1. Overview of Hai Phong
Hai Phong is known as the largest northern gateway, also a key economic center of the region. The port city plays an important connecting role in heavy industry and maritime transport services, helping the northern economic region access bustling international trade routes.
The natural landscape here is attractive due to its diversity: from blue seas, islands, primeval forests to ancient relics and characteristic cultural features. The long stretch of islands with destinations like Cat Ba, Cat Hai, Do Son, as well as coastal plains, creates a vibrant natural picture. Hai Phong people are famous for their friendliness and generosity, characteristic of the port land.
In 2026, the city enters a period of strong development with a series of new destinations, events, and services, especially after the expansion of its administrative boundaries. Modern infrastructure projects, sea-crossing cable car routes, international resorts, and prominent festival events are continuously emerging, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors.
Hai Phong's tourism development orientation in 2026 focuses on ecological tourism products, high-class resorts, and community-based tourism. The city aims to become an international tourism center for the Northern coastal region, offering visitors many new and unique experiences.
High-class resorts along the coast of Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
2. What does Hai Phong have?
2.1. Cat Ba Island
The Sun World Cat Ba cable car is currently the most modern and convenient way to access the island. In just about 15 minutes from the mainland, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the bay from above. This means of transport is suitable for the whole family, including young children and the elderly.
Panorama of Sun World Cat Ba peaceful in the sunset afternoon. (Source: Collected)
Lan Ha Bay is the outstanding highlight of Cat Ba with over 400 large and small islands creating a scene of clear blue water. This area possesses many quiet beaches, suitable for activities such as kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling. Cat Co Beach consists of three separate areas located near the town center, with clear sea water, gentle waves, and developed tourism services, ensuring absolute safety for tourists.
Monkey Island offers interesting experiences with naturally living monkey herds and beautiful, undeveloped beaches. Cat Ba National Park is a world biosphere reserve, possessing a diverse ecosystem and many forest trekking routes, while opening up opportunities to conquer Mount Ngu Lao as well as explore Trung Trang Cave, which holds many mysteries.
Additionally, tourists coming here can participate in activities such as kayaking, diving to feel the diversity of the forest and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, one can experience life with fishermen in traditional fishing villages, immersing oneself in the coastal life that is still preserved in some areas.
2.2. Do Son
Do Son Beach impresses with its spacious sandy beach, clear blue sea water, and a pleasant climate year-round. This location is suitable for relaxation, swimming, and various outdoor experiences.
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival carries strong traditional characteristics and is a prominent cultural event here. The vibrant atmosphere along with its sacred meaning have made the festival attractive to tourists. Dragon Mountain, also known as Vung Hill, is a viewpoint for the entire Do Son area, suitable for photography and light hiking.
Entering 2026, many high-class resorts and modern beachfront homestays have opened. During festivals or peak summer season, it is advisable to book in advance to have more suitable options.
From practical experience, Do Son is most vibrant on weekends and during the festival season from the 7th to the 8th lunar month. It is recommended to arrive early to choose a satisfactory homestay and proactively book rooms at resorts, to avoid difficulties in booking on crowded days.
2.3. Hon Dau
The Hon Dau Lighthouse was built in 1896 and still operates regularly today, playing an important role in guarding the sea. This is one of the ancient lighthouses that still retains its original French architecture, possessing significant historical and architectural value.
The island still preserves its primeval forest, with cool walking paths around the island. Here, tourists can experience forest trekking, organize picnics in the western rocky area, and enjoy the fresh air amidst nature.
Boats from Do Son Port to the island operate continuously, with a trip approximately every 30 minutes. The most ideal time in 2026 to visit Hon Dau is from April to November when the weather is dry, the sea is calm, and the number of visitors is moderate.
2.4. Bach Dang Giang Historical Site
The 20-hectare historical site is located within the Trang Ken scenic complex in Minh Duc ward, Thuy Nguyen city, and is associated with three historical victories on the Bach Dang River in the years 938, 981, and 1288. The Bach Dang Victory Stake Field is a testament to the intellect and bravery of the Vietnamese nation through many eras.
This complex includes notable sites such as temples dedicated to Ngo Quyen, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Dai Hanh, along with a square, rock garden, and a wooden stake exhibition area. The path up Trang Ken Mountain helps broaden the view of the river landscape and the historically significant land.
Monument to the heroes at Bach Dang Giang. (Source: Collected)
Visitors can combine activities such as mountain climbing, enjoying river scenery, and learning about Vietnamese history and culture through gentle experiences like hiking, exploring the river, and capturing photos at traditional architectural sites. Local traditional festivals often take place in the 3rd lunar month or on victory anniversary occasions, creating a rich cultural atmosphere for the area.
2.5. Discovering French Cultural and Architectural Heritage
Hai Phong Opera House is a prominent French architectural work, built in 1904 and completed in 1912, serving as both a tourist attraction and a venue for major art programs, exhibitions, and concerts in 2026.
Tam Bac Market and Cho Con street are bustling traditional markets, still retaining the characteristic trading style of the port land. The combination of French architecture and traditional Vietnamese houses creates a unique cultural space, reflecting a long history of cultural exchange.
