Haiphong, Vietnam

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Haiphong, Vietnam

Region: Haiphong is located in the province of Hai Phong


Geographic Coordinates: 20.865100, 106.684000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 2103500
Language: Vietnamese

Haiphong is a bustling port city located in northern Vietnam, Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin. It is the third-largest city in Vietnam and serves as an important economic center for both the country and the region. The city has a rich history that dates back over 1, 000 years, With influences from Chinese, French and Vietnamese cultures. One of Haiphong’s most notable features is its stunning natural scenery. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains, With beautiful beaches lining its coastline.

Cat Ba Island – one of Vietnam’s largest islands – is just a short boat ride away from Haiphong and offers visitors a chance to explore scenic caves and hike through dense forests. In addition to its natural beauty, Haiphong boasts an impressive array of cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Du Hang Pagoda – one of Vietnam’s oldest temples – or visit the Opera House for live performances showcasing traditional Vietnamese music and dance. Haiphong also has a thriving food scene that reflects its diverse cultural influences.

Visitors can sample delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants or try street food favorites like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) or pho (noodle soup). The city also has a vibrant night market where visitors can shop for souvenirs while enjoying local delicacies. For those interested in history, Haiphong offers several museums dedicated to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The Hai Phong Museum offers exhibits on everything from ancient artifacts to modern artwork while the Military Museum showcases Vietnam’s military history dating back to ancient times.

Haiphong serves as an important transportation hub for northern Vietnam with easy access to other cities like Hanoi and Halong Bay via road or rail networks. Its busy port also connects it with other major ports across Asia making it an important gateway into Southeast Asia. Overall, Haiphong offers visitors a unique blend of culture, History, Natural beauty and modern amenities. Its strategic location and economic significance make it an important city in Vietnam, While its vibrant cultural scene and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for travelers.



Important Landmarks

  1. Cat Ba Island
  2. Do Son Beach
  3. Du Hang Pagoda
  4. Hai Phong Opera House
  5. Lan Ha Bay
  6. Tam Bac Lake
  7. Hai Phong Museum
  8. Trang Kenh Temple
  9. Bao Dai Villa
  10. Ho Chi Minh Square

Primary Industries

  1. Manufacturing: Haiphong is a major industrial center with a focus on manufacturing industries such as electronics, textiles, machinery, and automotive parts.
  2. Port services: The city’s location on the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin has made it an important port for both domestic and international trade.
  3. Tourism: Haiphong is known for its beaches and historical sites such as Do Son Beach and Du Hang Pagoda which attract many tourists each year.
  4. Agriculture: The surrounding countryside is home to rice paddies and fruit orchards that supply produce to the city’s markets.
  5. Service sector: As the third-largest city in Vietnam by population, Haiphong has a growing service sector that includes banking, finance, healthcare, education, and retail.

Noteable History

  1. Battle of Haiphong (1883): This was a naval battle fought between the French and Vietnamese forces in the port city of Haiphong during the Tonkin Campaign.
  2. Japanese occupation (1940-45): During World War II, Haiphong was occupied by Japan and served as an important base for their military operations in Southeast Asia.
  3. First Indochina War (1946-54): Haiphong played a significant role in this conflict as it was one of the main ports used by the Viet Minh to receive supplies from China and other Communist countries.
  4. Operation Linebacker II (1972): This was a massive bombing campaign carried out by US forces against North Vietnam, which included several strikes on targets in and around Haiphong.
  5. Le Chan female general: Le Chan is a legendary figure in Vietnamese history who is said to have led an army of women warriors to defeat Chinese invaders during the 10th century AD.
  6. Nguyen Du: A famous poet, writer, and cultural icon who lived in Haiphong during the 19th century.
  7. Hoang Van Thu: A prominent Communist leader who played a key role in organizing resistance against French colonial rule and later served as Minister of Defense under Ho Chi Minh’s government.
  8. Pham Van Dong: A former Prime Minister of Vietnam who was born in Haiphong and played an instrumental role in negotiating peace with the United States after the Vietnam War ended.
  9. Tran To Nga: A Vietnamese-French lawyer who has been fighting for justice for victims of Agent Orange since she herself became ill after being exposed to it while living near US military bases during her childhood years spent growing up near Hai Phong City.
  10. Vo Nguyen Giap: One of Vietnam’s most revered military commanders, Vo Nguyen Giap led several successful campaigns against foreign invaders throughout his career, including the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Hai Phong Opera House: This beautiful French colonial building hosts concerts, ballets and other cultural events.
  2. Du Hang Pagoda: One of the oldest pagodas in Haiphong, it has a unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
  3. Hai Phong Museum: This museum showcases the history, culture and traditions of Haiphong city.
  4. Cat Ba Island: Located in Lan Ha Bay, this stunning island has pristine beaches, lush forests and diverse wildlife.
  5. Trang Kenh Complex: A natural complex consisting of caves, grottos, lakes and waterfalls surrounded by scenic mountains.
  6. Tam Bac Lake: A picturesque lake in the heart of Haiphong city where locals often come to relax or exercise.
  7. Do Son Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches near Haiphong with crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
  8. Ho Chi Minh Square: The main square in downtown Haiphong where you can see a statue of Vietnam’s beloved leader Ho Chi Minh.
  9. Lach Tray Stadium: The largest sports stadium in Northern Vietnam where you can watch football matches or other sporting events.
  10. Bao Dai Villa (Vuon Dao): An elegant French-style villa once used by King Bao Dai as a summer residence during his reign over Vietnam from 1926 to 1945.


