North Vietnam
Hai Phong
Published on May 28, 2026
Overview
Hai Phong is Vietnam's third-largest city and most important port, 120 km east of Hanoi. Handsome French colonial boulevards, excellent food and easy access to Cat Ba Island.
What to Do
- Hai Phong Opera House — stunning 1912 French theatre still in active use
- Dinh Hang Kenh communal house — masterpiece of traditional northern Vietnamese woodcarving
- Night market on Hoang Dieu Street for street food and seafood
- Banh Mi Hai Phong — considered Vietnam's best banh mi
Best Time to Visit
October to April.
Getting There
Bus or train from Hanoi (2–2.5 hrs).