourism infrastructure here is increasingly invested with modern resorts, spacious event venues, and various types of services to meet the diverse needs of different customer groups.
Hai Phong Sea is clear blue with white sandy beaches. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Unique Natural Characteristics and Coastal Ecosystem
The natural scenery of Hai Phong beach tourism is highlighted by a chain of diverse natural beaches, large and small islands, and the emerald Lan Ha Bay. The Cat Ba archipelago, with over 300 intertwined islands, creates an attractive landscape, from fine white sandy beaches to quiet small bays awaiting visitors to explore.
Ancient fishing villages like Cua Van and Viet Hai still preserve the traditional way of life of coastal fishermen. Here, you will experience life at sea by participating in basket boat rowing, fishing, and enjoying freshly caught seafood right at the locals' huts.
Cat Ba National Park is a conservation area for the primeval coastal forest ecosystem with many rare species. Trekking routes stretching for kilometers will take visitors to explore the cool, fresh green space and enjoy the extremely rich marine flora and fauna of the northern region.
2. Top Outstanding Hai Phong Beach Tourist Destinations
2.1. Do Son Beach
Do Son Beach is divided into three areas, each offering a different Hai Phong beach tourism experience suitable for all preferences. Area II attracts many tourists with its wide beach, clear blue water, and fine white sand, suitable for families and groups of friends. Areas I and III are more suitable for those who want to stroll along the coast, enjoy local cuisine, or participate in cultural activities.
At Do Son, visitors can enjoy water sports services such as jet skiing and parasailing, participate in evening beach bathing or team-building programs. Additionally, you can visit Ba De Temple, Hang Pagoda, Bao Dai Villa, and climb Tuong Long Tower to admire the panoramic view of the sea and sky.
The vast Do Son Beach. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Cat Ba Island
Located in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, the Cat Ba archipelago is the center of the area with many large and small islands, possessing a bustling town along with a diverse forest and marine ecosystem. Hai Phong sea tourism in Cat Ba will take you to beaches with unique beauty.
Cat Co 1 beach is the widest, with clear seawater, fine white sand, and gentle waves, suitable for families with young children. Services for renting life jackets, safety equipment, and swimwear ensure peace of mind for guests. Cat Co 2 offers a quiet, private space, very suitable for camping and relaxing by the sea.
Cat Co 3 beach area has a modern style with many sea-facing resorts and luxurious restaurants, suitable for young groups or those who love novelty. Tung Thu beach with its wide open space is an ideal place for events, outdoor art, and professional team-building activities.
When you come here, you can experience trekking in Cat Ba National Park to explore the primeval forest, observing rare flora and fauna. Activities such as kayaking, diving to see coral reefs, and enjoying local seafood at seaside restaurants will make the trip even more memorable.
Majestic Cat Ba Island with its small islets. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is an ideal destination for Hai Phong sea tourism thanks to hundreds of small islands creating a poetic and romantic space. The sheltered beaches, emerald-clear waters, and gentle nature are very suitable for relaxation. The diverse local ecosystem offers unique ecological experiences.
Here, you can visit Cua Van fishing village to immerse yourself in the simple rhythm of life. Experience kayaking to explore hidden corners of the bay, camping on Nam Cat Island or Monkey Island to create many beautiful memories. Additionally, in Lan Ha Bay, activities such as scuba diving, coracle boating, and ecological tours are well-organized with dedicated guidance from locals.
Admiring the colorful coral reefs, strolling on small islands, or exploring unique sea caves are unforgettable experiences here. Seafood in Lan Ha Bay is prepared by locals using traditional methods, offering a distinctive coastal flavor.
2.4. Hon Dau Island
These offshore islands are ideal for those who love peace and exploration on their Hai Phong sea tourism journey. Hon Dau Island stands out with its primeval forest that retains its pristine beauty and a lighthouse that has stood for over a century, creating a romantic and fresh atmosphere, perfect for relaxation amidst nature.
Visiting Hon Dau Island, tourists also have the opportunity to experience exciting activities such as camping, watching the sunrise on the rocky shore, or visiting the Hon Dau Resort with its modern amenities. Hon Dau is also known as an ideal spot for photography and filming thanks to its picturesque natural scenery, blending the green of the forest with the blue of the sea. During summer days, it becomes an attractive stop, offering a sense of relaxation, detached from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2.5. Bach Long Vi Island
Bach Long Vi Island still retains its wildness, with almost no intervention from tourism services, making it a stop for those who want to enjoy peace and live slowly with nature.
Bach Long Vi Island, located in the middle of the Gulf of Tonkin, is known as the "green pearl in the sea" of Hai Phong. The island still preserves its wild beauty, almost untouched by tourism services, with fine white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and a strangely quiet atmosphere. This is an ideal stop for those who want to temporarily escape the noisy pace of life, enjoy the feeling of living slowly with nature, listen to the sound of the waves, and feel the simplicity and peace of Vietnam's islands.
3. Notable Cultural Experiences and Sea Festivals in Hai Phong
3.1. Red Flamboyant Flower Festival
In late May, Hai Phong sea tourism becomes vibrant with the Red Flamboyant Flower Festival, a characteristic event of the port city. Outdoor art programs, street parades with colorful flower floats, and attractive music competitions have drawn large numbers of residents and tourists from everywhere.
The grand art stage, featuring many famous artists, traditional costume performances, and flower boat parades on the river, left a deep impression on everyone. Each festival night concluded with a dazzling fireworks display in the sky, further enhancing the exciting atmosphere.
