15 Fantastic Things To Do In Haiphong; Vietnam’s Most Traveled City In 2024

Vietnamese cities like Haiphong and Dong Hoi are among the most sought-after travel destinations in 2024, do you know why? 

Firstly, for the security and safety of travelers. Secondly, for the pool of things to do in Vietnam and places around. And lastly, for the budget-friendly luxurious stay, recreation and amazing things to do in Haiphong and all of Vietnam. 

With so much buzz about Vietnam and cities like Haiphong, you might be feeling overwhelmed and thinking about what to see and do in Haiphong? To ease your worries and make your journey memorable we have curated a special list.

So, let’s share with you 15 fantastic finds and things to do in Haiphong, which will leave you wanting to explore more and more of other places to visit in Vietnam:

• Haiphong Museum- Re-living Vietnam’s past

• Elephant Mountain Hike

• Go Fishing at the Tam Bac Lake

• Pelican Cave- Beauty and the Beast

• Hang Kenh Communal House

• Do Son Beach- For the Best Seaside Resort Stay

• Go kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

• Enjoy a day trip around Cat Ba Island

• Explore the capital of abalone – Bach Long Vy Island, Haiphong City

• Discover the 1000-year-old Tuong Long Tower

• Haiphong Restaurants: Enjoy Street Food

• Offer Prayers at Nghe Temple

• Spend some time at the Navy Museum 

• Souvenir Shopping in Hang Market
• Pho Chieu Pagoda- For Peace and Tranquility  

Haiphong Museum- Re-living Vietnam’s past

The architecture of the building is noteworthy and exhibits features of the Gothic style of architecture. The artefacts and items on display at the Haiphong Museum are fewer in number but are of great value and relevance. 

The operation timings of this museum are unusual, hence not many tourists are seen flooding the place. Nonetheless, visiting this place is among the great things to do in Haiphong. 

Location: 11 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong 35000

Timings: Morning – 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Tuesday-Thursday) Evening -7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Wednesday-Sunday)

Elephant Mountain Hike

About 20 km from the busy city of Haiphong, tourists get drawn towards a huge mass of rock, resembling an elephant lazily resting under the blue sky. 

Being one of the city’s most important historical sites and national landscapes, The Elephant Mountain trek in Vietnam is one of the popular outdoor activities in Haiphong.

The Elephant Mountain hike gives you views of some interesting caves such as Mong Voi Cave, Nam Tao Cave, and Bac Dau, a grand well, and many green forest paths.

Additionally, the Elephant Mountains also house important cultural and spiritual institutions, like Long Hoa Pagoda and Chi Lai Communal House. For trekkers and hikers, the elephant mountain hike is surely one of the best things to do in Haiphong.

Location:  On the border between Truong Thanh and An Tien communes of An Lao District, southwest of Hai Phong City, alongside the Lach Tray riverbank.

Best Time: Summer and Autumn

Go Fishing at Tam Bac Lake

If you are not sure about what things to do in Haiphong, move toward the Tam Bac Lake situated in close vicinity to the old colonial quarter, and enjoy a serene and relaxing time over there.

Moreover, it is a great destination in Vietnam to go fishing, one of the top things to do in Haiphong as well. Both beginners and seasoned fishers are seen spending hours patiently waiting for a good catch, and indulging in the soothing surroundings of the area. 

The tall green perfectly lined trees along the banks of the lake make it a nice place to go for a walk or spend time sitting and admiring the beauty of nature. 

Visitors also get to see an interesting flower market known as quan hoa on the eastern side of the lake. 

Location: Ho tam Bac, Hai Phong

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Pelican Cave- Beauty and the Beast

Pelican Cave or the Bo Nau Cave, is a no-miss. Situated at a distance of 13 Km from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, in the southwestern region of Halong Bay. This cave has some fascinating history and facts. 

The name pelican comes from the Vietnamese translation of the same ‘Bo Nong’, as per the lore, this cave was home to a squadron of pelicans in the past. Could you ever imagine you’ll discover such things to do in Haiphong?

Now the fun fact, the cave’s mouth is lined with such unique rock formations, that it gives an impression of a monster’s mouth. This entrance acts as a frame to the majestic view of Halong Bay from the inside of the cave. 

The stalactites, stalagmites, and stunning scenery at the Pelican Cave makes it one of the most photographed places in the world. Spending a day here is one of the top things to do in Haiphong, undoubtedly. 

Location: Ha Long, Haiphong, Vietnam

Timings : 6 AM – 8:30 PM (Wed-Mon); 6 AM – 9 PM (Tuesday)

Hang Kenh Communal House

It has many laurels attached to its name, such as the national architectural artwork relic, an honor given by the Ministry of culture sports, and tourism. A tour of this house is among the major historical and cultural sights and activities in Haiphong. 

Visit this majestic structure bejewelled with state-of-the-art sculptures of different figures, such as dragons and phoenixes. Explore its huge front hall, corridor, literature temple, and beautiful lake.

