Hai Phong Travel Guide: 48 Full Hours in the Port City
With the following 2-day, 1-night self-guided Hai Phong travel itinerary, you will experience the perfect combination of culture, nature, and unique cuisine.
Hai Phong is not only a major economic center but also a hub of attractive destinations, from historically significant architectural landmarks to pristine beaches and delicious fresh seafood.
Located just about 120 km from Hanoi, Hai Phong is incredibly convenient, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. You can explore the Grand Theatre, Cat Ba Island, or enjoy the famous crab noodle soup – all in just two days.
- The ideal time to visit Hai Phong
- Transportation options to Hai Phong
- Detailed 2-day, 1-night Hai Phong travel itinerary
- Day 1: Exploring the city center and culture of Hai Phong
- Day 2: Exploring Cat Ba's nature and returning home.
- Comparing the top destinations in Hai Phong
- Tips for saving money when traveling to Hai Phong independently.
- Hai Phong cuisine: Must-try dishes
The ideal time to visit Hai Phong
Hai Phong has a typical northern climate with four distinct seasons. The ideal time to visit is:
- April to AugustSummer is the perfect time to swim at Do Son beach or explore Cat Ba island.
- September to NovemberAutumn offers cool, pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and cultural exploration.
Avoid traveling during the rainy season (June-August) if you don't want to encounter sudden downpours that could disrupt your trip.
Transportation options to Hai Phong
Hai Phong is easily accessible from Hanoi and neighboring provinces. Below is a comparison table of popular modes of transportation:
| Vehicle | Travel time from Hanoi | Cost (VND) | Advantage | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coach | 2-3 hours | 150,000 - 200,000 | Affordable prices, many time slots. | It can get crowded on weekends. |
| Train | 3 hours | 50,000 - 85,000 | Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. | Fixed hours, little flexibility. |
| Self-driving motorbike/car | 2-2.5 hours | 100,000 - 200,000 (gasoline) | Freedom and control over your time. | Good health and driving experience are required. |
| Plane | 1.5-2 hours (from Ho Chi Minh City) | 910,000 - 1,300,000 | Fast and convenient. | Higher costs |
Detailed 2-day, 1-night Hai Phong travel itinerary
Below is a detailed suggested itinerary to help you fully explore Hai Phong in 2 days.
Day 1: Exploring the city center and culture of Hai Phong
Morning: Travel to Hai Phong and visit the Grand Theatre.
- 7:00 - 9:00You can travel from Hanoi by bus or train. If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take an early flight to Cat Bi Airport.
- 9:30 - 10:00Check into the hotel and get some rest.
- 10:30 - 12:00: SightseeingHai Phong Grand Theatre, an architectural masterpiece with a strong French influence, was built in 1912. It is the venue for many major cultural events and a must-see photo spot.
Prepare your camera or phone to take photos 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 restaurantBa Cu's Crab Noodle Soup(179 Cau Dat Street). The crab noodle soup with its rich broth and generous toppings is a must-try specialty. Price: approximately 50,000 - 70,000 VND/bowl.
Afternoon: Explore Cat Ba Island and Cai Beo fishing village.
- 14:00 - 15:30To get to Cat Ba Island, go to Got pier to take a speedboat (ticket price approximately 220,000 VND/person). The journey takes 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 (100,000 VND/hour) to explore the floating houses and the cool blue water.
Evening: Take a stroll and enjoy seafood.
- 18:30 - 20:00Have dinner atCat Ba Seafood Restaurant(Cat Ba central area). Try dishes like grilled squid, grilled scallops with scallion oil, or seafood hot pot. Average price: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person.
- 20:30 - 22:00Stroll along the Cat Ba pedestrian street, enjoy the seaside atmosphere at night, and shop for souvenirs.
Day 2: Exploring Cat Ba's nature and returning home.
Morning: Cat Ba National Park and Cat Co Beach
- 6:00 - 7:00Watching the sunrise at the beach.Cat Co 1 or 2This is the ideal time to enjoy the fresh air and take photos.
- 7:30 - 8:30Have breakfast with this dish.spicy breadat the shop at 37 Dinh Tien Hoang (price around 15,000 - 20,000 VND/loaf).
- 9:00 - 11:30: SightseeingCat Ba National ParkYou can choose a short walking tour (2 hours, 80,000 VND/person) or rent a bicycle (50,000 VND/hour) to explore the primeval forest and its rich flora and fauna.
Lunchtime: Enjoy local specialties and prepare to return.
- 12:00 - 13:00Lunch atViet Hai Restaurant(Viet Hai village, price around 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person). Try the local braised fish or grilled chicken.
- 13:30 - 15:00Travel from Cat Ba to Hai Phong by speedboat.
Afternoon: Shopping for local specialties and ending the trip.
- 15:30 - 17:00VisitCat Bi Marketto buy local specialties such as Cat Hai fish sauce, spicy bread, or dried squid as gifts.
- 17:30Board a bus or train to return to Hanoi, ending the trip.
Comparing the top destinations in Hai Phong
To help you easily choose the right attractions, here is a comparison table of prominent locations:
| Location | Visiting time | Cost (VND) | Key features | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Theatre | 30 minutes - 1 hour | Free of charge | Old French architecture, a beautiful spot for taking photos. | A lover of history and culture. |
| Cai Beo fishing village | 1-2 hours | 100,000 - 200,000 | Peaceful scenery, kayaking experience. | Nature lover |
| Cat Ba National Park | 2-4 hours | 80,000 | Primary forests, biodiversity | People who enjoy exploring and mountain climbing. |
| Cat Co Beach | 1-2 hours | Free of charge | Blue sea, white sand, watching the sunrise. | Family, couple |
Tips for saving money when traveling to Hai Phong independently.
- Book your tickets and rooms early.Use travel platforms to find discounted plane tickets, bus tickets, or hotel rooms.
- Eat at a local restaurant.Street food stalls selling dishes like crab noodle soup and spicy sandwiches are often cheaper than restaurants but still maintain quality.
- Rent a motorbikeAt just 80,000 - 150,000 VND per day, motorbikes are an economical and flexible way to get around the city.
- Choose a group tourIf you're going to Cat Ba, choose a group tour instead of renting a private boat to reduce costs.
Hai Phong cuisine: Must-try dishes
Hai Phong is a culinary paradise with specialties that captivate visitors. Below is a list of dishes you should try:
- Crab noodle soupThe broth is rich and flavorful, with a variety of toppings such as fish cake, meat, and shrimp. Suggested address: Bà Cụ Crab Noodle Soup (179 Cầu Đất).
- Spicy breadCompact sandwiches, flavorful pate, served with signature chili sauce. Address: 37 Dinh Tien Hoang.
- Fresh seafoodGrilled squid, scallops, steamed crab. Address: Restaurants in the Cat Ba or Do Son areas.
- Thai teaSweet, fragrant, and refreshing, perfect as a dessert. Address: Thai dessert shop near the Grand Theatre.
A 2-day, 1-night self-guided trip to Hai Phong is an opportunity to explore a city that is both modern and rich in cultural and natural values. From bustling streets and flavorful local cuisine to pristine beaches, Hai Phong will provide you with unforgettable memories.
