1. Overview of Hai Phong's Coastline
1.1. Geographical Location
Hai Phong is located at the gateway to the Northeast of the country, stretching along a 129 km coastline from Thuy Nguyen to An Duong. This city borders the Gulf of Tonkin to the East, bringing together many beaches, from the mainland to offshore islands. Hai Phong is 102 km from Hanoi, convenient for tourists traveling on the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, taking only about 1.5 hours.
Hai Phong's coastal terrain is diverse with each area having its own characteristics. Do Son stands out with its long sandy stretches beside green casuarina forests, while the Cat Ba archipelago impresses with its bays and beaches that retain their pristine beauty. Additionally, the remote Bach Long Vi island is another distinct highlight. Thanks to its strategic location, Hai Phong is not only convenient for trade but also offers many attractive options for the question of what beaches Hai Phong has for tourists to experience and explore.
1.2. Characteristics of Hai Phong's Coastal Climate
The tropical monsoon climate in Hai Phong offers unique coastal experiences depending on the season. From May to September, temperatures range from 26-32°C, the sea is warm and less affected by strong winds, making it ideal for relaxation and swimming. Autumn in October and November features mild weather, fresh air, and calm seas, suitable for those who wish to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Winter in Hai Phong is cool with fog often appearing over the bays, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere. Especially, this is also an ideal time to enjoy fresh seafood like lobster, crab, or deep-sea fish, as the quality of seafood this season is highly regarded.
Azure coast along the majestic Lan Ha Bay. (Source: Collected)
2. Top outstanding beaches in Hai Phong
2.1. Do Son Beach
Located in the list of the most outstanding beaches when mentioning what beaches Hai Phong has, Do Son is always a chosen destination. This beach is only about 20 km from the city center, very convenient to travel by various means such as bus, taxi. The long sandy strip is divided into separate areas, with Zone 1 being vibrant with diverse entertainment activities, while Zone 3 is quiet, suitable for families with young children.
On both sides of the beach are lush casuarina trees, creating ideal natural shade for activities like camping and outdoor parties. Along the beach, there are many restaurants serving specialty seafood such as Do Son grilled fish cake, crab noodle soup, and crab spring rolls. A prominent photo spot is the Hon Dau Lighthouse, a 125-year-old structure with a height of 63.5 m, where visitors can admire the panoramic view of the Tonkin Gulf from above.
Do Son Beach with its long, clear blue coastline. (Source: Collection)
2.2. Cat Co 1, 2, 3 Beaches in Cat Ba
The trio of Cat Co beaches offers diverse answers to the question " What beaches does Hai Phong have " as each beach suits different types of tourists. Thanks to the Sun World Cat Ba cable car system, traveling here is extremely convenient, allowing you to admire the panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay while enjoying the exciting aerial journey that lasts less than 15 minutes.
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The Sun World Cat Ba cable car system helps tourists travel to the island more conveniently.
Cat Co 1 stands out with its wide sandy beach, gentle waves, and fully equipped amenities such as restrooms, changing rooms, and eateries, making it especially suitable for families with young children. Cat Co 2 offers a more private and quiet space, thanks to natural rocky outcrops forming secluded nooks, ideal for couples seeking romance. Cat Co 3 is small in area and retains its original wild charm, suitable for those who love exploring and taking photos in an original natural setting.
2.3. Tung Thu Beach (Cat Ba)
Tung Thu is a beach located near the center of Cat Ba town, only about 2 km away, offering a novel experience for exploring Cat Ba's beaches. The most distinctive feature of Tung Thu is the harmonious combination of mountains and sea, with hundreds-of-meters-high limestone cliffs surrounding the fine golden sand. The seawater here stands out with its characteristic jade green color, so clear that you can see the sandy bottom beneath the water.
In the morning, Tung Thu is a wonderful place to watch the sunrise as the first rays of sunlight shine through the rocky mountain crevices. Interesting experiences include kayaking to explore the surrounding small caves or trying the novel experience of riding a basket boat in the shallow waters near the beach. Many tourists choose to stay overnight at beachfront homestays to wake up to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy the sea in a quiet atmosphere.