Location: Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Hang Kenh Ward, Le Chan District, Hai Phong 35000, Vietnam

Do Son Beach- For the Best Seaside Resort Stay

For tourists looking for a break from the hustle of fast-paced mundane life, Do Son Beach is the perfect getaway! Do Son is located at a distance of 20 Km from the main city, it is a peninsula made up of Rong mountains and is one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Do Son Beach is divided into three zones, each with resorts, beaches, mountains, and forests.

Some of the major attractions of Do Don Beach are Hon Dau Island, Dragon Stream, and the Palace of King Bao Dai.

On the Do Son beach, some of the top activities in Haiphong are open for experience. From Swimming, Jet Skiing, Scuba Diving, Photography, and trying the delish Vietnamese seafood, tourists can do so much.

For a unique stay experience, spend a night at the Do Son Beach, there are ample beach resorts and hotels available for a comfortable and luxurious stay. 

Location: Do Son Beach, Haiphong, Vietnam

Timings: All Day

Go kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

The pristine beaches here are yet to be explored and remain immaculate and pure. Ships drop tourists near the quiet sea areas and from there, they are free to set out on their little trip.

Some of the best things to do in Haiphong are Paddling a kayak near Dark Cave, Light Cave, and Me Kong Cave. It is truly an experience to remember forever. 

Head to Lan Ha Bay and keep all your worries at Bay! 

Imagine, it is only you in the middle of untouched corners of nature, flowing with the soft rapids of the turquoise water, listening to the chirping of the little birdies, feeling the cool breeze against your tanned skin, and enjoying a chilled cocktail.

Is there any better thing to do in Haiphong than this?

Location: Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Best Time: October to December

Enjoy a day trip around Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the biggest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago which is made up of over 360 islands located in the south of the hottest tourist spots in Vietnam Ha Long Bay. 

The beaches and tropical green forests draw people to Cat Ba and it has also been named by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. For tourists who admire history and are advocates of nature preservation, the Cat Ba Island trip is among the unmissable things to do in Haiphong.

Cat Ba Island is a vast stretch of serene teal and turquoise waters, punctuated with limestone islands and massifs much like the area of the Ha Long Bay (A UNESCO heritage site). 

Tourists can enjoy beach hopping, scuba diving, swimming, sightseeing and snorkelling in Vietnam is a popular sport, and they can give it a shot as well at Cat Ba Island. 

Location: Cat Ba, Hai Phong, Cat Ba 180000 Vietnam

Best Time: April and August & December to March

Explore the capital of abalone – Bach Long Vy Island

Bach Long Vy translates to White Dragon’s Tail and its existence as well as structure is also associated with an ancient legend. It is said that this area was inhabited by white dragons and when they left the land, the white tail of the parent dragon fell and formed the Bach Long Vy Islands. 

According to folklore dragons also formed the Cat Ba Archipelago and the Ha Long Bay. 

Explore the white sandy beaches and the azure waters of this bay, along with mouthwatering culinary scenes. This island is also known as the capital of abalone, as it is famous for abalone dishes in particular. 

If you want to try the unique flavours of Abalone dishes then do visit Bach Long Vy Island, this visit will be among the most unforgettable things to do in Haiphong for you.

Abalone is amongst the best dishes to eat in Vietnam and over here you can find authentic abalone delicacies at affordable rates. 

Location: Bach Long Vy Island, Gulf of Tonkin, Haiphong City

Best Time: April and September

Discover the 1000-year-old Tuong Long Tower

Along with the many touristy and adventurous things to do in Haiphong Vietnam, there are some extremely rare sites and relics of utmost archeological relevance and significance present in Haiphong. 

One of them is the 1000-year-old Tuong Long Pagoda and tower complex, considered as one of the highest Buddhist architectural works. The unique patterns and carvings adorning the tower are indicative of the Ly-dynasty architecture.

Tourists admire the breathtaking craftsmanship and get lost in the serenity of this place. Even after a thousand years, it still stands tall and strong; a true testament to the prevalence of prehistoric artworks in Vietnam.

Location: 2WXGR+RM Xã, Tây Sơn District, Bình Định, Vietnam

Best Time:  7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Everyday (April to October or from January to May)

Haiphong Restaurants: Enjoy Vietnamese Street Food

When in Haiphong, eat like a true Vietnamese! Haiphong is a popular food destination in Vietnam and here are some must-try Vietnamese local culinary delights:

Start your culinary journey with Banh mi cay (Spicy bread), a dish exclusive only to Haiphong. Bahn mi or bread sticks are almost as big as your thumb or a little bigger and are served with spicy chi truong or Haiphong-style chilli sauce. It’s one of the most loved street foods in Vietnam and you just can’t miss it.

Approx. Cost: VND3,500 (20 US cents)

Next on the list is Egg-Coffee. Yes, you heard it right, coffee made with egg. Vietnamese  Egg Coffee is the perfect blend of black coffee, egg yoke, and condensed milk. Do grab your cuppa egg coffee along the streets of Haiphong, for a bitter-sweet experience. 

