2024 Haiphong Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)
Haiphong is Vietnam’s fourth largest city is this port town near Hanoi, which traces its origin to its 1887 founding as a seaport province by colonist of the French Colonial Empire. While at first glance it may seem an unattractive industrial metropolis, further inspection reveals charming colonial villas, an up and coming social scene, and quiet picturesque streets worth wandering along.
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Popular Attractions
Cat Ba Island
Visit Surprise Cave In Halong Bay Vietnam🇻🇳✨
If you are currently visiting Hanoi in Vietnam don’t forget to take a 1day trip to Halong Bay. To going to Halong Bay you can join 1 day trip or stay at the cruise for 2D1N or 3D2N.
This time, me and my mom are come to our 1st destination in Halong Bay; Hang Sung Sot Cave. Hang Sung Sot Cave is an Icon of Halong Bay. This cave also known as Surprise Cave.
In this cave there are several stones that resemble animals, for example the dragon on the cave ceiling. Halong itself in Vietnamese means descending dragon.
Sung Sot Cave is a cave in a limestone massif. The path to the cave is through the forest greenery; you must climb 50 stone steps and then descend 10 stone steps to reach the entrance.
I highly recommend you to visit Halong Bay & Surprise Cave!
#grouptravel #urbanexplorer #summervacation #travel #trip #halong #vietnam #halongbay #cave #beachlife
Cát Bà Island Vietnam #tripmoments
Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is a captivating destination known for its stunning landscapes, featuring limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters. The island offers a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Cat Ba National Park, cruise through Lan Ha Bay, and enjoy vibrant local markets. While the island has gained popularity, some areas may be crowded during peak seasons. Overall, Cat Ba Island is a great choice for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. #mytravelhacks #tripmoments #falltrip #love #foodie
💙🌊Beautiful Island Vibes🌊💙
🇻🇳Our Hanoi Happenings🇻🇳
On our final UNESCO World Heritage site of the Halong Bay tour. We arrive at…
Titop Island~It is a small, picturesque island known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the surrounding bay.
This island was named by the most respectful hero of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov on the occasion of his first visit to Halong Bay in 1962. We walk around for a bit and see many people on the beach, but we are going to climb for a bit to see the view💙
#timetotravel #境外遊 #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #foodie #food #trip #themepark #beach #Island
The hottest beach experience on Cat Ba island
Flamingo beach has to be one of the most spectacular beaches on Cat Ba Island. There are many fun and economical ways to explore this magnificent island nestled within Tonkin bay. The most economical way is to take a ferry from Tuan Chau ($2.75 With your motorbike). Make sure to fill up the tank on Tuan Chau, and when you land on Cat Ba you will have the entire day to explore caves, beaches amazing jungles and dine at fun restaurants everywhere. There is no need for expensive touring companies if you have a sense of adventure and imagination.#Cat ba #vietnam
LAN HA BAY - a hidden gems for short tour
Getting There
- Take a bus from Haiphong City to Cat Ba Island, book 1 day tour of Cat Ba Express to visit Lan Ha Bay.
Attractions - Beo Wharf, Tai keo Island, Van Boi beach,…
Hotels - Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba
Food & Restaurants - Seafoods on Boat, Indochine Kitchen,…
Activities - Trekking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and biking all together in just one day
#beachlife #mytripvlog
Day trip at Cat Ba Island (near Ha Long Bay)
Cat Ba Island is known for its natural beauty
- it has mountains, forests, and beaches.
- It is also a popular destination for adventure activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and scuba diving.
- there are places to eat on the island
Tips:
- 4-5 hours to journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba by a bus, including ferry transfer from Hai Phong to Cat Ba.
- although the it recommend to spend around three days, we only spent 1 day.
