Hai Phong Travel: 48 Full Hours in the Port City

Hai Phong is not only a major economic center but also a convergence of attractive destinations, from historical architectural works to pristine beaches and fresh seafood.

With a distance of only about 120 km from Hanoi, traveling to Hai Phong is extremely convenient, suitable for a weekend trip. You can explore the Opera House, Cat Ba Island, or enjoy the famous crab noodle soup - all in just 2 days.

Ideal time to travel to Hai Phong

Hai Phong has a typical Northern climate, with four distinct seasons. The ideal time to travel is:

• April to August: Summer, suitable for swimming in Do Son or exploring Cat Ba island.
• September to November: Autumn, the weather is cool and pleasant, suitable for sightseeing and cultural exploration activities.

Avoid going during the rainy season (June-August) if you don't want sudden rains to interrupt your journey.

Transportation to Hai Phong

Hai Phong is easily accessible from Hanoi and neighboring provinces. Below is a comparison table of popular means of transportation:

Detailed 2 days 1 night Hai Phong travel itinerary

Below is a detailed suggested itinerary so you can fully explore Hai Phong in 2 days.

Day 1: Explore Hai Phong city center and culture

Morning: Travel to Hai Phong and visit the Opera House

• 7:00 - 9:00: Depart from Hanoi by bus or train. If you go from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take an early flight to Cat Bi airport.
• 9:30 - 10:00: Check in at the hotel and take a rest.
• 10:30 - 12:00: SightseeingHai Phong Opera House, an architectural work with strong French influence, built in 1912. This is the place where many major cultural events take place and is a check-in spot not to be missed.

Prepare your camera or phone to take pictures in front of the Opera House. Don't forget to stand at the opposite corner to get a panoramic view of the building.

Lunch: Enjoy Hai Phong cuisine

• 12:30 - 13:30Lunch at the restaurantMrs. Cu's Rice Noodle Soup(179 Cau Dat). The crab noodle dish with rich broth and plenty of toppings is a specialty not to be missed. Price is about 50,000 - 70,000 VND/bowl.

Afternoon: Explore Cat Ba and Cai Beo fishing village

• 14:00 - 15:30: Go to Got pier to take a speedboat to Cat Ba island (ticket price is about 220,000 VND/person). Travel time is about 45 minutes.
• 16:00 - 17:30: SightseeingCai Beo fishing village, one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam with over 7,000 years of history. You can rent a kayak (VND 100,000/hour) to explore the floating houses and cool blue water.

Evening: Stroll around the city and enjoy seafood

• 18:30 - 20:00: Have dinner atCat Ba Seafood Restaurant(Cat Ba central area). Try dishes such as grilled squid, grilled scallops with scallion oil, or seafood hotpot. Average price 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person.
• 20:30 - 22:00: Stroll around Cat Ba walking street, enjoy the sea air at night and shop for souvenirs.

Day 2: Explore Cat Ba nature and return

Morning: Cat Ba National Park and Cat Co beach

• 6:00 - 7:00: Watching the sunrise at the beachCat Co 1 or 2. This is the ideal time to enjoy the fresh air and take pictures.
• 7:30 - 8:30: Breakfast withspicy breadat 37 Dinh Tien Hoang restaurant (price about 15,000 - 20,000 VND/loaf).
• 9:00 - 11:30: SightseeingCat Ba National ParkYou can choose a short walking tour (2 hours, ticket price 80,000 VND/person) or rent a bicycle (50,000 VND/hour) to explore the primeval forest and rich flora and fauna.

Lunch: Enjoy specialties and prepare to return

• 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch atViet Hai Restaurant(Viet Hai village, price around 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person). Try the local braised fish or grilled chicken.
• 13:30 - 15:00: Travel from Cat Ba to Hai Phong by speedboat.

Afternoon: Shopping for specialties and ending the journey

• 15:30 - 17:00: VisitCat Bi marketto buy specialties such as Cat Hai fish sauce, spicy bread, or dried squid as gifts.
• 17:30: Take the bus or train back to Hanoi, end of trip.

Compare popular destinations in Hai Phong

To help you easily choose the right place to visit, here is a comparison table of the featured locations:

Tips to save money when traveling to Hai Phong on your own

1. Book tickets and rooms early: Use travel platforms to hunt for airline tickets, bus tickets, or hotel rooms at preferential prices.
2. Eat at local restaurants: Sidewalk eateries such as crab noodles and spicy bread are often cheaper than restaurants but still ensure quality.
3. Motorbike rental: With a price of only 80,000 - 150,000 VND/day, motorbikes are an economical and flexible way to travel in the city.
4. Choose a group tour: If you go to Cat Ba, choose a group tour instead of renting a private boat to reduce costs.

Hai Phong Cuisine: Dishes Not to Be Missed

Hai Phong is a culinary paradise with specialties that captivate visitors. Here is a list of dishes you should try:

• Rice noodle soup with crab: Rich broth, diverse toppings such as fish cakes, meat, shrimp. Suggested address: Ba Cu crab noodle soup (179 Cau Dat).
• Spicy Bread: Compact bread, fragrant pate, served with special chili sauce. Address: 37 Dinh Tien Hoang.
• Fresh seafood: Grilled squid, scallops, steamed crab. Address: Restaurants in Cat Ba or Do Son area.
• Thai Tea: Sweet, cool, suitable for dessert. Address: Thai dessert shop near the Opera House.

Hai Phong 2 days 1 night self-sufficient tour is an opportunity for you to explore a city that is both modern and rich in cultural and natural values. From bustling streets, authentic dishes, to cool blue beaches, Hai Phong will bring you unforgettable memories.