Participating in art events at prominent venues in 2026, such as outdoor art performances, book fairs, and street festivals, is an unmissable experience. These events are often concentrated around the Opera House Square area on many occasions throughout the year.
2.6. Voi Mountain
Archaeological caves on Voi Mountain, such as Nguoi Xua cave, Nam Tao, and Bac Dau, have discovered many valuable artifacts for the study of the prehistoric period in the Northern Delta.
Traditional spring festivals attract visitors from everywhere with folk games, puppet shows, and Cheo singing. The cool green space along the Lach Tray river, along with beautiful scenery, offers a pleasant experience for nature lovers.
A one-day exploration itinerary can begin with conquering the caves in the morning, having lunch with local cuisine at the foot of the mountain, and in the afternoon participating in festivals or visiting traditional craft villages in Truong Thanh commune to complete the journey.
Majestic natural scenery of Voi mountain. (Source: Collected)
3. What Haiphong Cuisine Has
3.1. Dishes that make Haiphong famous
Banh da cua is the pride of the local people, with its characteristic red-colored banh da noodles, sweet and clear crab broth, served with grilled pork wrapped in betel leaves, Vietnamese pork sausage, and herbs. This dish embodies the quintessence of the port city.
Nem cua be stands out with its fresh crab meat filling, wrapped in a square shape, often enjoyed with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a specially prepared sweet and sour fish sauce. Bun tom, chao hen, lau cua dong are also dishes that carry the strong flavors of the sea and countryside, leaving an unforgettable impression on diners.
Haiphong spicy baguette is compact, with a crispy crust, a spicy pate filling combined with a special chili sauce unique to this region. Che dua dam is a popular dessert, consisting of young coconut, jelly, tapioca pearls, and rich, fragrant milk.
Famous spicy breadstick specialty in Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Seafood types such as green crab, tiger prawn, egg goby fish, mantis shrimp, and two-heart clam are often prepared on-site in the local style. Especially, there are many rustic dishes like sea lettuce, Tàu rice cake, and Khoai porridge, which are both novel to the palate and distinctly characteristic of Hai Phong.
3.2. Delicious addresses with good prices in 2026
Ba Cu Crab Rice Noodle Soup at 179 Cau Dat is well-known for its traditional flavor, priced from 40,000 VND per bowl.
Co Yen Crab Spring Rolls at 34 Le Loi is famous for its consistent quality, priced from 70,000 VND per piece, relatively higher compared to other dishes.
Ong Cuong Spicy Breadstick at 184 Cau Dat is a familiar address, priced from 15,000 to 22,000 VND per piece.
Fresh seafood stalls at Cat Bi market, Do Son, and Ben Nghieng all have clearly listed menus, prepared directly to maintain freshness. Tips for choosing a place include prioritizing long-standing establishments popular with locals, with clear price lists, and it's advisable to ask for prices before ordering.
4. Traditional festival culture and unique experiences
4.1. Red Flamboyant Flower Festival
The Red Flamboyant Flower Festival is usually held in May, with its peak falling in the 2nd and 3rd weeks, coinciding with the peak blooming season of flamboyant flowers. At this time, all streets in Hai Phong seem to be immersed in vibrant red, creating a unique scene in Vietnam.
The organization period includes prominent activities such as parades, outdoor art performances, photo exhibitions, street festivals, and masquerade balls. Additionally, there are seminars and international exchange Galas, contributing to a more vibrant festival atmosphere.
Ideal photo spots are located around the Opera House, along the Tam Bac River, as well as on Le Hong Phong, Dien Bien Phu, and Cau Dat streets. Old rows of flamboyant trees blooming vibrantly during the festival season create a poetic scene for souvenir photos.
4.2. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival
The traditions and rituals of the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival have existed for hundreds of years, becoming a characteristic cultural feature of the local coastal residents. The ritual of parading and sacrificing buffaloes, and the buffalo fighting in the stadium take place in a lively atmosphere, attracting a large number of tourists.
The festival is usually held from the 1st to the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, lasting for 2 to 3 days with diverse traditional folk activities and market fairs. This cultural experience deeply characteristic of Hai Phong brings a special feeling to visitors, and helps them understand more about local customs and practices.
The vibrant atmosphere at the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival. (Source: An Ninh Hai Phong)
4.3. Cultural Exchange and Learning Traditional Crafts
The Dai Bai Bronze Casting Village welcomes visitors to learn about the traditional bronze crafting process. Here, products such as worship items, Buddha statues, and bronze bells are all made using traditional techniques passed down through generations of artisans.
The hat village in the outskirts of Hai Phong is famous for its conical hat making, supplying products to many northern provinces. Some villages also organize experiential activities for tourists to participate in hat making and understand the production stages.
Visitors should contact the villages in advance or join experiential tours organized by travel agencies or the Hai Phong tourism association. This ensures a specific itinerary, provides opportunities to interact with artisans, learn skills, and explore the village life more deeply.
Concluding the exploration journey, the answer to " What does Hai Phong offer? " lies in the blend of rich culture, poetic scenery, flavorful cuisine, and warm people. Each festival season opens a new perspective on this vibrant port city. Plan your upcoming trip, fully enjoy the rhythm of life here, and share your impressions with the Vietnamese tourism community.