- there are ample bikes to rent through out the entrance of the island but buggy is possible too
Pro-tip: hire a local guide from those cruise ships along Ha Long bay (We used the guides by Capella cruise and it was awesome!)#Catba #vietnan #island #island #cycling
Interesting Day Tour at Cat Ba Island
Getting There - Day Tour to Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island
Attractions - the beautiful scene in North Vietnam
Joined a one day tour from Cat Ba Island, travelling around the bay and fishing village. The most interesting part is kayaking. All of us in the tour around 40pax kayaked into the dark caves and had great lunch in the cruise. The tour company is cat ba express. unfortunately the weather is not good, otherwise will be much more fun! #catba #vietnam #travel_2023
Cat Ba Island, for your beautiful holiday
Cat Ba is one the famous tourist destinations in the North of Vietnam. Situated only 50 km from Hai Phong Center, Cat Ba island is the largest island of 366 islands which lies within the larger area of Ha Long Bay. Once visiting Cat Ba, you can not skip its famous destinations such as Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park.... However, when is the best time to visit Cat Ba, it seems a frequent question of many tourists
#abmtravel #johnabm #sapa #halongbay #hanoi #ninhbinh #hoian #nhatrang #dalat #mekongtours #packagetours #privatetours #familytrips #companytrips #outingtrips #motortrips #trekking #diving #teambuilding #biking #vietnam #travel
#familytravel#nationalpark#beachlife
surprise cave at Ha Long Bay
#newyearadventure
A truly amazing cave a must-see on our trip. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage area, the Hang Sung Sot is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay and is only accessible by boat. It involves a bit of climbing but easily doable
The cave is lovely and quite interesting to visit. We enjoyed the walk through this cave. The view outside the cave is spectacular! It's totally like a postcard view!
Lan Ha Bay
Getting There - About 2.5 Hours by bus/ car from Hanoi .
Attractions - Gorgeous scenery of karst formation and limestone cliffs. Quieter and more tranquil compared to Halong Bay . lots of small white beaches for swimming. Home to Cat ba island . great for cycling and hiking
Hotels - on board Dora cruise
Food & Restaurants - Wonderful fresh seafood
Shopping -
the most beautiful beach in Cat Ba
this is Cat co beach 1 which from my perspective this is the nicest one among the three! the beach has a bay shape which is absolutely beautiful, sandy beach and not too crowded. there is also a well paved and well maintained waking trail leads you to the other beach two and three! from the town centre to this beach is fairest easy and fast! I love spending my afternoon chilling here #beachlife
great hiking with amazing view
#gohiking
this is one of the mustvisit places in Cat ba island! it’s not too hard to reach however you do need to rent a scooter! we rent a scooter and drove all the way up there. you do need to pay entrance fee 80-100 dong which is not that much! the hike itself was a bit challenging! however the view up there was just amazing you will see how green this island is! I had a great time
best viewpoint in Cat Ba island
#2023travelwish
this is one of the must visit places in Cat Ba island. there are 3 viewpoints. this place also has some historical significances, the cannons were transported from france to Vietnam, and they were all built by the French. we went up for the sunset, the entrance fee was around 50 dong, and the hike up was really pleasant, not too challenging. if you ever come to this island, you should def check it out! #tripblazers #beachlife
Beautiful Lan Ha Bay
If you are going to the north of vietnam you probably want to check out the world famous Ha Long Bay but i recommend you to go to Cat Ba island and check out this even more beautiful Lan Ha Bay. This bay is more secluded and less touristy. The tours from Cat Ba ventures take you to all the great spots in the Bay and are more affordable then the overpriced tours in Ha Long Bay
Cat Ba Island @ Ha Long Bay
Cat Ba Island is strategically located in the center of the world famous Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay with a beautiful view on 1000 of islands. Two ferry’s go to the island from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. The islands has a lot of green and viewpoints and is definitely worth a visit so go check it out when you are in Vietnam. The restaurant on the island are affordable and delicious.
Captivating Cat Ba | Vietnam
📍Location
Cat Ba Island lies in the northern part of Vietnam. It is one of the biggest islands in the province of Hai Phong that borders another province where the UNESCO Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay, is located.
🚌Getting There
From Hanoi, you need to take a two-hour bus ride to the port. Then, go on a 20-minute boat ride. Finally, you need to take another bus or van for 30-40 minutes going to the town center.
✨Tips
For a hassle-free transpo, you should book all tickets at once through a travel agency.
🏙️ Accommodation
Cat Ba town center has been commercialized with an array of hotels and restaurants to choose from.
🏝️Highlights & Features
Just like Ha Long Bay, this island also boasts of its magnificent limestone mountains, white-sand beaches, water activities and national parks.