Sports Teams

  1. Haiphong FC: This football team is the most well-known one in the city and was established in 1952. They have a rich history of success in Vietnamese football, having won the V.League 2 championship twice and finishing as runners-up in the V.League 1 twice.
  2. Saigon Heat: Although not based in Haiphong, Saigon Heat is a professional basketball team that competes in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). The team has played several games at Lach Tray Stadium located in Haiphong.
  3. Hai Phuong Nam Dinh Volleyball Club: This volleyball club was founded by Hai Phuong University and Nam Dinh Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote volleyball among young people. They participate regularly at national competitions.
  4. Hai Phuong Chess Club: Established by Mr Tran Duc Quynh – former champion of Vietnam chess – this club aims to train young talents for future championships both locally and internationally.
  5. Ha Long Bay Cycling Team: This cycling team was created with the goal of promoting cycling as a sport among local youth while actively participating at national competitions such as National Cycling Championship for Young Talents or National Road Race Championship for Men/Women.


Cultural Events

  1. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival: This is a traditional festival that takes place every year in Do Son district, Haiphong. The festival features buffalo fighting contests where the strongest and most skilled buffaloes compete against each other.
  2. Cat Ba Island Tourism Festival: This annual festival celebrates tourism on Cat Ba Island and features cultural performances, food stalls, and water sports competitions.
  3. Haiphong International Marathon: This event attracts runners from all over the world to participate in a marathon through the streets of Haiphong.
  4. Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn) Festival: This is a popular Vietnamese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October). It is a children’s festival that involves lantern parades, dragon dances, and mooncake eating.
  5. Hai Phong Flower Festival: Held every two years in March or April, this event showcases beautiful flower displays from around Vietnam and includes cultural performances and food stalls.
  6. Hai Phong Sea Festival: Celebrated every two years in May or June, this festival highlights Haiphong’s coastal heritage with seafood markets, boat races, water sports competitions, and cultural performances.
  7. Vietnamese New Year (Tet): Tet is the most important holiday of the year for Vietnamese people and usually falls between late January to mid-February depending on lunar calendar dates. It’s celebrated with family gatherings at home as well as public events like fireworks displays across cities including Haiphong city too!

Cuisine

  • Nem Cua Be – a famous dish of crab spring rolls that can be found at many street vendors and local restaurants.
  • Banh Da Cua – a noodle soup with crab meat that is served at many local eateries.
  • Banh Mi Haiphong – a delicious sandwich filled with pork, pate, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Cha Ca La Vong – grilled fish served with noodles, herbs, and peanuts.
  • Quan An Ngon Haiphong – a popular restaurant serving a variety of Vietnamese dishes including seafood, noodles, and rice dishes.
  • Nha Hang Gia Dinh Xuan Hong 2 – known for their fresh seafood dishes such as steamed clams and grilled shrimp.
  • Pho Co Tu Hai Phong – A famous pho restaurant in the city
  • Bun Ca Le Chan – A noodle soup made from fish stock
  • Tiệm bánh Hoàng Lan – Known for their delicious cakes
  • Nem Dong Xuan – Famous for its crispy fried spring rolls

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Do Son Beach: A popular beach destination in Haiphong, known for its golden sand and clear waters.
    2. Cat Ba National Park: A nature reserve with hiking trails, caves, and stunning views of the bay.
    3. Hai Phong Opera House: An iconic building in the city that hosts concerts and other cultural events.
    4. Hoang Van Thu Park: A large park with a lake, walking paths, and outdoor exercise equipment.
    5. Du Hang Pagoda: A historic temple located on a hilltop overlooking the city.
    6. Tam Bac Lake: One of the largest lakes in Haiphong, offering boat rides and scenic views.
    7. Vincom Plaza Haiphong: A modern shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants.
    8. Thuy Nguyen District Cultural Center: An exhibition space showcasing local art and culture.
    9. Hai Phong Museum: A museum featuring exhibits on the history of Haiphong city and its surrounding areas.
    10. Trung Trang Cave – This is one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam located on Cat Ba Island near Haiphong City.

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