1. Reasons why you spend a day exploring Hai Phong
Hai Phong is an attractive tourist destination in the North. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong attracts tourists thanks to its favorable geographical location, only about 100 km from the capital Hanoi. Thanks to the modern highway system, the travel time between the two cities is only 1.5 to 2 hours, which is very suitable for a 1-day trip to Hai Phong. This helps tourists save time and fully enjoy the attractive experiences in the port city.
The climate of the Northern coastal region brings Hai Phong a unique characteristic. Summers are hot and humid but not too sweltering, while winters are mild, making it ideal for year-round visits. Especially from May to July, flamboyant flowers bloom brilliantly on the streets, creating poetic scenes that reflect the unique culture of the North.
Hai Phong boasts many outstanding attractions. Do Son Beach with its clear blue waters, Cat Ba Island – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and the pristine Hon Dau are ideal destinations for island experiences. The city also leaves its mark with French architectural works such as the Hai Phong Opera House, Binh Bridge, and ancient villas. Besides, characteristic cuisine like crab noodle soup and crab spring rolls helps visitors discover the unique flavors of the Port City.
A highlight of Hai Phong is the ability to experience many attractive activities in one day. In the morning, stroll along the islands; in the afternoon, explore French architectural works; in the evening, enjoy street food and entertainment – all can be fully experienced in a short time.
2. How to travel for a 1-day trip to Hai Phong
Travel to Cat Ba Island by Sun World cable car. (Source: Collected)
To have a complete 1-day trip to Hai Phong without wasting travel time, choosing the right means of transport is the top priority. The port city boasts modern transportation infrastructure, conveniently connecting with Hanoi and neighboring provinces, making it easy for tourists to reach and explore prominent destinations like Do Son or Cat Ba within a day.
2.1. Transportation from Hanoi and surrounding provinces
Traveling from Hanoi to Hai Phong is very convenient with many options for tourists.
The Hanoi – Hai Phong bus route is always bustling with famous companies such as Hoang Long, O Ho, Anh Huy, or Hai Au. You can depart from Gia Lam or My Dinh bus stations, with travel time ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and ticket prices around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per trip. To optimize your exploration itinerary, it is advisable to choose buses departing early in the morning.
Besides buses, the Hanoi – Hai Phong train is also an interesting option. The HP and LP train codes run regularly throughout the day, allowing tourists to relax and admire the scenery of the Northern Delta along the route. Travel time is from 2.5 to 3 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 70,000 – 120,000 VND. The journey on the train offers a peaceful experience, very suitable for those who want to start their trip gently before arriving at the port city.
If traveling by personal vehicle such as a car or motorbike, tourists will have control over their time and flexibility for groups of friends or family. The Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway system makes the journey quick, safe, and convenient.
2.2. Moving within the city and to Do Son/Hon Dau beaches
After arriving in the city of red flamboyant flowers, choosing the right means of transport will make your exploration of Hai Phong more convenient and enjoyable. Depending on your needs and itinerary, you can easily travel within the city or to famous beaches like Do Son and Hon Dau using various flexible, economical, and safe methods.
Renting a motorbike in Hai Phong at a price of 120,000 to 200,000 VND per day is a popular choice for many tourists. This mode of transport offers flexibility and independence in moving between attractions, while also making it easy to find parking and saving significant costs compared to taxis.
In addition, traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab and Be are widely available throughout the city. This is a convenient and safe option, especially suitable for large groups or families, although the cost is usually higher when traveling to beaches or tourist spots far from the center.
From the city center, the road to Do Son beach is about 20 km long, with a travel time of only about 30 minutes by motorbike or car. The journey to Hon Dau also ranges from 15-30 km depending on the starting point. For a smooth trip, tourists should check traffic conditions and weather forecasts before departing.
2.3. Traveling from the city center to Cat Ba Island
From the center of Hai Phong, the journey to Cat Ba Island is always the most anticipated part of the experience for many tourists. With a modern transportation system and many flexible travel options, tourists can easily combine sightseeing, enjoy the beauty of the bay, and start their exploration of Cat Ba pearl island to the fullest.
The Sun World cable car route Cat Hai – Phu Long is a modern and convenient choice, helping tourists shorten travel time to only about 10–15 minutes. At the same time, the journey on the cable car offers an opportunity to admire the panoramic view of Hai Phong Bay from above, turning travel into an exciting sightseeing experience, especially suitable for a 1-day Hai Phong travel itinerary.
Besides the cable car, the traditional option is to travel by ferry or speedboat from Dong Bai Ferry Terminal.
High-speed boat routes operate continuously throughout the day with a travel time of about 15–30 minutes, offering a novel experience as you cross the clear blue waters and admire the natural scenery on both sides.