#catba #vietnam #island #passionpassport #bucketlistreboot #tripblazers #awesomepic #scenicspotguide
Beautiful floating Village @Cat Ba
#fallingforfall
Pictures speak louder than words ✌️
How to get there: 3h from Hanoi by bus and ferry
What’s to see: delicious, fresh seafood straight in these roaring restaurants
Costs: below 15USD/each
Time needed: weekend
Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸
IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld
Beautiful Vietnam | Cat Ba autumn trip
#fallingforfall
Pictures speak louder than words ✌️
How to get there: Hanoi, 3h by bus and ferry to Cat Ba and then with a local boat
What’s to see: beautiful nature
Time needed: extended weekend, 3-4days. Best in autumn to escape cold Shanghai 🍂
Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸
IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld
The oldest Pagoda in Hanoi
Hanoi is surrounded by many ancient temples and pagodas. Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest one in the city and nowadays is considered as a symbol in Hanoi. It is located next to the West lake.
-Admission fee: FREE
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#passionpassport #vietnam #hanoi #scenicspotguide #historicculture #historicallandmarks #travel #tripaway
Sung Sot(Surprise) Cave @ Ha Long Bay
When visiting Ha Long Bay, drop by Sung Sot Cave for a visit, this is a tourists attraction offered by many tours.
This Cave popularity has increased as it is one of the most beautiful caves found in Ha Long Bay and is a highlight when coming to this area. This Cave has a history where the French found this place and it was so amazing that he named it *grotte des surprises*, which explained the name of the Cave today.
This Cave isolated on Bo Hon Island and is just 25 meters above sea level, to get to these Cave you will have to climb 50 stairs to the mouth of the Cave therefore this isn't a wheel chair friendly place.
Also to note, as this is a tourists attraction, the Cave requires an entrance fee where children below 7yrs ol are generally free and there are also discount for senior citizen as well.
Do visit this place around April to October where the weather is dry with less rain.
#passionpassport #hanoi #halongbay #touristattraction #cavehunting #mustvisit #caves #vietnam
Cannon Fort@Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Location - Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Getting There - 15minutes on motorbike and walk up to the fort for 20minutes at the peak.
Opening Hours - 8:00am to 5:00pm daily
Attractions - The best spot to get an overall panoramic view of Cat Ba Island is at the peak of Cannon Fort mountain which is 177m above sea level. Besides getting the astonishing sunset view, there are few attractions here; exploring the historical war relics during the World War II and Vietnam War and lots of tunnels that gives out a real sense of nostalgic history feelings😆.
#createwithtrip #travelwithgeo #travelphotography #travelinspiration #culturewalk #cannonfort #catba #vietnamtravel
Hai Phong Bucheon Park..Công viên Paris.
Công viên Paris, which you encounter after passing through Venice Park and the Cement Museum, is a beautiful park with a European charm, as its name suggests. The picturesque scenery is created by the blend of antique buildings and the park, with lush greenery and tranquil streams harmoniously spread out.
Walking along the trails, you feel as if you are strolling through a European city, and you can relax on the benches placed throughout the park. The elegant silhouettes of the buildings against the sky provide a perfect backdrop for photos, and the moments spent with the sounds of nature bring peace to your mind. This place is highly recommended for those who want to escape from daily life and experience a special sentiment.
A small temple in Haiphong's Venice Park
In one corner of Venice Park, there is a small temple that seems somewhat detached from the opulence of the affluent neighborhood. This temple may not boast grand decorations or a significant scale, but it perfectly blends with the European-style park, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The intricate architectural details and harmony with nature make it feel as if it was specially placed there.
Around the temple, there are well-maintained gardens and a quiet lake, allowing visitors to spend leisurely time and find peace of mind. The temple's modest appearance exudes a unique charm even amidst the park's splendid scenery, making it a beautiful backdrop for photos. This small temple offers visitors a special experience, providing a precious space where they can feel the affluence of the neighborhood and the harmony of nature simultaneously.
Chùa Dư Hàng Temple.. Hai Phong.
Chùa Hàng is an ancient temple I encountered in Hai Phong, and its deep history and serene atmosphere are very impressive. The temple was built during the Tran Dynasty and has been restored through various eras, yet it still retains its unique tradition and beauty. Particularly, its interaction with the Bamboo Forest Zen Sect shows that this place was more than just a temple; it was an important doctrinal center of Buddhism.