Approx. Cost: VND20,000 ($0.87) to VND25,000

Visiting Vietnam and not trying the famous Vietnamese Rice Soup (Pho) is impossible. Prepared with sticky and chewy rice noodles, and served in piping hot soup with veggies and tender meat slices, Pho is the best way to begin your day in Vietnam. 

Approx. Cost: 20,000 VND to 70,000 VND 

If you think, Vietnamese cuisine is all about red chili and spice then Che Chuoi (Banana Tapioca Pudding) will change your mind. This sweet melt-in-the-mouth delicacy, prepared with tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and banana is loved by all. 

Approx. Cost: 20,000 VND

The way we drink Aam panna and Lassi after lunch, to balance the spice levels in the food, Vietnamese drink Thach Gang. This wobbly green jelly brings back fond childhood memories for most of the localities. 

Prepared with the green leaves of Randia tomentosa, Thach Gang is readily available in every nook and corner of Haiphong’s streets. 

Approx. Cost: VND10,000 or $4

Suggested read: Best restaurants in Vietnam

Offer Prayers at Nghe Temple

Several cities in Vietnam have witnessed the perils of war in the past. Many museums, temples, and memorials are there for tourists to visit and pay homage to the national heroes who laid their lives to serve their country, it is one of the greatest things to do in Haiphong.

One such important institution is the Nghe Temple, which is devoted to Le Chan, the founder of Haiphong City, this temple holds major historical and cultural significance for all of Vietnam.

Tourists often spend time appreciating and saluting the efforts of Le Chan, a female general who fought valiantly along with other Vietnamese National Heroes the Trung Sisters in AD 43, against China. 

Locals and tourists visit this temple, offer prayers, and behold the awe-inspiring stonework and General Le’s statue.

Location: 53 Lê Chân, An Biên, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng, Vietnam 

Timings: Open all year-round

Spend some time at the Navy Museum

The museum tells tales of Vietnam’s naval adventures and the navy’s struggle for independence during the 20th century.

It is extremely popular among war veterans from different sides of the war. At the museum, you can see real maritime artefacts, equipment, documents, and other information about Vietnam’s naval battles.

Location: 353 (đầu cầu Rào), xã Anh Dũng, huyện Kiến Thụy, Anh Dũng, Dương Kinh, Hải Phòng, Vietnam

Timings: 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM (Everyday) 

Souvenir Shopping in Haiphong Markets

As a tourist, it is a matter of great concern to be able to find thrifty shopping places, as there are so many friends and family waiting for us back home and we want to take a little piece of the place we are visiting, for them. 

Souvenir shopping can be heavy on the pocket if you’re not sure about the right place to shop. Here are a few markets in Haiphong, where you can find authentic, handmade, and budget-friendly souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones:

Hang Market is a makeshift market, where sellers and vendors put their stalls on both sides of the street to sell their products. Its a hub for collectors of antique items, ornamental plants, and art and craft lovers to exchange and trade with each other. 

The market operates only on Sundays and hence remains flooded with tourists and locals alike. 

Do Market (Tam Bac Market) is an old market deeply connected to Haiphong’s history. This market is fenced with moss-covered houses, which add a vintage feel to this age-old market.

Fruits, vegetables, dry goods, certain traditional medicines, Chinese herbs, etc. are sold at Tam Bac Market in plenty. 

Mountain Pass Market: from footwear, and fabric to food supplies, you can find everything here. Famed as the largest market in Thuy Nguyen. Mountain Pass Market is one of the busiest markets in the city. 

People often come here for branded to local footwear, Chinese silk, and other fabrics,  streetside food, and authentic Vietnamese delicacies. It’s a busy market and you’ll see tourists, even locals haggling with the vendors to strike a good bargain. 

Night Markets: Visiting these little lanes and streets which light up after sundown, is one of the most adventurous things to do in Haiphong at night. Night Markets in Haiphong are lively, bursting with colors and roadside flavors. From cheap accessories to invaluable handicrafts, these night markets have their vibe.

Pho Chieu Pagoda- For Peace and Tranquility

Belonging to the Buddhist sect of belief, this temple houses many relics and two monolithic statues. The intricate sculpting and carvings on the building are worth appreciation. 

The ambiance of this place is full of tranquillity, peace, and unending serenity. 

Location: RMRH+X27, Dư Hàng, Lê Chân, Hải Phòng 180000, Vietnam

Timings: 6:30 AM – 11 AM; 1:30 PM – 6 PM  (Monday-Sunday)

For a peaceful yet adventurous trip, visiting Haiphong must be on your bucket list, undoubtedly. As it is a popular tourist destination, knowing when to visit this place would be beneficial.

What is the best time to visit Haiphong?

How to reach Haiphong?

Vietnam is well connected to the rest of the world and various international flights are easily available for Haiphong, Hanoi, Dong Hoi, and other major cities of Vietnam. 

Although Vietnam is one of the safest destinations for vacation, be it with friends, family or even a solo trip, keeping certain tips in mind is never a bad idea. If you wish to enjoy all the things to do in Haiphong to the fullest then do keep these travel tips in mind.