Tourists enjoy themselves at Tung Thu Beach (Cat Ba). (Source: Collected)
2.4. Cat Dua Beach
Cat Dua Beach is located on Monkey Island, just a 10-minute boat ride from Cat Ba, making it an attractive destination due to the presence of wild monkeys living in close proximity to humans. The fine white sand stretches along the shore, surrounded by lush green forests, painting a unique and captivating natural picture. The clear seawater allows visitors to easily snorkel and observe coral reefs and schools of tropical fish right near the shore.
One of the interesting aspects of Cat Dua is the curious monkeys that often approach visitors, creating opportunities for memorable photos. The resorts on the island are designed as beachfront bungalows, allowing guests to reach the fine sand with just a few steps. Snorkeling activities at Cat Dua are very appealing, with diverse species of hard and soft corals growing in the clear blue waters.
2.5. Van Boi Beach
Located in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, Van Boi Beach impresses with its peaceful scenery, standing out amidst the rolling limestone mountains. The calm sea surface, like a mirror, provides an ideal condition for visitors to experience kayaking and explore hidden caves and lagoons amidst the rocks. Lan Ha Bay exploration tours often stop at Van Boi for visitors to enjoy swimming and have lunch on the boat.
The highlight of this area is its rich coral ecosystem, ideal for diving to observe the underwater world. Many visitors also choose to stay overnight on their boats to try night fishing and admire the sparkling starry sky reflected on the tranquil water.
2.6. Nam Cat Beach
Nam Cat Beach offers a luxurious resort space amidst wild nature. Nam Cat Island Resort is built right on the coast, with wooden bungalows designed harmoniously with the landscape, each room offering a beautiful view of Lan Ha Bay.
The SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) experience at Nam Cat is highly favored by many visitors due to the calm waters and captivating natural scenery. In the evening, watching the sunset on a SUP board amidst the bay scenery creates a truly special moment. At the resort, you can also join fishing tours and enjoy freshly grilled seafood right on the beach.
Nam Cat Beach stands out with resorts right on the coast. (Source: Compilation)
2.7. Hon Dau Beach
Located about 20 km from the center of Hai Phong, Hon Dau is an ideal stopover for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, combine beach bathing, and explore spiritual culture. The beach is surrounded by lush green primeval forests year-round, providing a cool, fresh atmosphere throughout the four seasons. The sea waves are gentle, suitable for families with young children to play safely.
A prominent destination at Hon Dau is the Nam Hai Dai Than Temple with its ancient architecture, attracting many people to pray for peace before immersing themselves in the sea. The Hon Dau Lighthouse, built during the French colonial period, is an ideal check-in spot to admire the panoramic view of the Tonkin Gulf. Besides, this area is also suitable for overnight camping activities with fully prepared BBQ areas.
2.8. Bach Long Vi Island Beach
Located 110 km northeast of the mainland, Bach Long Vi is the perfect destination for those seeking pristine beaches when asking " What beaches does Hai Phong have? ". The island is located at the country's frontier with an area of only 3 km² but boasts untouched beaches with few footprints. High-speed ferries from Dinh Vu port take visitors to the island in about 3 hours, providing a true sense of separation from mainland life.
The lighthouse is located in the sea of Bach Long Vi island. (Source: Collected)
Here, the seafood market is bustling from 5 AM, selling fresh seafood such as red-fleshed snapper, large abalone, and chewy sun-dried squid. The lighthouse on the island is 65 m high, a well-preserved French architectural work, from which one can observe the vast panorama of the sea and island. Bach Long Vi beach is peaceful, with only the sound of waves and sea breeze, very suitable for those who want to find a private space amidst nature.
Concluding the exploration journey, the answer to " What sea does Hai Phong have? " lies in the diversity and attractiveness of the beaches stretching from Do Son to Cat Ba. Not only an ideal resort destination, the beaches here also possess wild beauty, local culture, and a characteristic coastal lifestyle. In the 2026 tourist season, come once to fully feel the breath of Hai Phong's sea and share your memorable experiences with the travel-loving community.