Walking through the temple grounds, I felt not just the old architecture but the deep faith and tranquility embedded within. The ancient bells, Buddha statues, and intricate ceramics speak to the temple's long history, making visitors forget the passage of time. Most notably, it is a place more frequently visited by locals than tourists, giving a genuine glimpse into the daily life of Hai Phong.
Hội Thánh Tin Lành Hải Phòng..Haiphong Protestant Church
While strolling through the heart of Haiphong with my camera, I stumbled upon the **Hội Thánh Tin Lành Hải Phòng Church**. For someone who loves photography, it was a truly captivating discovery. The Gothic-style spire blends intriguingly with the cityscape, compelling me to press the shutter at first sight. Though the exterior appears grand, stepping inside reveals a completely different atmosphere. The small, charming space is softly illuminated by natural light filtering through the stained glass, making the moment of taking a photo feel truly special.
What makes this church unique is its quiet location right in the middle of a **local alley**, away from the bustling tourist spots. Capturing the everyday scenes of locals around the church adds a natural harmony to the photos, showcasing the true charm of Haiphong. It's not a famous landmark, which means fewer tourists and a serene environment perfect for photography. This hidden gem in Haiphong is a place where a photo taken by chance during a trip can become a special memory.
A Church Encountered While Strolling in Downtown Haiphong
While walking through downtown Haiphong, I stumbled upon Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Hàng Kênh, which turned out to be smaller and more charming than I had expected. Its Gothic exterior might suggest grandeur, but stepping inside reveals a small yet meticulously decorated traditional church. The stained glass adorning the ceiling and windows, along with the serene atmosphere, seems to preserve the traces of old faith. This place is not crowded with tourists, allowing for a quieter and more peaceful appreciation of the church.
Moreover, this church is nestled among the local alleys of Haiphong, blending seamlessly with the modest everyday life around it. The sound of footsteps from passing locals and the noises from nearby shops gently fill the air, making the church feel like a part of the local life. This place is perfect for those who prefer spots close to local daily life over flashy tourist attractions. This hidden gem in Haiphong offers a cozy spot to find a moment of peace amidst the bustling city.
Rather than being a special tourist attraction, it is a place of humble charm that you might discover by chance during a walk. In that sense, it is a place where you can truly feel the real charm of Haiphong.
Hai Phong Hang Kenh Church..Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Hàng Kênh.
While strolling through the heart of Hai Phong, I came across Nhà Thờ Giáo Xứ Hàng Kênh, a grey building that harmoniously blends with the cityscape and catches the eye. Despite its modern and clean architecture, it impressively integrates with the bustling street scenes around it. Taking a moment to stand still and gaze at the church in the midst of the city, its simple form adds a sense of gravity and calmness, offering a glimpse into Hai Phong's historical background. The grey exterior of the church contrasts with the city's characteristic red brick buildings, showcasing yet another example of the diverse architectural styles in the city.
Passing by this place, I felt like I had discovered a small oasis in the middle of the city. This church, leaving a modest yet strong impression, seems to symbolize the charming balance that Hai Phong possesses.
The Sighyseeing of Cat Ba Islang
#travellerswonderland
Cat Ba Island is known as Guilin on the Sea. Take a bus from Hanoi to Haiphong, and then take a boat to Cat Ba Island. Although it is hard work, you will see beautiful scenery.
You can book a boat trip at a hotel or a travel agent on the street. The prices in each store are very different, but they are all the same. It is the same boat. Because when I was traveling, I asked other people and found that everyone’s prices were different, so Please patiently compare prices and choose one with a good price.
You can see a lot of beautiful scenery by boat, sea villages, kayaking, diving, monkey island, etc. There is also a free lunch, which is definitely a wonderful experience.
Cat Ba Island
#bestsunset
We really enjoyed our time in Cat Ba Island. It was recommended to us by a local in Hanoi in order to see Ha Long Bay on a budget.
Full day cruises were a lot cheaper starting in Cat Ba and we had a chance to experience this quiet, seaside town. The locals are lovely and very hospitable and you will find anything you need on the island.It's full of small restaurants and cute cafes, there's grocery shops and pharmacies. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a budget friendly seaside trip, a little relaxing weekend on the beach or a starting point before heading to Ha Long Bay.
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Haiphong