1. Overview of Cat Bi Market Hai Phong
Located at 34 Ly Hong Nhat, Cat Bi Ward, Hai An District, Cat Bi Market Hai Phong is only about 10 km from the city center, heading towards the airport. The market has a long history, originating from a small village market to serve residents around the Cat Bi airport area.
Over decades of development, Cat Bi Market has become a symbol of trade, closely associated with the buying and selling rhythm and culinary culture of the port city's people. Every day, from early morning until early afternoon, this place attracts a large number of locals and tourists to experience and explore.
Cat Bi Market is famous in Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
The special feature of Cat Bi Hai Phong Market lies in its food area, which is likened to a "snack paradise" with specialties bearing the strong flavor of the port city. Crab rice noodle soup (Banh da cua), crab spring rolls (Nem cua be), and coconut jelly dessert (Che dua dam) are dishes that are not only appealing but also contribute to making this place an indispensable destination for culinary exploration journeys.
2. Directions to Cat Bi Hai Phong Market
About 10km from Hai Phong center, Cat Bi Market is an ideal destination to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the port city's residents. Visitors can easily travel here by taxi, ride-hailing motorbike, or rent a motorbike. Among these, renting a motorbike is the most popular choice as it offers a sense of freedom and convenience for stopping to explore delicious eateries or characteristic streets of the red flamboyant city.
From the city center, go along Tam Bac street, turn into Tran Nguyen Han, then continue straight along To Hieu. When you reach the Ho Sen – Trai Cau area, turn right onto Vo Nguyen Giap street, continue through Bui Vien and head straight to Dong Xa 2 to arrive. The route is not too far and quite easy to navigate, but for a smoother journey, you should turn on navigation on Google Maps or refer to directions from locals, the "street experts" who understand every corner of Hai Phong.
3. Notable Areas at Cat Bi Hai Phong Market
3.1. Food Area and Must-Try Dishes
The food area is considered the center of Cat Bi Hai Phong Market, gathering dozens of stalls serving specialties that bear the imprint of the locality. Crab rice noodle soup (Banh da cua) with soft, chewy red rice noodles, a sweet broth from bones and river crabs, served with shredded water spinach, fish cakes, beef, etc. Ba Tam's stall near the market entrance is where many diners visit.
Cat Bi Market food court attracts tourists. (Source: Collected)
Crab spring rolls are an attractive choice with a crispy golden fried shell and a characteristic fragrant seafood filling. Ngoc Lan spring roll restaurant is highly rated by many customers. Especially, the cool che dua dam, with its sweet and refreshing taste, combines fresh coconut and crunchy jelly, priced from only 10,000 VND per cup at the famous Che Dua Dam Cat Bi restaurant.
Dried beef salad is a dish that combines harmonious sweet and sour flavors, thinly sliced beef, and rich sauce. Sui din are glutinous rice cakes with sesame filling in a sweet syrup. The snail stall offers a variety of snails such as mít snails, conch snails, and grilled oysters. In addition, mixed rice paper rolls with many toppings are also available from 10,000 to 15,000 VND.
3.2. Special Seafood and Agricultural Products Area
When visiting the seafood area of Cat Bi Market, tourists will immediately feel the bustling atmosphere and the characteristic smell of the sea. Stalls are lined up, selling all kinds of fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, mantis shrimp, mackerel, oysters... all of which are transported directly from the city's large fishing ports every early morning. Sellers are always happy to greet, ready to process or pack according to requests, bringing a lively and friendly shopping experience. This is also an opportunity for you to enjoy the taste of Hai Phong's sea right in the heart of the city, where the essence of port cuisine converges.
Fresh seafood stalls at Cat Bi Hai Phong market. (Source: Collected )
The agricultural product area at the market is no less bustling with stalls of clean vegetables and local fruits brought from neighboring areas. The buying and selling atmosphere here is extremely lively, with sellers and buyers exchanging and negotiating prices in a friendly atmosphere, creating the characteristic vibrant feature of a traditional market.
3.3. Clothing shopping area
The shopping area of Cat Bi Hai Phong market offers a familiar and close feeling like a true traditional market. Stalls are neatly arranged, selling all kinds of clothes, shoes, household items, accessories, and souvenirs. In particular, the clothing section is always crowded with shoppers thanks to its diverse designs, suitable for many ages and styles, from children's wear, office attire to dynamic fashion for young people. Prices here are also quite affordable, allowing visitors to comfortably choose and bargain cheerfully with sellers.
Beyond just shopping, the market also reflects the vibrant pace of life of Hai Phong people, filled with laughter and bustling sounds. Wandering around the market, you will not only find satisfactory items but also feel the simple, authentic cultural essence of the port city. This is an ideal stop for those who want to explore local life and immerse themselves in the characteristic atmosphere of the city of red flamboyant flowers.
Clothing shopping area at Cat Bi Market. (Source: Collected)
4. Role of Cat Bi Hai Phong Market in Tourism
Cat Bi Hai Phong Market has become a notable stop in the culinary exploration itineraries of tourists visiting the port city. This place particularly attracts young people and diners who love new and unique dishes.
The popularity of Cat Bi Market on social media platforms is also very vibrant, making it a "check-in" spot chosen by many food and travel enthusiasts. Combining a visit to the market with nearby tourist attractions makes the trip more enriching.
After visiting and enjoying local cuisine at Cat Bi Market, tourists can visit some famous tourist spots located near this area such as Hai Phong Opera House, Tam Bac walking street, or Hai Phong Museum to learn more about the city's culture and history. If you want to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, you can also stroll around Tam Bac Lake, visit riverside cafes to admire the scenery and feel the slow pace of life of the people in the port land.
If you have more time, you can extend your itinerary further to explore Hon Dau Island with its ancient lighthouse and peaceful scenery, or Cat Ba Island, a famous destination with blue seas, white sand, and wild nature. The journey to the island becomes even more impressive when tourists travel by Sun World Cat Ba cable car; not only do tourists have the opportunity to experience a unique journey over a distance of 3.955 km in the air, but they also have the chance to admire the panoramic view of the beautiful Lan Ha Bay from above.
Cat Hai Station at Sun World Cat Ba.
Cat Bi Market Hai Phong is an ideal destination for those who love cuisine when visiting Hai Phong, where tradition, vibrancy, and the distinctive mark of the port city converge. Don't forget to save this destination on your journey of discovery to fully experience the "soul" of Hai Phong cuisine!