In , the program was refreshed with coastal music performances, a modern light festival, and many unique artistic check-in spots. International cultural exchange activities will also contribute to highlighting Hai Phong's position on the regional tourism map.
The Red Phoenix Flower Festival is held annually. (Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
3.2. Nghinh Ông Festival
The Nghinh Ông Festival embodies the rich culture of the fishermen in the coastal areas of Hai Phong, serving as an occasion to express gratitude to the sea god and convey hopes for a peaceful and prosperous new fishing season. Traveling to Hai Phong's coast during this time will help you get closer to the special spiritual and cultural values of the local people.
Visitors can join the procession of boats carrying the Whale God out to sea and participate in solemn rituals. The sounds of traditional drums and gongs blend with the waves, creating a special atmosphere. Traditional competitions and folk games, along with local seafood specialties at the festival, all offer unforgettable experiences.
Attending the Nghinh Ông Festival is not just about sightseeing; it also helps you understand more about the spiritual life and the deep connection of the local people with the sea.
3.3. New Events and Tourism Activities of the Year
This year marks the emergence of many new events and festivals, contributing to enriching the experience of traveling to Hai Phong's coast . Modern light shows by the sea, outdoor music festivals featuring renowned artists, and culinary festivals with famous chefs offer visitors a variety of choices for enjoyment.
Specially designed check-in spots allow you to capture beautiful moments at Do Son beach, Doi Rong area, Tung Thu beach, or the coastal square of Cat Ba. Many new event venues, meeting international standards, are ready to host major artistic programs and multinational cultural exchange activities.
4. Suggested 3N2Đ Itinerary for Exploring Hai Phong's Coast
Day 1: Exploring Do Son
Kick off your Hai Phong coastal trip with a morning journey to Do Son, check into beachfront resorts. You can start by swimming at Zone II with its fine sand and clear water, then visit the ancient Bao Dai villa and Ba De temple to learn about the port city's history.
Lunch is an opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood with signature dishes like tamarind-stir-fried crab and salt-and-chili grilled shrimp at a seaside restaurant. In the afternoon, you can try watercraft activities, explore the modern Doi Rong area, and have fun at the water park with its many exciting attractions.
If you happen to visit during the right time, you can also join the atmosphere of the Do Son Sea Festival, enjoy outdoor art performances, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the coastal festival.
Day 2: Conquering Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay
Early in the morning, travel from Do Son to the Cat Ba ferry terminal, then check into Sun World Cat Ba and experience the unique sea-crossing cable car, admire the panoramic island view from above, and take photos at prominent check-in spots.
Experience the 3-wire cable car at Sun World Cat Ba. (Source: Collected)
Lunch with a view overlooking Lan Ha Bay brings a sense of relaxation, after which you can swim at Cat Co 1 or Tung Thu beach, kayak to explore hidden corners of the bay and dive to admire vibrant coral. The afternoon is also a suitable time to visit Cua Van fishing village, joining the daily life of local fishermen.
In the evening, relax in a Cat Ba resort, stroll at night on the island, enjoy local specialties at the night market, or visit seaside bars to feel the vibrant pace of life here.
Day 3: Explore small islands and seafood specialties
In the morning, spend time visiting Monkey Island, Nam Cat, or Cat Dua with nature still pristine. Participate in trekking in Cat Ba National Park, visit a pearl farm, and shop for local specialties such as dried seafood, fish sauce, and souvenirs at local markets.
The last lunch will be an opportunity for you to enjoy dishes with the distinct flavors of the island's fishermen. Afterwards, you can buy gifts for relatives, return to the mainland, concluding the experiential Hai Phong beach tour with unforgettable memories.
5. Useful tips for traveling to Hai Phong beaches
5.1. Ideal time to explore Hai Phong beaches
Summer from May to October is the most suitable time for Hai Phong beach tourism because of the sunny and beautiful weather, and calm seas. Most festivals and special cultural activities take place during this period, allowing tourists to easily immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere, enjoy the beaches, and explore the islands.
Especially, late May and early June are the times for festivals like Hoa Phuong Do (Red Flamboyant Flower) and Ngheo Ong, which are very characteristic of the city. Early summer is also when Do Son organizes a series of events attracting a large number of visitors. In autumn, the weather is cool and the sea is clear, suitable for those who want to find a quiet resort space.
5.2. Prepare luggage and notes for beach activities
When preparing for a Hai Phong beach tour, you should bring lightweight, breathable clothing, good quality swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Don't forget high SPF sunscreen and flip-flops for the beach.
It is advisable to bring a personal water bottle to stay hydrated while playing, a waterproof bag to protect your phone and electronic devices. If you plan to participate in water sports, prepare a life jacket, diving mask, insect repellent, and some basic first-aid supplies.
Tourists wear life jackets while playing in Lan Ha Bay. (Source: Collected)
You should also check the weather forecast before going, and comply with safety regulations when operating at sea. Maintain environmental hygiene, do not litter into the sea, and protect the natural landscape. Booking accommodation before the peak season and choosing services from reputable providers will make your trip smoother.
**Hai Phong sea tourism** throughout the year continues to be an attractive destination with rich landscapes, increasingly complete services, and many new activities. This is not only an opportunity for relaxation but also a journey to explore the culture, cuisine, and characteristic lifestyle of the port city. Don't hesitate to pack your bags to experience the beauty of Hai Phong's islands and seas.