3. What to do in Hai Phong for 1 day? Detailed experience itinerary
Spend time visiting and exploring Cat Ba Island. (Source: Collected)
If you only have one day to explore Hai Phong, don't worry — the port city still has countless attractive experiences waiting for you. From a morning trip to Cat Ba Island, admiring the poetic sea scenery, to an afternoon of strolling the streets, snacking, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife, every moment carries the distinct breath of the “red flamboyant flower city”.
3.1. Morning: Travel and Play on Cat Ba Island
Starting the day in Hai Phong with a breakfast of the specialty crab noodle soup (banh da cua) is a great way to kick off a 1-day Hai Phong travel itinerary. Famous eateries like Banh da cua Da Lieu (140 Tran Phu), Banh da cua Co Lun (79 Tran Nhat Duat), or banh da cua be (195 Cau Dat street) are always favored by locals. A bowl of authentic banh da cua with a clear, sweet broth from pork bones and river crabs, soft yet chewy noodles, rich crab cakes, and fresh herbs will provide an unforgettable culinary experience right from the start.
After breakfast, visitors can head to Cat Ba Island via the Sun World cable car, saving time while admiring the panoramic view of the bay from above. The cable car journey is not only convenient but also an opportunity to take stunning photos, fully capturing the beauty of the sea, islands, and mountains.
On the island, Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches with their clear blue waters and soft sandy shores are ideal spots for relaxation and immersing oneself in nature. The morning is the best time for swimming when the sun is gentle and the air is fresh. Additionally, you can kayak on Lan Ha Bay, explore limestone islands, Trung Trang Cave with its unique stalactites, or Hoa Cuong Cave with its vibrant colors. Those who enjoy trekking can opt for an exploration journey in Cat Ba National Park, which boasts rich vegetation and majestic forest mountain scenery.
3.2. Afternoon: Return to the City Center
The afternoon and evening are ideal times to explore Hai Phong's street food in bustling areas like Cat Bi Market, Con Market, or Lach Tray Street. Visitors should not miss the famous specialties such as crispy crab spring rolls (nem cua be) with rich crab filling; spicy baguette (banh mi cay) carrying the distinctive flavor of the Port City; and fragrant Ha Lung grilled pork skewers (cha chia Ha Lung). Each dish utilizes fresh seafood and is elaborately prepared using unique recipes, creating a unique signature for Hai Phong's cuisine.
After enjoying your afternoon meal, you can visit the Hai Phong Opera House, a prominent French architectural work and a cultural symbol of the city. With its exquisite details, the opera house is not only an ideal check-in spot but also frequently hosts attractive art programs. As sunset approaches, the golden sunlight shines on the ancient facade, creating a beautiful scene ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Continuing the journey, a stroll around Tam Bac Lake will bring a sense of relaxation amidst the cool, peaceful green space right in the heart of the city. The area around the lake also features many ancient structures and historical sites, suitable for visitors wishing to delve deeper into Hai Phong's unique culture and history.
3.3. Evening: Street Food and Vibrant Entertainment
As night falls, Tam Bac pedestrian street becomes even more bustling with a series of attractive snack stalls. Visitors can enjoy the signature Hai Phong spicy baguette, cool Thai sweet soup (che thai), various snail dishes, or hot sui din. The combination of unique street food and the bustling atmosphere creates an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting.
4. Tips for "What to do in Hai Phong for 1 Day" for Visitors
Choose the right time to travel to Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
To fully enjoy the “Hai Phong 1 Day” trip, visitors should prepare a reasonable itinerary in advance and understand a few useful tips. The following suggestions will help you fully enjoy your fun, ensure safety, and have memorable experiences amidst the scenery of the vibrant red phoenix flower city.
May to July is the time when the red phoenix flowers bloom vibrantly on the streets of Hai Phong, creating a characteristic scene for the port city. The weather at this time is sunny but thanks to the gentle sea breeze, it is very suitable for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, or island tours.
Let's join hands to protect the marine and island environment by not littering indiscriminately, using paper bags instead of plastic bags when shopping, adhering to diving regulations, and visiting ecological areas.
When traveling to the islands, especially Hon Dau and Cat Ba, safety is always the top priority. Choose reputable boat, ferry, and cable car companies, wear a life jacket, and check the weather forecast before the trip.
If the sea is rough or the wind is strong, it is advisable to adjust the plan to ensure a safe and complete trip.
If you only have one day in the port city, don't worry, you can still fully enjoy the interesting things it offers. From strolling through the streets, enjoying famous specialties to checking in at famous tourist spots, the itinerary for what to do in Hai Phong for 1 day will surely leave many memorable memories. Plan today to discover a dynamic, friendly, and vibrant Hai Phong – an ideal destination for a short trip.
