Hai Phong

Hai Phong is northern Vietnam's major port city and a centrally governed municipality on the Red River Delta, about 100 kilometres east of Hanoi. Known as the city of red flamboyant flowers, it combines a working industrial waterfront, French colonial architecture and a relaxed coastal character.

The city grew from a riverside trading settlement and was developed as a major French colonial port in the late 19th century. That heritage survives in leafy boulevards and landmarks such as the neoclassical Opera House, the colonial-era Central Post Office and railway station, and the historic streets of Hong Bang district. Du Hang Pagoda reflects a much older Buddhist tradition.

Beyond the centre, Hai Phong stretches toward Do Son beach, an established seaside resort, and the Cat Ba Archipelago. Its limestone islands, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park form part of the UNESCO-recognised Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba landscape and draw travellers for kayaking, trekking and island stays.

As one of Vietnam's leading logistics, manufacturing and trade hubs, Hai Phong attracts business visitors through the busy Port of Hai Phong, industrial zones and investment activity. The annual Flamboyant Festival and the city's growing food-tourism scene add a lively public calendar.

Local cuisine is a major draw, led by banh da cua, a crab noodle soup, alongside nem cua be, or crab spring rolls, and spicy banh mi. Between heritage, coast and port-city life, Hai Phong offers a compact and distinctive northern Vietnamese destination for both leisure and business travellers.